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I want to be known as a Bollywood actress, says Mona Theba.
Mona Theba has been working in Gujarati films. A passionate dancer and a great performer, daughter of
Babu Bhai Theba [secretary to many film stars for a long time], Mona has won many awards for her
performances in the Gujarati films. She is being launched by her father in a Hindi film named 'Chhal -The game of death'
which is 50% complete now. Her second Hindi film 'Ishq Samunder' has started too I met her on the sets of
'Chhal..'. She talked confidently and boldly about herself and her films: -
How did you enter the world of glamour?
I had a keen interest in acting since childhood. I could not tell my father about it though. Studies are given a priority in my family but
I was hardly interested in studying. Still I managed to complete my 12th and later did a 1-year diploma course in Fashion Designing.
During the same period one of our family friends did my photo session. This gave me the confidence to try for modeling and acting
assignments. It also led to my getting roles in Dinesh Bansal's serials like 'Rishtey' etc. I also did Aloknath Dixit's serial 'Ardhangini'
under the banner of Guruji films. This is how my acting career started.
Why did you choose to act in Gujarati films rather than Hindi?
My father's friend Mr. Mukund Patel is a resident of Gujarat and a producer of Gujarati films. He saw my photographs and liked them.
His film 'Koyal Tohke Amba Dar' was going on the floors. He had finalized the hero and he found his heroine in me. I went to Gujarat
to shoot for it. When I was shooting for it, another producer visited the sets and finalized me for his film 'Mautar'. During the shooting
of 'Mautar' another producer approached me for his film 'Dikri No Manvo'. That was my first release for which I even won an award. It
is so amazing. I went to Gujarat for doing just one film and returned after completing three films and signing another four films. That
means I had six more films in my kitty before my first release. This is how it happened and I did 12 Gujarati films in just 2 years.
Whom do you give the credit for your instant success?
Frankly speaking, it's all because of God's grace and my father's blessings that I am here today. Even my mom has
stood by me. My brother too supported my decision. Other than this, my determination and my commitment to my work
were a great help. I remember I have worked in 48 degrees temperature in Gujarat wearing a Chaniya Choli and heavy
ornaments. I always try to give my best and I leave no stone unturned while doing my work.
How is it that now you have finally come to Bollywood?
As I said earlier, acting has always been a passion for me. My father did not take me seriously in the beginning. At first, he
felt that I was doing films as a hobby. Later, he saw my hard work and dedication towards this profession. As I gained his
confidence, he decided to launch me in his film.
Tell us something about your role in the film 'Chhal -the game of death'?
I play Mona in the film. She is a TV reporter. She is a strong headed and interesting character whose love interest is Dino Morea. I
cannot reveal anything more than this about my character now.
Did you do any prior preparations for this role?
Yes I did. Before the shoot started, I would regularly watch all the news channels and observe the TV newsreaders. I liked
Barkha Dutt the most and I am following her a lot while playing my character.
Is your character given more importance because it's your father's film?
No. The character existed even before I was cast in the film. My father is a man of principles and he does not believe in doing
favors to those who do not deserve it, even if the person is his own daughter. There are six songs in the film out of which, only two
are filmed on me. This film is being made as per a story and my character is part of it.
What do you expect from Bollywood?
I expect to get my dues at the end of it. I consider my work to be the most important thing. I am very passionate about it. I expect great
results but I can wait. My second Hindi film 'Ishq Samunder' has started too. I am working opposite Sanjay Suri in this film. Raveena
Tandon, Amar Upadhyay and Sharad Kapoor are performing the other lead characters. I play an inspector in the film.
What do you have to say about the nudity and vulgarity shown in Bollywood films?
Nudity and vulgarity are different from glamour. I don't believe in unnecessary exposure but surely, glamour is the demand of the
day. No film can work without it. I have no problems in being glamorized. Vulgarity and nudity for their own sake are not my cup of tea.
Now that you have started working in Hindi films, will you discontinue doing Gujarati films?
Never. I cannot even think of giving up Gujarati films. Gujarati films have given me an identity. I personally like doing them. So
even now, when I am doing Hindi films, whenever I get a good Gujarati film offer I would definitely do it.
- Ashok Bhatia
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