Mona Lisa on ‘Zindagi Ka U-Turn’: This project felt like a turning point in my career

(Photo: PR) IANS

Mumbai,  (IANS) Actress Mona Lisa, who is stepping into a bold new chapter with the short drama, ‘Zindagi Ka U-Turn’ has called the short micro-drama “a turning point” in her career.

Reflecting on her journey with ‘Zindagi Ka U-Turn’, Mona Lisa shared, “I had been wanting to do a vertical series, so when the call came, I instantly knew I wanted to take it up. I hadn’t explored this format before, and I think it’s the next big trend. Everyone has a mobile phone, and people love watching quick, engaging content while commuting or waiting somewhere.”

She added: Short micro-dramas are fascinating because they grab your attention immediately. I even enjoy watching them myself!”

In the upcoming Pocket TV’s show, Mona Lisa takes on the role of Sonam Verma, an ambitious wife at the peak of her career, a woman who owns every room she walks into.

The series follows the story of a middle-aged street vendor whose world shatters after his wife’s betrayal, until fate takes a shocking turn when he suddenly inherits an empire worth billions.

She added: “This project felt like a turning point in my career, not only because I got to perform a very different character, but also because the story itself was so gripping. The moment people start watching Zindagi Ka U-Turn, even for 30 or 60 seconds, they’ll find themselves hooked. It’s full of twists and turns.”

The actress said that everything just fell into place so positively that saying yes felt natural.

“Overall, my experience was amazing. After having done everything from films to television serials and reality shows, this felt like exploring a completely new genre. The five-day shoot was truly memorable for me; after all, the first experience always holds a special place.”

Speaking about her character and how it is different, Mona Lisa said: “In my career, I’ve always tried to take on varied characters. Then, when I moved to television, I entered a totally different space, even playing a supernatural role.”

But this one is something she has never done before.

“In this story, my character is arrogant and shares a tumultuous relationship with her husband. While playing this character, I actually felt, Oh my God, I’m nothing like this in real life! But that’s the beauty of being an actor, getting to live lives so unlike your own. I feel grateful to have had this opportunity.”

“My director and creative team guided me beautifully, explaining every detail of the story. Later, they even told me they hadn’t expected me to perform the role with such conviction, because it’s always a challenge to portray something that’s the complete opposite of your real self.”

“So yes, this was a challenge for me, and I’m thrilled I could take it on. I always look for new roles, and Pocket TV has given me exactly that. I’m super excited and super happy.”

Speaking about doing any preparations for this role, Mona Lisa shared that the main preparation was to bring out her arrogance and dominating nature, especially towards her husband.

“During the script reading, my director, Naveen ji, guided me in understanding the tone; he wanted it loud and assertive. I built that personality in my mind and practised embodying her attitude.”She further added that her co-actor Ruslaan Mumtaz, who plays her husband Raghav, is shown as a very simple man, “while I play this sophisticated, dominating woman. That contrast helped me immensely in performing the scenes. The script itself was so strong and engaging that it made my performance flow naturally.” Mona Lisa on ‘Zindagi Ka U-Turn’: This project felt like a turning point in my career | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Rakul Preet Singh shares experience of working with R. Madhavan in ‘De De Pyaar De 2’

(Photo: Rakul Preet Singh/Instagram) IANS

Mumbai, November (IANS) Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming film ‘De De Pyaar De 2’, has shared her experience of working with R. Madhavan in the film.

R. Madhavan will be seen playing Rakul Preet Singh’s father, and the key hurdle in Ashish and Ayesha’s love story.

Speaking about working with him as his on-screen daughter, the actress shared, “I have always been a fan of him. it was amazing associating with him as his daughter, I think we shared so many interesting conversations on sets, learnt so much from him. What a fantastic actor he is and I think whenever the person next to you is a great actor, your performance also enhances and he helped me do that”.

She further mentioned, “I think learning from his wisdoms of all these years and just such a lovely person he is and so grounded , so amazing as a human being that it really reinstate the fact that you have to stay grounded, no matter how many years you have been in the industry, it's been an absolute delight working with him”.

The sequel picks up the story, following Ashish and Ayesha as they navigate love, laughter, and drama, as Ashish meets her parents.

‘De De Pyaar De 2’ is the sequel to ‘De De Pyaar De’, and is directed by Anshul Sharma, produced by T-Series Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar and Luv Films Luv Ranjan & Ankur Garg. The film stars Ajay Devgn as Ashish Mehra, and Rakul Preet Singh as Ayesha Khurana, continuing their age-gap romance from the original.The story sees Ashish trying to win over Ayesha’s family, navigating awkward, funny situations spawned from the significant age difference and family dynamics. The film is set for a theatrical release on November 14, 2025. Rakul Preet Singh shares experience of working with R. Madhavan in ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Malta ties up with Bollywood for tourism promotion


Malta, a small Mediterranean Island is hoping to have 20 per cent growth in Indian tourist arrivals this year. Last year around 4,000 Indian tourists visited Malta in 2017.

“With India being one of the biggest upcoming markets for tourism in Malta, we want to exploit its full potential. We expect the number of tourists will continue to increase in the coming years,” said Konrad Mizzi, Malta tourism minister.

“Our vision is to register sustained increases of tourism from the Indian market,” he added.

With the aim of development of tourism through encouraging the film industry in Malta, a three day Film Festival will be conducted on 14th December 2018. The government also plans to provide incentives for filmmakers to boost the industry, which is being reviewed to address the industry needs further.


“The country is already having tie-ups with some of the major film production companies in India. Direct flight a facility to the major airports of India is also cited as a positive factor for improving the business relationships with India,” said the minister.

“Improved air connectivity between Malta and India is a priority, which will provide travellers with a much shorter connection to Europe. Malta will work as connecting hub for connectivity to both Europe and North Africa,” he added.

The country is looking to promote itself as an all-year-round destination by encouraging heritage and adventure tourism.

Mizzi is optimistic about the promotion of tourism through the tie-up with Bollywood and talks have already been started with the Maharashtra tourism authorities in this direction.

Malta was one of shooting locations for Amir Khan’s ‘Thugs of Hindustan’.Source: Tourism New
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