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

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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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‘Bigg Boss 19’: Mridul Tiwari, Malti Chahar all set to lock horns


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Mumbai, (IANS) In the upcoming episode of “Bigg Boss 19”, housemates Mridul Tiwari and Malti Chahar will be seen engaging in a heated verbal exchange.

A new promo was shared by the channel on Instagram, where Mridul is seen locking horns with Malti, who entered as a wildcard in the “Bigg Boss” house on the Weekend Ka Vaar episode.

Mridul is seen telling Malti: “I have never said anything to anyone.”

“He is mad. When he had to say he didn’t say and now he is saying what he wants to say,” said Malti.

“I thought I would abuse him so much that he would feel ashamed,” Mridul retorts and adds: “No, I will listen to my own words. If I see you again, I will ask you.”

Malti asks him to move away.

An angry Mridul then says: “I will turn you into a ghost in a minute.”

Malti calls Mridul mad, the latter then says: “Yes, I am mad. I will sell 50 mad people like you in a minute.”

“Ladaayi ka naya chapter shuru, Mridul vs Malti ka clash bana sabka centre of attention!” the promo was captioned.

This week the housemates who are nominated include names such as Ashnoor Kaur, Mridul Tiwari, Zeishan Qaudri, Neelam Giri, Pranit More and Baseer Ali.

Contestants who are currently locked inside the 'Bigg Boss', which is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother, include names such as Malti Chahar Abhishek Bajaj, Gaurav Khanna, Amaal Mallik, Ashnoor Kaur, Mridul Tiwari, Kunickaa Sadanand, Baseer Ali, Tanya Mittal, Zeishan Quadri, Nehal Chudasama, Pranit More, Farhana Bhatt, and Neelam Giri.

The show premiered on November 3, 2006 and since then it has touched nineteen seasons and three OTT editions.

The first season was hosted by Arshad Warsi, followed by Shilpa Shetty in the second season and Amitabh Bachchan in the third. Farah Khan led the Halla Bol season, while Sanjay Dutt co-hosted the fifth season with Salman Khan. Since season 4, Salman Khan has taken the helm as the show's primary host.The show airs on JioHotstar and Colors.‘Bigg Boss 19’: Mridul Tiwari, Malti Chahar all set to lock horns | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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77th Primetime Emmys: ‘The Pitt’ scores Outstanding Drama Series

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Los Angeles, (IANS): The medical procedural drama series ‘The Pitt’ marked the final award for the recently concluded 77th Primetime Emmy as it scored the Outstanding Drama Series award.

With this, the show scored 3 wins at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. The Pitt’ is a critically acclaimed medical drama series. The series unfolds over a single 15-hour shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, capturing the intense and often harrowing experiences of emergency department staff.

The series stars Noah Wyle as a seasoned attending physician navigating personal and professional challenges. Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, and Supriya Ganesh also deliver compelling performances, contributing to the show's depth and authenticity.

During the acceptance speech, show creator R. Scott Gemmill expressed deep gratitude to the cast and crew, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. He dedicated the award to healthcare workers, emphasizing the show's commitment to portraying the challenges faced by medical professionals. He also spoke about the importance of storytelling in bringing attention to critical issues within the healthcare system.

He said, “I want to dedicate this to all the healthcare workers, frontline, first responders”.

‘The Pitt’ stands out for its immersive storytelling and human-centered approach to hospital life. It captures the urgency and emotional weight of medical emergencies while also exploring the personal struggles of healthcare workers. The show's visual style, handheld cameras, natural lighting, and fast cuts, creates a sense of immediacy, drawing viewers into the action.

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony emphasized both creative and technical excellence across genres, from comedy to drama, reality, and limited series. It also recognized emerging talent and celebrated established icons.The award ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The ceremony was hosted by Nate Bargatze, and is available on with CBS and Paramount+ airing the ceremony. 77th Primetime Emmys: ‘The Pitt’ scores Outstanding Drama Series | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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