Mona Singh Slams ‘Expiry Date’ for Women in the Industry: ‘Men in Their 60s Still Play Romantic Leads’

Veteran actor Mona Singh has once again spoken candidly about the double standards women face in the entertainment industry. Known for her critically acclaimed roles in Kaala Paani, The Ba*ds of Bollywood**, and Made in Heaven 2, Singh highlighted the persistent bias against female actors as they age, contrasting it with the continued acceptance of older male stars in romantic roles.

Confidence Over Age: Mona Singh’s On-Screen Choices

Speaking to PTI, the 44-year-old actor said,

“I have not cared about my on-screen age. I really haven’t because I’m very confident, and I know who I am. There’s nothing to prove, which is why I keep taking risks. People often ask me, ‘Why are you so old on screen?’ I would say it doesn’t matter. It’s the character that I’m playing, and it really excites me.”

She added,

“It’s only in this industry that women come with an expiry date. And it is so sad. Whereas men in their 60s can still play romantic leads, women can’t. But I have never really cared about that because I didn’t want to be that.”

Singh rose to fame as Jassi in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi in 2003 and made a notable film debut as Kareena Kapoor’s elder sister in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots, sharing screen space with Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi.

Kohrra 2: A Thrilling New Chapter

Currently, Singh stars in Kohrra 2, set to premiere on Netflix on February 11. She plays Dhanwant Kaur, a cop investigating a woman’s murder while grappling with her own personal tragedies. She works alongside Barun Sobti, reprising his role as Amarpal Garundi, now posted to Dalerpura Police Station under her command.

Singh expressed her excitement about joining the series,

“When the time is right, you meet the right people. I feel very lucky and blessed to be a part of Kohrra 2. The team is magical, so efficient, warm, and loving. They take their craft so seriously and have fun in life. I had a good time.”

Season 2 Plot Overview

Kohrra 2, produced by Film Squad Production in association with Act Three, brings a fresh case rooted in Punjab’s wintry landscape. The storyline follows Amarpal Garundi working under Dhanwant Kaur, as both officers navigate personal demons while passionately solving a murder case.

The season is produced by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani, with Sharma stepping in as co-director alongside Faisal Rahman, while also continuing as showrunner.

The series also stars Rannvijay Singha, Anurag Arora, Pradhuman Singh, Pooja Bhamrah, and Prayrak Mehta, promising a blend of suspense, drama, and emotional depth.

Mona Singh on Career and OTT Opportunities

Reflecting on her career, Singh said she never feels like she has “made it,” even after iconic performances.

“I got that feeling of ‘I have arrived’ at the time of Jassi. OTT has given me a lot and still gives. I’m very grateful. I’m doing just the right kinds of shows I wanted to be part of as an actor… I’m loving this phase.”

Her journey demonstrates resilience, confidence, and a commitment to taking on challenging roles, breaking conventional industry stereotypes along the way.