Women Come With an Expiry Date in This Industry: Kohrra 2 Star Mona Singh on Career Risks and Payoffs

New Delhi, Jan 28:
Actor Mona Singh says she has never allowed age to define her career choices, calling it deeply unfair that women in the entertainment industry are often seen as having an “expiry date,” while male actors continue to headline romantic films well into their sixties.

Currently enjoying one of the most fulfilling phases of her career, Singh has delivered critically acclaimed performances across OTT platforms, including Netflix series Kaala Paani and The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, and Prime Video’s Made in Heaven 2. Her recent film work includes Munjya, Happy Patel, and the upcoming war drama Border 2.

In Netflix’s much-anticipated crime drama Kohrra 2, Singh takes on a demanding role as a senior police officer investigating a woman’s murder while grappling with her own personal loss. The show premieres on February 11.

“I’ve genuinely never cared about my on-screen age,” Singh said in an interview. “I’m confident about who I am and what I bring to the table. When people ask why I look ‘older’ on screen, I tell them it doesn’t matter. What matters is whether the character excites me—and that’s what keeps me taking risks.”

Calling out the industry’s double standards, she added, “It’s strange that only women come with an expiry date. Men in their sixties still get to play romantic leads, but women are expected to disappear much earlier. I never wanted to fit into that box.”

Singh first became a household name in 2003 with her television debut Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, where her portrayal of the awkward yet ambitious Jassi struck a chord across generations. She later transitioned into films, notably playing Kareena Kapoor’s elder sister in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi.

Now 44, the actor says the idea of “making it” has evolved for her.
“I felt like I had arrived when Jassi happened. But even today, I don’t think in those terms. What I feel now is that I’m exactly where I should be. OTT has given me space, depth, and roles I always hoped for. I’m truly loving this phase.”

Speaking about joining Kohrra 2, Singh said it felt like destiny aligning at the right moment.
“I was a huge fan of the first season. Being Punjabi at heart, the show resonated with me instantly. I remember wondering why I wasn’t part of season one. When this opportunity came, it just felt right. The team is incredibly professional yet warm—it was a joy to work with them.”

In the new season, Singh plays Dhanwant Kaur, a commanding police officer working alongside Barun Sobti’s Amarpal Garundi, who reprises his role from season one. Set against Punjab’s stark winter backdrop, the story follows the duo as they dive into a fresh murder investigation while confronting unresolved personal demons.

Created and written by Gunjit Chopra, Diggi Sisodia, and Sudip Sharma, Kohrra 2 is produced by Film Squad Production in association with Act Three. The season is backed by Saurabh Malhotra, Sudip Sharma, Manuj Mittra, and Tina Tharwani, with Sharma also serving as co-director alongside Faisal Rahman.

The ensemble cast also includes Rannvijay Singha, Anurag Arora, Pradhuman Singh, Pooja Bhamrah, and Prayrak Mehta.

With Kohrra 2, Mona Singh continues to prove that longevity in storytelling comes not from age, but from courage, craft, and constant reinvention.