Factual
‘Plain Jane’ Mona to play Jassi?
MUMBAI: Mona who? That could well be the question on everyone’s lips when Sony Entertainment Television India unveils on Monday the face it hopes will spell TRP magic for its big ticket item for 2003 Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.
And even as SET is keeping the girl well under wraps (with just a peek of her hair and eyebrows in a front page cover photo in today’s Bombay Times), indiantelevision.com learns that the lead in the series is a fresh face named Mona (Singh?), an unknown who is having her first exposure to television. Going by the way the sneak peek was offered today, expect a picture of the girl in Monday’s edition of Bombay Times, the day the show launches in the 9:30 prime time slot.
But a caveat here. indiantelevision.com had earlier missed the mark on who plays the lead Jasmeet ‘Jassi’ Walia in the show so we may again be proved wrong. However, the name has been given to us from multiple sources so the odds are that we’re right this time round.
The rumour mills have been fed with a number of possible names from the showbiz world but in the end SET and show producer Tony Singh opted for a genuine “plane Jane” to play Jassi, according to industry sources. Of the names that were thrown at indiantelevision.com, it was model and MTV veejay Nafisa Joseph that had the strongest buzz around it. But in the end it proved a red herring. Among the other names that came up were Rakshanda Khan (who plays Mallika in the series) and even recent UK import and Bollywood aspirant Katrina Kaif.
So what is Mona aka Jassi like? Informed sources say the most striking feature of the character is that she is not at all striking. She is no bombshell who is going to have a pair of spectacles and braces to “uglify” her but your regular girl next door who is tomboyish to boot.
The message driven home as the series develops will be that beauty lies within. A line that is reinforced in the banners across the city advertising the show: “Beautiful women are easy to find, but there is only one Jassi.”
The choice of lead appears to reaffirm just that.
Also Read:
Will Jassi turn the prime time tide for Sony?
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
