‘Happy Patel’ star Mona Singh on playing gangster Mama, ‘I thought it was intriguing, something completely fresh’

The latest released film ‘Happy Patel: Khatarnaak Jasoos’, starring Vir Das, Mithila Palkar and Mona Singh, is grabbing attention for its quirky spy-meets-Goa chaos. While the story follows a clueless hero thrown into an unexpected mission, Mona Singh as gangster Mama character is getting special praise.

In a recent interview, Mona opened up about how she reacted when the role first came to her.

Mona Singh’s first reaction to Mama’s character

In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Mona Singh did not panic when she heard about Mama. Instead, Singh found the role exciting and new. Singh said, “You know, when I first heard about the character, I laughed! I didn’t immediately think, “Oh no, this is too mean.” Instead, I thought it was intriguing, something completely fresh and unpredictable.”Mona Singh saw it as something unpredictable and refreshing. “I thrive on challenge, so rather than being scared, I was pumped to play this side of her, “ she added.

Why Mona Singh loved being wicked?

Mona Singh said she loved exploring a different side of herself as an actor. She called Mama a darker and edgier character than what she usually gets, "Absolutely! I’ve always loved exploring new shades of characters, and Happy Patel gave me something I’ve rarely had the chance to do: a darker, edgier persona."

Singh also shared that this role felt like a first for her in many ways adding, "In fact, I’ve often joked that I’ve never really played a villain before, so this was a first that I really enjoyed."She added, "The script allowed this mad, quirky energy, and stepping into that world was refreshing and exciting."

Mona Singh’s “atoot bandhan” with Aamir Khan

Mona Singh described her connection with Aamir Khan as something natural and deeply comfortable. "I think it really is a very organic, almost ghar-jaisa bond.

Aamir and I have often joked that our relationship has that comfortable mother–son quirkiness to it. From 3 Idiots onwards, there’s been this ease, no awkwardness, no pretence."She said their equation feels easy and warm, almost like a mother–son bond, where there is no awkwardness or pretence.Singh added that this comfort reflects on screen too, "When that comfort exists, it shows on screen." According to Mona, Aamir also gives his co-actors space and trust, which makes collaborations smoother.

"He also gives his co-actors a lot of space to be themselves, and I think that’s why our collaborations feel effortless."For her, the connection goes beyond performance, "It’s less about “acting together” and more about being present together, which is rare and precious."

Plot and cast of ‘Happy Patel’

The film centres on ‘Happy Patel’ (Vir Das), a man raised by two fathers who suddenly learns he has been chosen to become an MI7 spy. He trains abroad and lands in Goa for his mission. There, he meets dancer Rupa (Mithila Palkar) and falls for her almost instantly. But Goa has its own danger. It is ruled by Mama (Mona Singh), who wants Happy dead. What follows is a messy mix of love, action, and chaos.