Actress explores a bold new storytelling format through micro-dramas on Pocket TV
Mumbai: Actress Mona Lisa is stepping into a new creative territory with Zindagi Ka U-Turn, a short-form vertical drama that she calls “a turning point” in her career. The actress, known for her versatility across television, films, and reality shows, said that the project opened new artistic possibilities and introduced her to an exciting digital storytelling format.
“I had been wanting to do a vertical series, so when the call came, I instantly knew I wanted to take it up,” Mona Lisa shared, reflecting on the experience. “Everyone has a smartphone these days, and people enjoy watching short, engaging stories while traveling or waiting. I believe this format is the next big thing.”
In Zindagi Ka U-Turn, Mona Lisa portrays Sonam Verma, an ambitious and self-assured woman at the peak of her career whose life becomes intertwined with a street vendor’s unexpected rise to fortune after betrayal and loss. The series promises emotional depth, suspense, and several dramatic twists, all compressed into bite-sized episodes of 30 to 60 seconds.
“This project felt like a turning point in my career because I got to play a very different character,” she explained. “Even though the episodes are short, the storytelling is gripping. Once viewers start watching, they’ll be hooked by its many turns and surprises.”
Talking about her character, Mona Lisa said, “My role is that of a proud, dominating woman with a turbulent relationship with her husband. I remember thinking, ‘I’m nothing like this in real life,’ but that’s the beauty of acting — living a life that’s so different from your own.”
The actress praised her director, Naveen ji, and the creative team for their guidance in shaping the character. “They helped me understand every nuance. It’s not easy to portray someone so different, but their confidence in me gave me courage. I wanted to bring out her arrogance and power, especially in her interactions with her husband.”
Mona Lisa stars opposite Ruslaan Mumtaz, who plays Raghav — a simple, soft-spoken man, creating a sharp contrast between their personalities. “That dynamic really helped me perform better. The writing was so strong that my acting just flowed naturally,” she added.
Produced by Pocket TV, Zindagi Ka U-Turn marks Mona Lisa’s debut in the fast-growing micro-drama space. “After doing films, television, and reality shows, this felt like experimenting with an entirely new genre,” she said. “It’s been a thrilling experience, and the five-day shoot will always remain special to me.”
As the actress continues to evolve with changing entertainment formats, Zindagi Ka U-Turn stands as a testament to her willingness to take risks and reinvent herself — one short, powerful story at a time.
