Reality shows have been lucky: Monica

Mumbai: Actress and reality show star Monica Bedi is happy starring in one reality show after the other, claiming that films failed to give her the recognition she is getting through these shows now. The 35-year-old actress, who made her comeback into the world of showbiz with the second season of `Bigg Boss` in 2008, went on to star in the dance reality show `Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa` (season 3) after that.

"Reality shows have really been lucky for me. The amount of love and respect I have got due to these few shows, I did not get from the 21 films I did as main lead. I have got much more attention through these 2-3 reality shows," Monica said. The actress is currently starring in another reality show `Desi Girl` on Imagine TV which will go on air soon and has plans to star in another. Doesn`t she fear getting typecast as a reality show star? "I don`t think I will be typecast because I am doing other things as well, when that will come into public view I don`t think people will call me a reality show star only. "Also I don`t mind that tag because the shows have been lucky for me. I am doing one more show after this, which is very exciting, and then there is a movie happening that will probably break the tag," said Monica. She is currently in a village near Chandigarh as part of `Desi Girl`, alongwith seven other television stars, living the life of a villager. Braving the heat in Punjab without air conditioners or refrigerators, Monica also has to do daily chores like milking the cows and making cow-dung cakes. "I hadn`t dreamt in my life that I would wake up early in the morning specially to make cow-dung cakes. But I am very proud to be here because my ancestors have been living this life and I am glad I got the opportunity to experience the same," said Monica. She has faced a lot of ups and downs in life, including battling criminal charges in court and a jail term. But Monica has put her troubled past behind her and is concentrating on her career in showbiz only. "The problems that I had faced have made me a stronger person. Many years have passed and I think its time for me to work hard and focus on my career. It is tough for me, but I am grateful to God for giving me great opportunities. The love and support I am getting from people is my strength," she said. "Like any other girl I would also like to settle down in life, but that`s not what I am looking at right now. I am concentrating on my career, to make myself secure," she added. PTI