Mumbai

Actor Mona Singh says the widespread acclaim for her long-time friend and co-star Gaurav Gera in Dhurandhar feels deeply personal, reflecting years of mutual support and friendship.

The duo, who became household names as Jassi and Nandu in the hit TV show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2003–2006), have remained close friends and each other’s strongest supporters over the years.

Speaking about Gera’s performance, Singh said she takes immense pride in his success. “He’s worked very hard and deserves all the appreciation coming his way. We’ve always been there for each other—sharing feedback, celebrating wins,” she said, adding, “We’re celebrating each other’s success.”

In Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, Gera plays Mohammad Aalam, an undercover Indian spy posing as a juice vendor in Karachi’s Lyari area. His character secretly aids Ranveer Singh’s Hamza Ali Mazari in infiltrating a criminal network led by Akshaye Khanna.

Singh recalled meeting Gera in Amritsar during the filming of their respective projects—Kohrra 2 and Dhurandhar. She revealed that an excited Gera had begun sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his transformation for the role, including his aged look.

Drawing from her own experience, Singh advised him to be cautious. “When you’re passionate about your craft, you must respect the process and the NDAs. I told him, ‘Don’t share too much,’” she said, recalling the strict confidentiality she maintained during her Jassi… days.

She added that while Gera was eager to share his work after a long gap, he understood the importance of maintaining secrecy around the project.

Released in 2025, Dhurandhar—a two-part spy thriller—has emerged as a major box office success. The first instalment reportedly grossed over ₹1,000 crore globally, while its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released on March 19, has crossed ₹1,300 crore worldwide.

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The film also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and others in key roles, and has been released across multiple Indian languages.