Mona Singh Says AI Won’t Replace OTT or Film Storytelling

Mona Singh believes artificial intelligence may be transforming industries worldwide, but storytelling remains firmly rooted in human emotion — something technology cannot replicate. In an exclusive conversation, the Thode Door Thode Paas actor shared why she isn’t worried about AI altering the future of films or OTT platforms.

According to Mona, creativity will always be a human-driven process. “Work will always keep happening. Whether it’s movies or OTT, that’s not going to be affected. The number of releases may change, but the industry isn’t going anywhere,” she said, dismissing fears that AI could overshadow original storytelling.

Her perspective stems from decades of experience and a deep understanding of how audiences connect with stories. For Mona, emotional resonance — not algorithms — is what sustains cinema.

The conversation also turned personal as she reflected on her own digital dependence. Mona revealed her daily screen time averages around four hours, but she’s proud that Instagram occupies only about 40 minutes. While working on a show centred on relationships and connection, she reassessed just how much digital noise fills her day.

“You realise you need to stop, reflect, pause, think, keep your phone away. I’ve begun keeping it aside. It takes effort,” she said.

At home, she follows a strict boundary: no phones at the dining table. “Phones stay in the bedroom. We sit together, talk, actually connect.” Even on holidays, she ensures digital distance — “otherwise everybody is scrolling, nobody is talking.”

Still, Mona acknowledges the difficulty of unplugging entirely: “Sometimes it’s the fear of missing out. You can’t say you won’t keep a phone. Your loved ones want to know where you are, you want to know your kids are safe.” A complete digital detox, she admits, is unrealistic — “Going back to the ’90s isn’t happening.”

What keeps her optimistic is the storytelling itself. She believes Thode Door Thode Paas is evidence that heartfelt narratives continue to resonate deeply. “The show makes you realise creativity is not dead. Human connection, love, family values — that’s not going for a toss.”

Thode Door Thode Paas is now streaming on ZEE5.