On Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Monica Bedi, former girlfriend of underworld don Abu Salem, in the fake passport case. But it reduced her sentence to two and a half years, which she had already spent in prison.
"It was a long wait but all's well that ends well," Monica says. "I am happy that I can apply for a fresh passport and get all the rights which a normal citizen of India can enjoy. Now, I am free to move around the world."
She added that the verdict would help her return to the silver screen "Producers were hesitant to give me work because of my case," she said. "I have been losing out on a lot of quality work because I didn't have a passport. A lot of films required me to travel abroad but I couldn't go without the court's permission. Now things are clear
Monica plans to visit her hometown in Punjab on New Year's Eve. "My parents are coming down to India from Norway next month. I will go to my village and stay with my parents and relatives," she says.
Any plans to visit Norway? "Yes. After I get my new passport, I will visit my parents' house in Norway and meet all my childhood friends," she replies.
But despite everything she has been through, Monica claims that she does not regret her past. "Like everyone, I have gone through ups and down in life too and have come out stronger," she says, adding, "I don't want to sit back and crib over my past. Now I just want to move ahead in life and concentrate on my future."
Monica recently featured in quite a few reality television shows like Bigg Boss, Jhalak Dikh La Ja and Desi Girl. She was offered the second season of Swayamvar but she declined the offer, citing that she wanted to focus on work.
The actress claims she had been approached for a Hindi film and a reality show but refuses to divulge details.
