Monica to start new chapter of life with her parent's consent

Chabbewal (Punjab), July 26: Underworld don Abu Salem's companion and starlet Monica Bedi has said that dark period of her life was over now and she will start a new chapter of her life with the consent of her parents. Monica, who returned to her ancestral house here in Hoshiarpur district last night, after her release on bail in a forged passport case from an Andhra Pradesh jail on the orders of the Supreme Court, told a crowded press conference that she would prefer to join Bollywood again if any of the producer/director offered her a suitable role in his film.

However, she said she would prefer any offer from the Hollywood film industry if received by her.

Monica, along with Salem, was arrested at Portugal in August 2002 for using fake passport and both were later extradited to India.

Replying to a question, she said that there was "no threat" to her life from the underworld.

Dressed up with jean and top, the Bollywood starlet was very cheerful and calm even after the day long tireless journey from Hyderabad to Delhi by air and then to her her ancestral Chabbewal village in a van. Her father Prem Kumar Bedi and uncle Parshotam Bedi accompanied her.

"Ups and downs are a natural part of life and once you understand this you will not lose your poise to attain peace and to achieve goals. If these are taken seriously then life becomes bed of thorns and in case of facing them in a lighter manner then it would be a bed of roses", she said.

She thanked the people especially of Punjab for their good wishes and prayers for her release from the imprisonment.

While sharing experience of her stay in jail for a period of about two years, she said that all of its inmates had a complete sympathy with her and always remained helpful. The behaviour of jail authorities was also cooperative and she did not face any problem during her imprisonment.

On reaching her native village, Monica said she was very happy and feeling freedom after quite a long period. She pleaded with the media not to ask "private" questions, saying she had put her past behind her and was looking to the future.

Though she came here after nine years, the inhabitants extended her a warm welcome. She would remain alone with her father and relatives in the village till the decision of her case.

The ancestral house of Monica and the adjoining house of her aunt Kanta were illuminated on the occasion of return of the starlet to the village. Hundreds of inhabitants, including women and children, of the village were eagerly waiting her since the evening.

Monica Bedi entered her aunt's house from the back door to save her from the hordes of people and media.

The press conference was arranged in the courtyard at her ancestral house where no light arrangement had been done. She was brought from her aunt's house to the press conference venue. Petals of flowers were showered on her by the inhabitants as soon as she entered the venue.

UNI