Monica Dogra is an American musician and actress of Indian origin, has acted in 7 feature films, as well as released 7 studio albums with the band Shaa’ir and func and as a solo artist. Is also a member of the judging panel of India’s first English music talent show, The Stage. She has hosted Cannes lion winning music – docu series The Dewarist as well as worked on Emmy award winning Vice docu series WOMAN.
Monica is a lyricist, an actress, a singer, and pretty much the epitome of creativity. Monica Dogra has wasted no time in making her mark in the industry thanks to her acting skill and soulful voice
Women Fitness team joins Monica Dogra in a candid conversation about her love for music, acting, and much more!
Namita Nayyar:
Holding a degree from NYU in music to having some of the most melodious singles, you have done reality shows, worked in Bollywood and much more. How has your experience been and your favourite part of the journey.
Monica Dogra:
It’s difficult to say what my favorite part of the journey has been. I’d like to say the present moment. I think I forgot to enjoy where I was when it was happening. I forgot to relish all the beauty of the gifts that were showing up. So, yeah, starting here and now. I like where I’m at. Right now is my favorite. I’ve got two shows in the pipeline, last year I was in a film called WHAT ARE THE ODDS, playing myself, my last single hit 6 million streams and charted. Now, is pretty good.
Namita Nayyar:
In 2007, you released your first album New Day: The Love Album, followed by Light Tribe in 2008 and Mantis in 2010. Looking back share fond memories you hold close to your heart. First compliment you received as a singer
Monica Dogra:
Shaa’ir and func was a blast…we were the first of our kind, and we took that role very seriously. I crowd surfed with that band…I toured the world….we fought like a dysfunctional family, and we loved like we were blood. I was once proposed to on stage with Shaa’ir and func. We also released Align in 2013, I released SPIT in 2016 my first solo album, which brought adventure after adventure for phase 2 in my life – which was touring solo.
I released an EP after that in 2018, and singles every six months since. I conceptualize my music videos and often ghost direct them…something I’ve never said out loud before! Each thing I do is a mountain I traverse that leads to me a new landscape.
Namita Nayyar:
You have a fit and toned body in the industry, share with us your fitness regime. 5 Favourite indoor exercises you love doing.
Monica Dogra:
I’m fortunate to have very fit friends who inspire me a lot to train with them. I also don’t socialize very much – so my workout time is my hang out time. I’ve trained with the likes of Cindy Jourdain, done cross fit, and also trained with celeb trainers Drew and Samir Jaura. They’ve all taught me so much about nutrition and fitness.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you follow any particular diets? Share your favorite meal of the day.
Monica Dogra:
I’m vegan. I try to reduce carbs when I really need to get fit before a project….also, cutting out sugar is an amazing way to tone up. but, I’m a cookie monster. I really love chocolate chip cookies.
Namita Nayyar:
You are on the judging panel of The Stage, How was your experience being on the show.
Monica Dogra:
There was no show like the stage. It changed the game! I’m very proud of the work we did on that show. I feel we uncovered some of the greatest talents hiding in India. I loved The Stage. It also happened to me at a bit of a low point in my life – so it gave me this beautiful portal to step into where nothing mattered but the music every day for a few months while we were shooting. It was bliss.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you think has been the selling point for your music? Also your personal favourite genre of music
Monica Dogra:
I really can’t assess myself in that way to be honest. I guess what thing I have going for me is that I am quite diverse. I’ve evolved. I’ve become something new often enough to surprise people and still be remembered for what came before.
Namita Nayyar:
Who are your favourite music icons and your inspiration both from Bollywood and from around the world
Monica Dogra:
I have been deeply inspired by Ani Difranco as well as Bjork and Fiona Apple. Women with long careers who were self-made and completely original.
Namita Nayyar:
With tours and hectic schedules, how do you keep up with the stress? Top 5 to take care of your mental health
Monica Dogra:
Giving up alcohol, having a strong meditation practice, salt baths, journaling, and auditing what mainstream media I let toxify my mind space.
Namita Nayyar:
You have done reality shows in the past, would you like to do more reality shows in the future as a contestant like Bigg Boss
Monica Dogra:
I don’t think I am cut out for Big Boss.
Namita Nayyar:
What are your upcoming projects post lockdown and share a message for women fitness readers?
Monica Dogra:
I am shooting a pretty insane schedule for two new web series I am in…that will keep me busy for the next three months. I also plan to release some music in there somewhere.
Namita Nayyar:
Your quick hair & skin care routine.
Monica Dogra:
Olaplex everything and la Mer face wash followed by peter Thomas Roth cloud cream. Also for me using retinol changed the game!
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