Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

I Like To Ask Questions With My Art: Singer-Actor Monica Dogra

IANS, 29 Jan, 2016 12:53 PM
    Singer-actor Monica Dogra, who is one half of the popular Mumbai-based electronic duo Shaa'ir and Func and has released her solo debut album "Spit", says she doesn't like to "highlight problems" through her art, but likes to "ask questions".
     
    "I don't like to highlight problems through my art. I like to ask questions with my art. I like to attempt to answer them with awareness that my knowing is miniscule in the landscape of knowledge yet to be attained," Monica told IANS in an interview. 
     
    "However, I think art across the board has an important role to play in activism, and has always served as a vehicle for social change," she added. 
     
    "Spit", which took three years to complete, is "completely different" from her earlier work with Shaa'ir and Func because it is "solo articulation". 
     
    "Shaa'ir and Func is the combination of Randolph and my creative minds. 'Spit' is just me... It's still rooted in experimentation across genres, but the focus is on the storytelling and the lyrics through songs," she said. 
     
    "Song for song, the genres vary. That's how I am though... pragmatic". 
     
    Regarding the diversity of the album, Monica said "Spit" is an exploration of different musical styles. 
     
    "'Spit' is a snapshot of my life as well as an exploration of musical styles that don’t usually coexist. Some songs are pop, some are heavy bass tunes, some are drum and bass, some are folk, some are big band/jazz tunes. The record is pragmatic but when you stitch it all together, it makes sense," Monica said. 
     
    As a leading face of the indie music scene in India, Monica noted that the movement has been "witnessing a boom in the last six to seven years".
     
    "Actually, it is just that it is snowballing exponentially," she said, adding: "I guess the reason behind this boom is because brands are beginning to invest in this aspect of art and culture because they see that people are consuming it.
     
    "I'm no expert though. My expectation for the Indian music scene is just that we all continue to really support one another and that we all refuse to become complacent."
     
    Besides music, Monica, a student of musical theatre at the New York University, has also made her foray into Indian showbiz with films like "Dhobi Ghat", where she acted alongside superstar Aamir Khan, and "David". She says it's been a "wonderful journey" for her. 
     
    "I studied musical theatre at NYU - exploring dance, music, and acting have always been a part of my artistic equation. I do feel that I lucked out.
     
    "My first film was with one of the most sensitive directors in our industry, Kiran Rao, who I admire and respect very much," she said, while adding that it "helped" that she acted opposite Aamir, "who is also another shining representation of a true artiste who takes his role as an activist very seriously". 
     
    "I enjoy acting in films now from the perspective of a songwriter, because it allows me the opportunity to live so much life in a short span of time. I can then come back to my songwriting with new stories, new things I just have to say. #Saywhatyoulike. Get it?" she added. 
     
    "Spit" released on Friday and is available for download via iTunes. A music video for the song "Say what you like" also released on YouTube. 
     
    The nine-track album album features collaborations with music producers like Robot Koch (Germany), Prash Mistry (Britain) of the Engine Earz Experiment, Gaurav Raina aka Grain (India) from The Midival Punditz among others. 

    MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

    Bride Wanted For Bahubali: Bhallaladeva Tweets A Hilarious Matrimonial Ad

    Bride Wanted For Bahubali: Bhallaladeva Tweets A Hilarious Matrimonial Ad
    "Wanted Bride For Bahubali" reads the ad with all the specifications for the bride-to-be.

    Bride Wanted For Bahubali: Bhallaladeva Tweets A Hilarious Matrimonial Ad

    SRK To Interact With Fans Live Via Social Media

    SRK To Interact With Fans Live Via Social Media
    Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is looking forward to get a "step closer" to his fans with live video beams #fame, a live video social platform.

    SRK To Interact With Fans Live Via Social Media

    I Was Effeminate As A Child: Karan Johar Makes Candid Confession

    I Was Effeminate As A Child: Karan Johar Makes Candid Confession
    I hated the word 'Pansy' and I was called that as a child. I was effeminate as a child and I used to have sleepless nights over the fact that I am different from other children

    I Was Effeminate As A Child: Karan Johar Makes Candid Confession

    Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Dan Bradley Has Done Great Job In 'Ghayal Once Again': Sunny Deol

    Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Dan Bradley Has Done Great Job In 'Ghayal Once Again': Sunny Deol
    In my earlier films, my action used to always be good, the screenplay also used to be believable.

    Hollywood Stunt Coordinator Dan Bradley Has Done Great Job In 'Ghayal Once Again': Sunny Deol

    Farhan Akhtar, Wife Adhuna Split After 15 Years Of Marriage

    They exchanged wedding vows in 2000 and have two daughters together named Shakya and Akira.

    Farhan Akhtar, Wife Adhuna Split After 15 Years Of Marriage

    Tabu Is A Director’s Dream, Says Abhishek Kapoor

    Tabu Is A Director’s Dream, Says Abhishek Kapoor
    Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, who roped in Tabu to play a prominent role in “Fitoor”, says she is a director's dream.

    Tabu Is A Director’s Dream, Says Abhishek Kapoor