Actress/singer Monica Dogra, who was last seen in ‘Fireflies’, opposite Rahul Khanna, in 2014, is all set to star in two more films — ‘Haaye Dil’ and ‘The Spectacular Jihad Of Taz Rahim’. She says that she doesn’t take on a role until she is convinced by the storyline and character.
One half of Mumbai-based electro rock duo ‘Shaa’ir and Func’, she says, “There isn’t one particular genre or theme I stick to when I’m choosing my scripts. If I feel passionate about something, I do it.” What is she passionate about? “That changes everyday – I’m a mercurial weirdo!”
She adds that she has always been able to express herself through art, and films are a way to get away from reality. “I experience love, loss, longing, and return back more healed and solid. When I take up a film, it’s my time to play dress-up — to step outside my life and play make-believe.”
Talking about the films, she says, “‘The Spectacular Jihad Of Taz Rahim’, directed by Raghav Murali, was shot in New York. It’s his first feature film and also stars Bangladeshi actor Rahsaan Islam. It’s a dark comedy based on true events of a journalist who gets entangled in some mishaps.” The movie is set to release on May 26. She adds that the film is “personal” to her because, “When I was in New York, I was subject to a lot of racism and racial profiling. When I read the script, I knew it was something that I relate to.”
On ‘Haaye Dil’, a Bollywood romantic comedy, she says, “I play the role of a woman who is a bossy man-hater because of some unfortunate experiences. Most people didn’t expect me to choose a comedy but it turns out I’m good at dark humour. It’s an ensemble cast and was shot in Delhi and Mussoorie.” She adds that she isn’t anything like her character. “I’m comfortable being in a room with 50 men; I feel quite at home and can hold on my own.”
The film is directed by debutant director Rocky Khanna. Monica also has her solo album, ‘Spit’, coming up. “I’ve been working on it for the last three years. It’s intensely personal to me as it’s inspired from my life. I had to go out of my comfort zone for this one,” she says. What is the album about? “What is it not about! It’s like opening up your ribcage and spilling your guts out.” She adds that this was particularly difficult as she wrote the songs herself.