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Updated: Feb 10, 2015, 18:15 IST

Monica Dogra on Life, Music and What Lies Ahead

Monica Dogra on Life, Music and What Lies Ahead

She is a lyricist, an actress, a singer, and pretty much the epitome of creativity. Monica Dogra of Shaa'ir + Func has wasted no time in making her mark in the industry thanks to her acting skill and soulful voice. In a candid tête-à-tête with, Monica talks about what her inspiration, her music and of course, her plans for the future.

What inspires you to write?

My inspiration comes from different places. I think if you're someone who walks the world absorbing, certain things will inspire you. Whatever inspires you, you store it and then you access it whenever you need it. I'm inspired a lot by street culture and I'm also inspired by fantasy; parallel realms where everything is sparkles and butterflies but also street-oriented and rooted. I might have fairy wings, but they'll be made of the tyre of a car. I like making the mundane spectacular.

How has success changed you as a person?

To be honest, success has actually deepened my relationship with music and art. It makes me work harder and compete with my own self. I raise the bar higher for myself each time an album or a song receives appreciation. At some point, you hit a crossroad where you either choose the route of delivering what people expect of you out of desire for fame and money, or you realise that the creative process is your divinity and it doesn't matter whether you are liked or not, paid or not, known or will do your thing and love doing it. I chose the latter option, that's who I am.

You worked in New York as a struggling musician. What was life like there?

Back in New York life was anonymous, tough, and beautiful. I lived a lot of life on pennies...from dollar pizzas, to jumping the fence to have a free party in the park in the middle of the night. I became who I am in New York. I developed a fond relationship with the struggle. I studied music at NYU, and to afford my way through college, I waited tables, and bartended. Through the mix, somehow I ended up bartending at this rock and roll spot where I discovered Velvet Revolver and The Donnas.  This was a turning point in my artistic journey.  I realised I had a lot of punk energy inside me. When Shaa’ir + Func formed, I began to channel it all and was able to turn it into something wonderful.

How did Mumbai happen?

As for Mumbai, I was on a five-day visit to the city; I met up-and-coming artists like Mohan Kanan from Agnee, and singer Aparna Dauria. We were inspired by each other almost immediately. I knew there was something in Bombay that was 'calling me'; I could feel it in my gut.  In many ways, this was the time when the "Indie Scene" was born. Shaa’ir + Func and Only Much Louder (the company that organizes NH7 Weekender festival and promotes indie artists) were formed around the same time, as well as Babblefish. We saw the first ever music festivals pop up around India. It was a very unique time.

Was Bollywood always where you wanted to end up?

Well, I had nothing planned really. I was just following the signs and going wherever life took me.  In Bombay, I found a community of artists to build with and that was worth the risk.

You call yourself Shaa’ir? Do tell us something about her.

Shaa'ir (poet in Urdu) was an artist name I chose, because I liked the name...I like the way it sounds. I like it because it's a masculine word with feminine principles and I first started writing poetry when I as a child. I identify myself as a poet.

When do we see you on the silver screen again?

I am currently in the process of reading some scripts and definitely open to doing more films. I just completed a film entitled Relapse in LA a few months ago, for which I fly to LA for the screening in a week’s time. I just signed another project that will be shot in NYC at the end of July. Things are really busy with my music, and I often feel like I'm losing my mind, so I don't have a burning desire to take on any more than what I already have. I'm touring Europe this summer with my band, and shooting a tour film around the whole experience. I'll be in LA, London, Berlin, Cologne, New York, and Toronto in just the next two months. That's enough for me!

You are the icon for many teenagers, how would you urge them to involve themselves in electronic and rock music?

I wouldn't. I would urge them to dive deep and discover their truest desires... and be brave enough to cultivate that.

When did you know that you wanted to get into music?

  My mom is a singer, so I grew up around Hindustani classical music, and went to classical concerts when I was young. And then my parents split up when I was 12 and I was raised by my dad. He was the opposite; he'd want me to be a doctor, go to business school, etc. But I had an undeniable, palpable love for the creative process.  Eventually he saw that I was born to do what I do.

It’s been eight years since you formed S+F. What has the journey been like so far?

It’s been incredibly beautiful in hindsight, but at times gruelling, frustrating. I often say that we were creating a scene and simultaneously catering to it, so it was double the work. But at the same time, that situation lent itself to shaping, loving, building a dream that satisfied both the politician and the artist within me.

What is new on the block for you and S+F?

We just released an acoustic extended play album called re:cover which is available on iTunes. I'm working on a solo album. And Shaa'ir + Func's fifth album is nearly done.

When did you begin dancing? And what forms do you practice?

I studied ballet for eight years as a child, then Kathak for four years and Mohini-attam in Bombay for about a year. I also love dance meditation, five rhythms and ecstatic dance.

With tours and hectic schedules, how do you keep up with the stress?

When everyone places extra value on the way you look and judges your appearance, that is when you feel the pressure of taking care of yourself and your beauty all the more. Between touring, writing, acting, designing, and just trying to have a normal social life, where is the time to pay attention to beauty?  All I was looking out for was a one-stop solution, a multi-tasker to support the different roles I play every day. I found that in a bottle of Olay Total Effects. It takes care of all my skin worries and most importantly keeps me looking fresh and stress-free. Olay fights the early signs of ageing, making my skin look young and radiant always.

What does the future hold for you?

There’s a powerhouse of talent in India, a huge range. I believe that we will see the artistic community grow and expand in ways we’ve never imagined, and sooner than we all think. Shaa’ir + Func is four records down with another one soon on the way. We have performed at festivals all over the world, and are having a summer of SAM this 2014.  It's already been a big year, but it's about to get even bigger.

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