Monica Dogra

Monica Sharma Dogra, often hailed as an Ambassador of ‘The New India’ is an American musician and actress whose journey bridges the cultural landscapes of America and India. Monica’s musical journey took a pivotal turn during a solo project in New York City, where she met producer Andre Bettes, known for Madonna’s Immaculate Collection. This collaboration eventually brought her to India, where she crossed paths with guitarist Randolph Correia. Together, they formed the electronic rock band Shaa’ir + Func (S+F). S+F quickly rose to prominence, earning acclaim from VH1 as one of India’s favorite bands and performing at major international festivals. Over the years, the band released several albums, including 'New Day: The Love Album' (2007), 'Light Tribe' (2008), and 'Mantis' (2010), establishing Monica as a key figure in the Indian music scene.

In addition to her musical achievements, Monica Dogra has made significant strides in the film industry. She made her acting debut with a guest appearance in the film 'Rock On!!' and later starred in Kiran Rao's directorial debut, 'Dhobi Ghat,' after initially turning down the lead role. 

Her filmography has expanded to six feature films, and she has also contributed to Bollywood soundtracks, notably singing 'Dooriyan Bhi Hai Zaroori' with Vishal Dadlani for 'Break Ke Baad' and the English theme song for 'Inkaar' alongside Shahid Mallya.

Monica has been a prominent figure on television, serving as a judge on India’s first English music talent show, 'The Stage,' alongside Vishal Dadlani. She has also hosted four seasons of the acclaimed music docuseries 'The Dewarists,' which was nominated for a Cannes Lion. Additionally, she was part of the Viceland Emmy-nominated series 'Woman,' produced by Gloria Steinem. 

With her extensive background in both music and acting, Monica can effortlessly connect with diverse audiences, making any event truly special and memorable.