Monica Dogra: Shibani makes me sexier, and I make her edgier

Monica Dogra and Shibani Dandekar

Not negating the beauty of their renditions, Monica Dogra and Shibani Dandekar's joint performance at a recently concluded gala was also appreciated because they could replicate the camaraderie they share behind the cameras, on stage. "The industry keeps bringing us together," they say of their multiple joint ventures, which has now led to a six-city tour titled Monica-Shibani.

"We've got venues locked in Navi Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Punjab, and will also head to two cities in the South. We're zeroing in on the dates. We've been working on our playlist for about a year," Dandekar tells mid-day, adding that repeated requests to collaborate from fans on social media was also reason behind their decision to embark on this tour. "There was sufficient curiosity about what we could offer as one," she says.

On the lines of their recent performance - which saw them belt out indie pop numbers along with celebrated tracks of American artistes like Beyonce - Dogra says their set for the tour will also see a mix of Bollywood chartbusters intertwined with pop songs. "When we performed together the last time, we realised that a mixed set of this nature had never been presented for the Indian audience. Also, it's about how we can present it."

Their pairing, Dogra says, will be as enjoyable for audiences as it is for them. "We're fairly similar, yet distinct. Shibani listens to a lot of pop music and chart-toppers. I think one of her best qualities is that she can step into the room and pick out a track that will become everybody's favourite. That's one thing I've not been the best at."

Dogra adds that collaborating with another musician helps her explore different facets to herself. "As an independent artiste, you get stuck in a particular identity. But when you collaborate, you find parts of yourself that you wouldn't know unless you worked with the other person. Shibani makes me sexier, I make her edgier."

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