Actor-singer Monica Dogra, who received glowing reviews for her performance in Ekta Kapoor’s streaming show The Married Woman, has made it to the headlines for opening up on her pansexuality and how she was ashamed of her gender growing up as a confused queer girl. She also spilled the beans on her secret wedding to a very ‘understanding and kind man.’
Talking about her growing up years with an Indian publication, Monica said that she alternated between being a tomboy and being hyper-feminine on other days. “Growing up, I was ashamed of my gender for the most part. I remember when I first started showing signs of having breasts, I just wept thinking my life was now over. No more freedom for me. I was becoming a woman. I was molested by my cousins in India and touched inappropriately by a family friend in my sleep. I think I am just another story amongst many stories similar to mine.”
She said that her “biggest outlet for truth-telling and exploration” has been her art. “My biggest outlet for truth-telling and exploration has been my art. If you look at my music videos and listen to my lyrics, I’ve been revealing my soul for a long time,” she added.
Recalling an incident when she fell in love with a biological female, she said, “I was drunk at a party. It wasn’t until much later, that I felt I had fully fallen in love with a biological female who was masculine presenting. That really screwed with my head. Up until that point, I identified as straight. Suddenly, I had no idea who I was. I had a bit of an “aha” moment when I figured maybe I’m bisexual. At that point, I still didn’t know what pansexuality meant. But I knew I liked feminine energy men and masculine energy women. This was 6-7 years ago. Soon, I came across several verbiages around pansexuality, and now I think that’s the most real fit for me. I am surprised all the time by what I find beautiful.”
Then vs now: 20 years later, the Jonas Brothers are still setting the stage on fireGetty Images 
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Still burning up: the Jonas Brothers celebrate 20 years of music, memories, and mayhemGetty Images
Brotherhood, bangers, and big dreams — the Jonas formula that never failedGetty Images
20 years, five albums, and zero chill — the Jonas Brothers are still the momentGetty Images
From first gigs to global stages — every era of the Jonas Brothers has been iconicGetty Images
They’ve changed outfits, sounds, and eras — but the Jonas charm? UntouchableGetty Images
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Pop power trio: how the Jonas Brothers became a multigenerational phenomenonGetty Images
From the Disney Channel to sold-out arenas — here’s how the Jonas Brothers did itGetty Images
From teenage dreams to timeless tunes — the Jonas Brothers have truly come full circleGetty Images
A still from Love You, India’s first AI-generated film created without actors, technicians, or crewInstagram
Caste-based controversy surrounds Phule director Anurag Kashyap, with FIRs filed and heated discussions across IndiaGetty Images