Former Indian Idol contestant Monali Thakur is looking forward to make a successful career in Bollywood after bagging roles in Nagesh Kukunoor's "Lakshmi" and Abbas Tyrewala's "Mango".
The singer has given hits like 'Zara zara touch me' from "Race" and 'Sawaar loon' from the upcoming film "Lootera".
"I was born as a musician but I've discovered that I'm comfortable in front of the camera. I love dancing too. I think music, acting and dancing are all inter-connected," Monali told PTI.
She will be seen in a completely deglamourised avatar in Kukunoor's movie on child prostitution.
"'Lakshmi' traces the journey of a girl who is forced into prostitution. It is an amalgamation of a lot of real-life stories. It is a very intense role," Monali said.
A chance meeting with Kukunoor at a party helped Monali bag the lead role.
"I was jamming at a friend's place during Christmas where Nagesh Sir was also present. Sir kept looking at me in the party. After a month, I got a call from him asking me to audition for the role."
Describing her experience of working with 'Dor' director, Monali said it was an "out-and-out" learning experience for her.
The movie also stars Satish Kaushik, Shefali Shah and Kukunoor himself in prominent roles.
Describing her experience of sharing screen space with veterans like Satish Kaushik and Shefali Shah, Monali said, "They are fantastic actors. They never made me feel that I am new. They are all lovely human beings. There was vibrancy on the set because of their presence."
Monali will also be seen in Tyrewala's multistarrer "Mango".
"The film is set in Goa and traces one night in the life of five individuals, whose stories intertwine in a completely unlikely manner. I play one of the five people. It is a romantic comedy with a twist," she said.
Monali's first movie was a Bengali film based on Bankim Chandra Chattapadhyay's novel "Krishnokanter Will".
