In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Monisha Ajgaonkar stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. A multifaceted individual, Monisha wears many hats with ease - from being a successful wedding photographer to an LGBTQ+ activist, a writer, and now, an actor. Her journey is not just about pursuing her passions but also about breaking barriers and paving a path for others like her, especially queer lesbians, in the world of entertainment.
Monisha’s creative journey began with The Photo Diary, her brainchild that reflects her love for everything artistic. Covered in tattoos, with unconventional looks and a heart of gold, Monisha brings her unique blend of creativity and compassion to everything she does.
From fashion to wedding photography, Monisha’s prowess and love for the arts has rewarded her with the International Fame Awards 2019 Thailand for Best Candid Photographer (Mumbai) and she has also been conferred and celebrated at India’s Most Prominent Women Empowerment Awards (Delhi).
2023, saw her take a leap of faith and enter the world of showbiz. Making her TV debut a memorable affair, Monisha Ajgaonkar’s stint on the Marathi reality TV show Jau Bai Gaavat on Zee Marathi saw her impress the world of entertainment with her bindass attitude and on screen presence.
Monisha’s passion for acting lies in her undying creative spirit to look beyond the ordinary. Her acting prowess was recently celebrated in Aditya A x Crossroads Music Video - Oont Bawla, garnering her a lot of accolades for her onscreen presence and intriguing acting skills.
Foraying into acting wasn’t just a passion project for Monisha, she chose to enter the world of entertainment to pave a path for aspiring Queer Lesbian artistes just like her. “It is an exciting phase in my life, where taking up acting as a profession has given me the opportunity to explore the feeling of being in front of the camera. As an LGBTQ+ activist, I believe that though the community is seen and heard today, I feel the Queer Lesbians like me, are still invisible. I would like to show people that we exist,” expresses Monisha.
Monisha strongly believes that she can support this community through her art. Her short film Mazhe Pan Lagna Hohil (I Will Also Get Married) and concept film Love. No Boundaries, a film by The Photo Diary spoke volumes about lesbian emotions like any ordinary person. Monisha has also been a part of concept ad campaign videos including Dove’s - Shattering Beauty Stereotypes and was also featured on the cover of Grazia fashion magazine.
“The Community might have legal rights now but it’s not going to be the same for all of us till each individual accepts his or her own reality. Gays and Transgenders have begun coming out of the closet but women are yet scared to come out in the open and accept that they are lesbians.”
Embracing the craft through workshops, ad campaigns and documentaries, Monisha is open to OTT and webseries and hopes to represent her community through meaningful and strong characters.
This Women’s Day, Monisha Ajgaonkar continues to keep moving in the path she chose while accepting the past that made her who she is today - A Powerhouse of Innovation and Commitment’.
