Beyond the Role: Dr. Rama Montakhabi Balances Film, Fame, and Philanthropy
- So FN Dope Magazine
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Driven by purpose both on and off the screen, Dr. Rama Montakhabi is building a career that blends compelling performances with a deep commitment to uplifting women and our youth. Best known for her standout role as “Peaches” on the hit crime drama BMF, Montakhabi has carved out a reputation for commanding performances that blend confidence, depth, and undeniable presence. Now, she steps into a bold new chapter portraying Jade in the upcoming action-comedy The Daughters of Dolemite, a high-energy revival inspired by the iconic world created by comedy legend Rudy Ray Moore. Armed with a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, a growing list of film and television credits, and a passion for her community, she stands out as one of Hollywood’s most multidimensional rising talents. We recently had an opportunity to talk with her about her current projects. Check out our interview Dr. Rama Montakhabi.
SFND MAG: Hello! Welcome. First and foremost, we would like to let you know how much we appreciate you for taking the time out of your schedule to interview with us. How are you?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: I’m great, thank you so much for your interest & for having me.
SFND MAG: You’ve begun to build quite a reputation on screen, particularly with your memorable role as Peaches on BMF. Take us back to the beginning—what first sparked your passion for acting, and when did you realize storytelling was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: I’ve wanted to be an actress my whole life; I've known I wanted to pursue it since I was 4 years old. I’ve always been very animated, doing different accents & acting in plays and other random things growing up.
SFND MAG: From BMF to Picture Me Dead, your career has already shown a wide range of roles. How do you intentionally choose projects that challenge and expand your acting range?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: I like to choose roles that allow me to show my range, so they don't limit me or put me in a box or a particular category. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to bring so many different types of characters to life.
SFND MAG: Here’s a fun fact that our audience may not know. You hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, which is a very unique distinction in Hollywood. How does your academic background influence the way you approach characters, scripts, and storytelling?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: I received this honor for my work in the community with women’s empowerment, career days, my philanthropy, and my non-profit organization called “Create O Rama,” which is a platform I’m building for kids to be able to tap into their creativity at an early age in order to incorporate it into their lives & possible career paths.
SFND MAG: Let’s switch gears a bit and talk about your latest film. In The Daughters of Dolemite, you step into the role of Jade, a fierce and gritty yet comedic member of the Hardbody Crew chasing both Dolemite and a coveted lottery ticket. What initially drew you to this character and the energy of this project, and what preparation did you do to embody a character like hers?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: We actually shot this film 3/4 yrs before I was on BMF, so when I initially went in for this audition, I was pretty new. I’m so grateful that the director, Foster Corder, saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to bring Jade to life and prove myself. I had blonde cornrows when I went in for the audition as well, which almost created the character's image, and I had to keep getting my hair done like that for the 3 months we were filming. It honestly didn’t take much preparation for me to get into this role because I do possess a bit of Jade in me as well, being what I like to call a “pretty tom boy” who was very girly and liked dresses but also liked to wrestle with the boys, climb trees & do obstacle courses. I actually had a lot of fun kicking ass & showing my strength in this movie.
SFND MAG: The Dolemite legacy is deeply rooted in the cultural history of Black independent cinema. What does it mean to you personally and professionally to step into a universe originally created by Rudy Ray Moore?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: Incredibly honored to be a part of his legacy & this story, especially since Foster had a personal relationship with him before he passed. Being that so many great actors like Eddie Murphy played his character just goes to show the lasting impact he had on Hollywood. Keeping Dolemite’s name alive was definitely the energy on set!
SFND MAG: The upcoming theatrical release of The Daughters of Dolemite marks a revival of a legendary franchise. What do you think modern audiences will appreciate most about this new chapter?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: This new chapter touches on Dolemite's seeds, where you get to see how his offspring have similar traits and characteristics, while being funny as hell, going after this lottery ticket. The cast is legendary, with some amazing vets. I think the audience will enjoy the new-age twist to it & all of the different variety of characters that bring so much vibrancy & raunchy humor to the screen. This movie is pure comedy, and I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.
SFND MAG: Beyond acting, you’ve been known to be a pretty good celebrity golfer and an advocate for philanthropy, particularly around women, youth, and mental health initiatives. How important is it for you to use your platform beyond entertainment?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: I was introduced to golf a little over 2 years ago and absolutely fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve used my platform to tap into a whole different network and market that is incredibly diverse and connected in so many different ways with different brands & companies. I’ve been able to play for some really amazing and impactful organizations and causes, which also adds extra value to the sport itself. Using my platform has always been important to me. I love being able to tell my story and inspire others to follow their dreams and take risks, regardless of the outcome. I walk by faith, not by sight, so I always emphasize the importance of prayer and manifestation. Speaking your life into existence & going for anything you want!
SFND MAG: Hollywood is an incredibly competitive space. As someone carving out longevity in the industry, what mindset or discipline has helped you continue to rise in such a saturated market?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: My energy and charisma set me apart from others. I’ve made amazing connections in the industry and always say “your network is your net worth,” so needless to say, a majority (if not all) of the bigger roles that I’ve landed have come from my network & not any agents or managers, which is another great part of my story. I believe in myself, know what I am capable of, & am excited to share my talents with the world & make everyone proud.
SFND MAG: Working with producer-director Foster Corder on a project that celebrates the legacy of Rudy Ray Moore must have been a unique experience. What was the creative atmosphere like on set?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: The atmosphere on set was intense. A lot of action scenes where I get physical. It was such a privilege to work with such seasoned actors, especially so early on in my career. Definitely learned a lot being on that set & loved working with everyone involved.
SFND MAG: Looking back at your journey so far—from academia to acting—what has been the most surprising or transformative moment in your career?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: Right before I landed my role in BMF, I broke my foot on set for Westworld on HBO, which set me back for a few productions I had been working on. At that time, I didn’t know what was about to come, and I ended up having to do my audition for BMF while on my scooter. Then, after landing the role, I had a screw put in my foot 6 weeks before we started filming. So everything I filmed that year was with a screw bulging out of my foot, wearing heels, and all. I felt it was all just a test from God, seeing how bad I wanted it. I pushed through and ended up filming 4 movies that year.
SFND MAG: With The Daughters of Dolemite hitting theaters soon and your momentum continuing to grow, what can audiences expect next from Rama Montakhabi as your career evolves?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: You can expect to see me in several more different roles, from a crazy girl in the psych ward named Vanessa in another new film coming out straight to streaming (Tubi) on the 27th of March called Rockabye (starring Annie Ilonzeh & Claudia Jordan) by Footage Films (Chris Stokes and Marques Houston), to Jade kicking ass in Dolemite, & then to a powerful boss lady named C.L.A.Y in the new series Firing line. Have also been planting several other seeds at the same time, so many new projects are on the horizon. Currently acting and producing a series filming in Detroit called Firing Line, based on a novel written by A.J. Brown
SFND MAG: Before we wrap the interview, if you could name another actor, dead or alive, who you feel is So FN Dope, who would it be and why?
Dr. Rama Montakhabi: So many to name, but the first person that stood out in my mind was Angela Bassett. I love her intensity and how she plays the hell out of every character. Incredible actress that I admire and look up to.
SFND MAG: Thanks again for interviewing with us. This has been dope. Keep doing what you do. We are looking forward to seeing so much more of your work in the future.
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