"I was destined to be a dancer" -- Shibli
Any interesting experiences?
The FOBANA conference 2002, held in New York, remains in my memory. After witnessing my performance, celebrated Indian litterateur Shamaresh Majumdar complimented me backstage as if I was a little boy. His words were, "You will be a popular artiste when you grow up." He had no idea about my age and fame.
What are the three things you hate most?
Hypocrisy, lies and collaborators of our Liberation War.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Who are your role models?
My mother, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabindranath Tagore and Guru Birju Maharaj.
What is your most treasured possession?
My honesty.
Do you believe in destiny?
I do. I never actually planned to become a dancer, but I was destined to be one. When I was a student of Physics, I started to learn dance because it was my passion. But it was really my good fortune that the audience accepted my performance and I became a 'star'.
Any dream that came true?
When I was very young, my mother used to dream that my siblings and I would become established. Now when I look into my mother's eyes I can see her wishes are fulfilled which is a dream-come-true to me.
What is your dream role?
I want to perform in a good piece based on our Liberation War, which would be composed and choreographed by another artiste.