Q & A

Any recollections of your first public performance?

I was about eight or nine when I won the first prize in my debut performance. It was a regular programme organised by Khelaghar, where I danced with the Bangla new year song Esho Hey Baishakh.

What would you be if not a dancer or a model?

Can't think of any. Dance is my life and my whole world centres around this. I have cherished the dream of being a dancer from my very childhood.

Ever imagined waking up one morning and finding out that nobody knew you?

That would be the last day of my life. I just cannot think about any such thing. My whole existence would be threatened.

Tell us about your dreams and aspirations.

Besides, being a self- sufficient woman, I dream of opening a dance academy where children will be taught the right dancing techniques.

Would you like to share a less known fact about yourself?

I like to draw pictures and play with colours. But I always need a little practice if I want to draw sketches. I never learned to paint anywhere. It comes naturally to me.

Any plans to act in contemporary Bangla movies?

If the movie is a good one or features in the golden era of films, then it is okay. But I have strong objections about acting in the contemporary commercial and vulgar movies.

What's your favourite pastime?

I love to read novels and listen to all kinds of music. Beside this, I always love to watch my recorded performances. That is how, I always try to discover the shortcomings in my performances and correct them.

An interesting memory

It was during a final performance with Sohel, my dancing partner. He was supposed to come through the right side of the stage, but as there was no space he came through the left wing. But I had little idea about it and became tensed and looked around for him in my performance. Then suddenly, I heard him shouting at me 'Riya, I am here, I am here!' and the whole audience started to laugh at this.

Guiding principles

I maintain the same philosophy in both my personal and professional life. That is to do my job with honesty and sincerity.