Tete a tete with Farzana Riya Chowdhury
Although she feels that modern dance is more popular with the audience, she has interest in other dance forms such as folk and classical. 'In the CPM conference, Sohel and I performed a dance piece to the song , Ghatey Lagaia Nao by Anushey, which was well appreciated.
Riya ventured out into the world of entertainment as a teenager. Beginning with television advertisements, she is now a very well known face in this medium. She has also acted in a large number of plays. Asked to choose between her many interests, Riya opts for dance. 'If I am told to quit modelling and acting it will not be difficult for me but I just cannot live without dance,' she says.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. There have been changes in the popular attitudes to dance. Previously the society was conservative and there was not much appreciation for this art form. Now there is greater acceptance of this form of art. Another trend is the combination of dance with other performing arts like modelling or acting. Riya thinks that it is easier now for a model or an actress to become popular than for a dancer because dramas and advertisements are broadcast very frequently. In comparison, she says, 'Dance programmes get very little exposure in our media and are also not promoted properly.'
Riya is not very optimistic about the present trend of dance in our country. As an effect of satellite culture there is no cohesion between the dance and the costume and jewellery of the dancers. 'These days the audience go more for trendy music and gorgeous outfits, so sometimes the dancers are seen wearing modern ornaments while performing folk dance which is a complete contrast,' says Riya.
The new trend of composing dance pieces with old film songs is in no way distorting our culture, 'Rather the old style of music, dance, fashion and other art forms are staging a comeback and the audience is attracted to these old film songs,' she adds.
Riya has also acted in several plays. The versatile dancer is likely to attract greater attention in the future.