Popular danseuse Munmun Ahmed got together with The Daily Star recently. The conversation veered to her views on dance, life and other matters.
What is your real self?
Like most people I am very ordinary and consider myself one of the masses. People may think that I am a little arrogant but in reality I am very down to earth. And, yes, I am very professional in my workplace.
What is your motto of life?
I want to stay alive in a healthy state of mind. It is the most important thing to wish for.
Do you have any regrets about being a dancer?
I never ever felt that way. I can feel that I am at this position today because I learned how to dance and practiced to become an eminent artiste. I live my life with honour because of this dance.
Hidden talents?
I can recite from the “Puthi”, which is widely known as “Puthipath”. I received the first prize in the competition titled Jela Shanshkritik Rajani in 1980. Besides, I can render spiritual songs a little.
Any weird experience?
I was preparing to perform in a show in Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel several years back. Although I had short hair that time the performance demanded long hair. One relative of mine, who was pretty amateurish in the art of make-up, fixed my hair for me. I wore a wig knotted with my original hair. But when I started to perform on stage my wig fell down as I whirled around. It was quite embarrassing and an unforgettable experience.
Favourite hobby?
I really enjoy moving around places. Besides, I like to read all kind of books like fictions, literature and special articles on dance and music. I love the short stories of Rabindranath Tagore.
Any dream that came true?
I had a chance to perform with the sons of my guru Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ram Mohan Maharaj and Krishna Mohan Maharaj, who are also great dance artistes. It was just like a dream-come-true to me. I also had an opportunity to share the same stage with legendary dancer Shashwati Sen that was also a great memory for me.
Secret of your success…
It is obviously practice, perseverance and dedication. I passed many days when I didn't even have sleep and practiced till dawn.
What do you think came first: The chicken or the egg?
I think both can be true. Sometimes I feel if there were no egg there would have been no chicken and vice versa. So I think it is wise not to argue about it.
What if you are asked to act in the lead role of any mainstream Bangla film?
Maybe I can give it a try, if I am asked to. Actually I was asked to act in movies many times but I never felt like doing it. I also got an offer to act in Hindi movies once. But I always preferred to concentrate on my dancing career.