"I have always had high regards for education. At the end of it all I believe unless you have a solid educational background you're never taken seriously."

Chandni started taking dance lessons even before she was enrolled in school. At the age of four when her mother caught her imitating dance steps from TV programmes, she signed her up in the Bulbul Lalitkala Academy. Though her father did have a theatrical background, he never wanted his daughter to take up acting as a profession. "My mother has always been supportive; I don't remember her buying jewellery and other luxury items as it would all be saved up for my tuition fees. My father has come around over the years and is proud of me today."

Chandni's first stint at modelling also came at a tender age when she was in class 4. She did the Bailey Keds commercial. It was hugely popular not only among children but adults as well. Since then she has modelled for brands like Meril and Jui hair care oil, among others. However, modelling has never been her priority. In her own words, "I am not a professional model, I am an actress and hence get modelling offers, otherwise it would not have happened."

When she was in class 6, Chandni did the movie Dukhai that immediately shot her to fame. She won accolades from critics as well as from the people. However, there was a huge gap before she ventured into the world of acting full-fledged. Though she did a serial called Ghrina in between, it was Abul Hayat's Obhigyan during her college days that gave her the final push to take up acting seriously.

However, dancing is her weakness and addiction she admits. "Though people know me better as an actress, dancing will always remain my first passion. I believe that if someone knows how to dance, then acting and modelling becomes easier. There is a lot of facial expression and body language involved with dancing. For example, when one has to explain a whole product in a 15-second commercial it becomes vital for that person to express the maximum through his/her facial expressions. The same goes for acting. So I believe dancing is a basic form, which if learnt can help in other fields."

While Chandni has toured the world in her capacity as a dancer and won many prestigious awards, she has never been on a government tour. She believes there is a lot of favouritism that goes on in Bangladesh. She has plenty of ideas yet is sad at the plight of dancers and dancing academies in the country. She exclaims, "Interestingly when Bangladeshi culture is represented abroad, dancing is highlighted. Yet in the country there is hardly any government initiative or support for dance academies. I believe the new generation of dancers has brought along a breath of fresh air. We are trying to make a positive change and should be given more opportunities."

Chandni has been directing dance steps for quite some time now. She likes fusion. "In BAFA we were taught everything and I was lucky to have Shibli sir and Hero sir as my teachers. I like fusing Kathak, Bharatnatyam and folk."

A national award winning actress (for Lal Shalu), Chandni is proud the way things have turned out for her. "Whatever I am today is totally my own doing. Neither did I have 'uncles' in the right places nor did I ask favours from anyone. It is my hard work, dedication and passion that have bought me here."

During this Eid she had a dance programme on TV and is currently awaiting her latest tele-film release, Mohon Khan's Shopnobaj.