Star Chat

Ready to Achieve

Dancer Mehraj Haque Tushar
Talks to
Naziba Basher

Photo: Mehraj Haque Tushar

I was in Maple Leaf International School and our sections were segregated from class 2. The girls had their separate sections and we had ours. We were a mischievous lot. During science fairs and cultural events, we used to plan ahead for ways to annoy the girls (since only during these events would the sections combined.) Plans would be made for days so that they could be executed properly. Those were fun moments. Even the times spent with teachers, especially our sports and games teacher, are unforgettable. The sad part is that, since I was very much involved with cultural activities and also being the only one in my class to do so, I missed out on a lot -- the impulsive class hangouts and some funny 'you-had-to-be-there' kind of moments. Of course, my best friend, Afif, was always there to fill me in.

During my O'level exams, I got a little detached from my dancing, since balancing dance classes and shows along with studies became difficult. Thanks to my family though, I got through it pretty smooth. My older brother, Mehrab, helped me get through this the most, having taught me and helping me out with my school work. But then, he left for England for his further studies and I was left to handle things on my own. I juggled through studies and dancing and finally got through my A'level exams.

When I joined the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) for my Bachelors in Media and Communication, things changed drastically. Back in school, would life revolve around books, teachers, friends and home. Life was very simple. After joining university, I realised how different the world actually is. I met different kinds of people and it felt like I was finally 'breaking the barrier' and stepping into a whole new world. However, even after joining IUB, I still missed out on a lot, since I was back to the regularity of my dance classes.

But the experiences I had being at IUB the past couple of years have been exhilarating. After being a university student everything unknown started becoming known to me. As much as I miss my school life, this transition has been nothing less than a fun ride.

I have learned the eastern (mostly Indian) classical dances here in Bangladesh and I now plan to go to the West and conquer the western styles and eventually bring the best of both the worlds together. Since we don't have any contemporary dance teachers here, I want to go abroad and learn that to bring the style to my country.

Hopefully, like me, there are other young people who are as passionate and want to do their best in Bangladesh and eventually make the country stand out on the world map. Of course, due to culture barriers and social issues, youngsters may not be able to get enough support from their surroundings. I would like to tell them to continue with their efforts and never give up on their ambitions.