Is there any memory which lingers on?
A compliment by celebrated artist and the then director general of the Performing Arts Academy, Mustafa Monwar was the springboard for my dance career. I was a student in the Academy. One day, Monwar saw me sitting alone and watching the other dancers. He asked me if I was feeling down. When I answered in the negative, he said, 'I recognise the essence of an artiste. A day will dawn when you will perform and everybody else will watch your dance.'

Which is your dream performance?
I want to perform in a one-hour solo dance recital where I can use all my dance skills with proficiency. Without such a performance, a dancer cannot be a complete artiste.

Who is your role model?
My father. As far as dance is concerned, I don't have any specific role model. I love to watch and augment my knowledge of dance by watching different artistes such as Leela Samson, Sangjukta Panigrahi, Madhvi Mudgal and Birju Maharaj.

Which is your best performance?
In 1996 I was quite satisfied with my performance in Matir Konya, choreographed by Mustafa Monwar. The theme was a fantasy based love story where a human being falls in love with a fairy.

What is your major drawback?
I am very outspoken and snappy. Sometimes people even get hurt in the process. If I don't like anyone I can never make friends with him or her.

What tires you most?
When I see a fellow artiste trying to work the media just to get exposure it angers me. One should never sacrifice one's self respect.

Are you a romantic person or a realistic one?
It depends on the time and situation. But I can assure you I am not always very realistic.

Any dream that came true?
Every dancer has a dream to make a contribution. Towards this end, he or she needs an institution. I am very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to establish Nrittyanchal, a dance school. Here I work with 400 students. If I could not dance anymore, I wouldn't have any regrets because I would still have the opportunity to train budding dance talents.