Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07, 2010:
Manipur's rich art form and popularity has transcended not only beyond the state and across India but also taken a firm root in Bangladesh where a Muslim dancer has been nurturing enthusiatic youngsters in the art form of classical manipuri dance.
Herself an internationally acclaimed dancer, Tamanna Rahman of Bangladesh said she the present director of a dance institute named Nrityam Nrityasheelon Kendro in Dhaka.
The 44-yr-old Tamanna is also serving as a guest lecturer at the Theatre Department of Dhaka University.
Out of 50 young Bangladeshi students learning classical Manipuri dance and other Manipuri art forms as well as Odissi in the institute 40 of them are said to be Muslims.
Conveying that she is promoting Manipuri dance and art forms in her country with true devotion and dedication, Tamanna said, "Though I'm a Muslim woman from Bangadesh, the rich culture and tradition of Manipur is in my heart and I feel that Manipur is close to my sweet country".
Tamanna, who was in the State as an artiste invited to perform at the recently concluded four-day international dance festival at Iskcon temple complex here showcased her finesse in Manipuri classical dance with a solo show.
"Bangladesh is the second home to Manipuri dance and young dance lovers of our country are also enthusiastic in this wonderful dance form," she said prior to wrapping up her brief stint in the state.
Recounting her childhood days during which she was attracted to Manipuri, Tamanna said, "I was hypnotized after witnessing a wonderful Manipuri classical dance staged by a Manipuri woman, Shantibala Sinha in Dhaka in the early eighties".
"Driven by the deep passion in this dance form, I began learning Manipuri dance from Guru Shantibala in 1982," she said.
However ever since Sinha left Bangladesh for Canada in 1988 Tammana's craving to further her skills in Manipuri dance nearly came to an abrupt end but through her sheer grit and determination she managed to keep the art form very much alive in the Muslim dominated country.
"Because of the chaotic political situation and strict military rule that had been the bane of bangladesh prior to the return of democracy, Manipuri dance, which is based on Hinduism, was barred from being performed by Bangladeshis or telecast in television channels.
But I managed to perform on stage with certain risk," the ace dancer recalled.
Tamanna began learning advanced Manipuri dance in Kolkata under Guru Kalavati in 1993 after completing her graduation in architecture from Buet, Dhaka the previous year.
Under a scholarship programme she then began her master's degree course in dance in Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata and stood first position in it in 1997 bagging the Guru Maisnam Amubi Singh award.
"I'm planning to put more courses especially in Manipuri folk art in our institute for which teachers of these subjects from Manipur would be engaged," she informed.
"My performance at Iskcon temple was one of my successful events as I dreamed of staging Manipuri dance in Manipur.
My happiness knew no bounds when I was invited for this dance festival," she said.
Tamanna said she had also participated in a Paris show on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of UNESCO in 2005 besides performing at several countries such as Denmark, Sweden, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Greece, Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri lanka, UAE and Australia.
Regarding religious undercurrent in the Bangladeshi society, she declared that unlike other Muslim countries, people living in Bangladesh respect all religions and their preaching.
"You wouldn't believe that a large number of Muslims moved to Manipuri settlers' place to witness Ras Leela and other Manipuri classical and folk dance in Bangladesh," she said.
"I follow Islam and at the same time I dance Manipuri classical dance.
I'm so proud of having a very liberal parents and husband who encourage me to take up this world famous dance form".