What is your pet name?
Although my name is Mahbooba Mahnoor, I am popularly known as Chandni.

Did you step into the media world as a dancer?
Although dance is my first love, my entry to the media world was through films. As a young girl I loved to be dolled up and danced to the tune of catchy tunes. So my parents decided to admit me to BAFA from where I graduated and trained in Bharat Natyam, Kathak, and also modern dance.

About your film career....
Acclaimed director Morshedul Islam cast me in Dukhai, which was my first film. Tanvir Mokammel's Laal Shalu and Touquir Ahmed's Joy Jatra followed.

An incident that changed your way of life....
In fact it was quite embarrassing. During my first performance at the Shishu Academy, I was supposed to reach the venue at 3 in the afternoon. I took extra care and dressed up till I was satisfied and reached at about 6 in the evening. On reaching the venue I found the place totally deserted. The programme had already come to an end. From that day on I try to be punctual, if not early.

Interested in mainstream films?
I am very much into alternative films as I have mentioned before. With a good story line, I could however give it a try.

What if you were offered a role in a Bollywood film? Who would your co-star be?
If dreams turned to reality, firstly, I would need smelling salt to avoid fainting. Then I would work out a plan for a co-star. John Abraham would be my first choice. Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan would be next on the list. However, Shahrukh needs to improve his looks to fulfill my criterion. Hey, I can dream, right?

What are your favourite hang out places?
I like the outdoors. A zoo could have been an interesting place to visit. However, in Dhaka it is almost next to impossible. The place is drab and messy. Even the animals seem so helpless. I love taking boat rides in Ashulia and have snacks at the roadside as well.

Love travelling?
Who doesn't? I have been to India and the USA several times for my dance presentations. Every time the audience response was tremendous.

Favourite actors?
Naseeruddin Shah,Humayun Faridee, Afzal Hossain, Shomi Kaisar and Subarna Mustafa.

Are you into ads as well?
As the Brand Ambassador of Square Pharmaceuticals, I have mostly done ads for toiletries so far. I enjoy doing ads since it is a very important medium through which you can disseminate a lot of info in a short time.

The product gains popularity along with the image of the star.

Roles you'd give your left arm for...
I have always wanted to portray the cameo in Tagore's Tuni Mem. If only Satyajit Ray was still around I would've made all out efforts to act in any of his timeless movies.