Acclaimed Manipuri dancer Samina Husain Prema came across her student, Mohima Shwagota, nearly a decade ago. At the time, Prema had just started conducting dance lessons. Over the years, the two have grown together in their pursuit of classical Manipuri dance. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, Prema and her protégé Shwagota speak about their bond, and more. 

"Shwagota was in kindergarten when she first came to my dance class," mentions Prema. "At the time, I had a small batch of five to six students, who are still very special to me. Shwagota has always been there for me in tough times."

Prema further adds that her students' sincerity and dedication inspired her to establish Bhabna, a school of Manipuri dance.

 "My dance guru Prema is a perfectionist. Her dedication always makes me want to work twice as hard, even during the long and tiring rehearsal hours," adds Shwagota, a student of Viqarunnisa Noon School & College. "Over time, I realised that she truly prepared my physicality for Manipuri dance, when others started praising my performances. Her strictness actually inspires me to be better."

Mohima Shwagota

Prema and Shwagota have performed on numerous occasions together. The dance dramas, "Bhanu Shingher Podaboli" and "Shakuntala" are two of their favourite collaborations. More recently, they collaborated at the Mujib Shotoborsho programme. Shwagota also assists Prema with dance classes at Bhabna.

Over the years, the duo has grown to find comfort in each other's presence. "Usually, after I have finished choreographing a routine, I ask Shwagota to work with my dance steps and help me perfect them on stage. Shwagota always goes with the natural demands of a song. I enjoy our compatibility," shares Prema.

On the other hand, Shwagota shares that Prema always shows faith in her students, and never hesitates to put in the extra effort to help them.

Samina Husain Prema. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

 "When my students appeared for the exam conducted by Paschim Banga Rajya Sangeet Academy, they were highly appreciated by the visiting classical gurus, alongside my guru Smt Kalavati Devi. Based on their knowledge of classical Manipuri dance, my students presented themselves as graceful dancers. I was very proud as their guru that day," says Prema.

Speaking of her growth, Shwagota shares that under Prema's guidance, she overcame any form of jealousy or pettiness. "At Bhabna, we always work on each other's weaknesses and take on roles that contribute to the betterment of the routine that we are performing. There are no ego classes when we perform on stage as a troupe," she says.

Prema has dealt with her own struggles while pursuing professional training in dance. "I have tried to give my students the tutelage that I missed when I was a student myself," she shares. "Dance has not only given me grace and poise, but has also taught me to maintain a good work-life balance, and empowered me to help aspiring artistes. Today, when I see Shwagota managing her academics and passion for dancing, I feel proud."

An introvert at heart, Shwagota shares that dancing brings her a sense of comfort and confidence. "I feel like a completely different person on the stage. Dancing makes me feel complete, and makes me forget about my anxieties," she concludes.