Monalisa @DS Café
Monalisa -- one of the most glamorous faces on TV -- first drew attention through her appearance in a Fair and Lovely commercial. Becoming the top model of the country was an easy passage for her, while she also opened her account as a TV actress. Although her initial wish was to become a dancer -- having travelled to Turkey at a very early age as part of a dance tour -- Monalisa became more involved with modelling and acting, but never left her love for dance. The star recently came to the DS Café and chatted without a break as her fans and well-wishers called non stop.
Naimul Hasan, Barisal: Why do you act? For the art, or is it just to make a living?
Monalisa: A very good question. Basically we do plays for the art, but making a living is also important.
Hasan Ali, Rajshahi: How did you manage to come so far in your career?
Monalisa: The support from my family -- especially from my mother -- has led me to the place where I'm at today. Besides the admiration of my fans and audience also gives me the boost to move forward.
Nasir, Natore: What are you currently busy with?
Monalisa: I'm busy with TV plays. Since Eid is round the corner, I have to complete several TV plays. I'm also working on two new commercials.
Towhid, Comilla: Many people are distorting the Bangla language in TV plays nowadays. What's your opinion on this?
Monalisa: I don't know who you are talking about, but if such a thing is really being done, then it's wrong. We, as a nation, had to sacrifice a lot to earn the right to speak our language.
Munna, Barisal: Where is your ancestral home?
Monalisa: Barisal.
Lonnie, Dhaka: Where do you feel more comfortable -- acting or modelling?
Monalisa: Definitely modelling (with a big smile)…
Nadia, Jamalpur: How do you want to be known?
Monalisa: As a good human being; so that everyone knows me as an honest person. I also want to contribute to the media, so that people would remember me for years to come.
Farhad Alam, Chandpur: Any inhibitions in acting in movies?
Monalisa: I have received many movie offers since the beginning of my career. But I'm more comfortable working in TV plays and modelling. That is why I'm absent from the silver screen.
Parvez, Mymensingh: Who gave you the name Monalisa?
Monalisa: It was chosen by my parents.
Shamim, Savar: Why did you start working in the media?
Monalisa: Since childhood, I wanted to be a doctor. But my love for media eventually led me here.
Nirob, Comilla: You have a remarkable smile.
Monalisa: Thanks for the compliment.
Jibon, Gazipur: Will you share a memorable incident?
Monalisa: I went to Turkey on a state visit -- as a dancer. I was a little girl then, and that had been the most memorable experience for me so far.
Miraz, Dhaka: What are your future plans?
Monalisa: To keep moving forward, with the love of my fans. To continue doing good work.
Cezanne, Chandpur: I'm a huge fan of yours. Are you truly Monalisa?
Monalisa: Thanks for calling. Yes, I'm truly Monalisa. You can verify it by coming to The Daily Star Centre if you want.
Ataullah, Dhaka: If you had a magic wand, which problem in Dhaka would you solve first?
Monalisa: I would solve the traffic jams. I believe traffic jams are the biggest problem of the capital.
Nabila, Dhaka: What is the definition of beauty to you?
Monalisa: I believe that beauty is not only external, but a person also needs to have a beautiful mind to be considered beautiful. It is very hard to come up with a proper definition of beauty. Sometime we rush in judging someone beautiful, or not.