Monalisa: Model to role model
On ‘Spicy Bites’, cultural personalities face questions on issues from all angles, i.e. ‘what would he/she do if he/she were in charge of solving social issues?’ or ‘how can we minimise waste of resources?’
For our second instalment of ‘Spicy Bites’, we met up with the gorgeous model Monalisa at the Gulshan Pizza Hut. Despite the usual bad traffic she arrived right on time, in a bright red and green Tangail sari, and as we settled down she shared her views of her success story. In the course of our discussion she spoke about how she could utilise her celeb status to help underprivileged children of the country.
TDS: Do you come to Pizza Hut often?
Monalisa: You could say I’m a regular at Pizza Hut. I like the Green Apple Cooler, Spicy Garlic Mushrooms and Chicken Classic Pizza.
TDS: Do you think it is essential to be on a strict diet?
Monalisa: I prefer a balanced diet.
TDS: Would you like to share an interesting work-experience?
Monalisa: When I started modelling, everyday was interesting for me. People would throng to have a glimpse of me at the shooting spots. It has definitely sobered down over time. This happens mostly during the turning point of any artiste. However, I still remember when my debut TVC for Fair and Lovely was screened; people loved it. On one such occasion while I was returning home from college, a young man followed my rickshaw and I was certain he was a mugger. Frantically I looked out for help when the boy gasping by my side said, “Please, don’t be afraid, I’m a fan”.
TDS: What is your definition of success?
Monalisa: Success is achieving what you set out to do. But I’m yet to reach that stage. Success is very important to me. I don’t think any human being sets out in life to be a failure.
TDS: Do you ever consider working for underprivileged children?
Monalisa: As a responsible citizen, I’d certainly like to do something for the betterment of underprivileged children. It feels awful watching children exploited, and often drugged — begging on the streets. We really need to do something for them so that they can be assets to the society and not burdens. But this needs organised effort. Individual initiative doesn’t go that far.
These children need proper education. Reputable schools, during their off time, could lend a hand by educating the underprivileged children. It is important for them to grow up as worthy citizens.
I would lend a hand if apt initiatives are taken. They can grow up to be a major workforce that can be a boon for our country.
TDS: Besides schooling, what other measures could be taken for them?
Monalisa: They can be provided with technical education. Handicrafts have already proven to be a huge success. A focused social movement could save them from being exploited.
TDS: With such huge popularity why don’t we see you in movies?
Monalisa: I have not changed my stance. I’m not interested in doing movies. I don’t think I’m cut out for commercial films. However, if Aamir Khan was to be my co-actor…[smilingly].
TDS: How did you step in to the media?
Monalisa: I began as a ramp model in 1997. My first performance as a model on television was just after I turned 15. I did TVCs for Lilly Beauty Soap, Fizz-Up, Fair and Lovely, Meril Lemon Soap, Swan Coconut Oil, Johnny Print Sari, Toshiba Colour Television and more. I acted in some television plays as well.
TDS: What would you say are your achievements?
Monalisa: I have received several awards such as Bangladesh Reporters’ Association Award, BIMA Award (London), Dhallywood Award (USA), Channel-i Performance Award, and Meril Prothom Alo Award.
TDS: Tell us about your younger days.
Monalisa: Though I took part in extra-curricular activities such as plays, dance and singing competitions in school and college, I never missed out on my studies.
TDS: What are your hopes and aspirations?
Monalisa: I want all of us to work together to make our country a better place. Every morning each of us should pledge to accomplish at least one noble deed and improve the society. We must accept people the way they are, and not judge them based on their background and creed. It’s necessary to empathise with the less fortunate.
TDS: What are your plans for the future?
Monalisa: I want to be known as performer not a star. A lot of people have pinned their hopes on me, signed me on. All this means a lot of responsibilities. I will have to live up to their expectations. I promise to give it my best.
TDS: Tell us something, which others don’t know about you.
Monalisa: For one, I don’t let others give me makeovers. I love doing my eye makeup particularly. Even for TVCs, I do it all by myself. I even design my clothes for Eid and other occasions.
TDS: Do you think that women in our country have a long way to go?
Monalisa: Yes. Though women have come a long way, they need further family support. After marriage most woman are simply cut out from the workplace. They have high potential, which must be tapped. You can see it happening in every sphere of life: from the media to medicine, commerce to the corporate world, teaching and the arts.
TDS: Any advice for upcoming talents?
Monalisa: Only that they need to be patient. They should not rush to anything. They will succeed only if they are committed. And their work will live on if they do so.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
