Centre Stage

Photo: Ridy Sheikh Official Facebook Page

RIDY SHEIKH

Did you make any indoor dance covers during this lockdown?

Yes, I have actually done a lot of indoor dancing recently. I also made quite a few dance covers as well.

How are you maintaining your dance activities while at home?

I have converted a room in my house into a dance studio by installing mirrors which helps me practise. I also love dancing on my rooftop sometimes. I am currently trying to be more fitness-oriented. So, besides my regular online dance lessons, I am also planning on introducing, for instance, a cardio-dance lesson to help people stay fit during this lockdown. Many people are looking for alternative options to be more active, and I believe it will be beneficial as it boosts your immunity system, which is especially essential during this time.

Do you regularly practise dancing?

Yes, I regularly practise dancing. Since I am on social media, I often get requests from my fans to do dance routines or teach one online. I will even conduct an Instagram dance class today. Besides that, I have launched online dance classes on my website where people can choose their preferred lessons and apply for them. So, I am always in touch people and can simultaneously keep up with my dancing.

Did you do any live performance or do you plan to do a live performance for your audience?

I did a live performance on Pohela Boishakh from my home. The Instagram dance lesson will also be live.

Besides dancing, is there any other activity or hobby that you have taken up recently?

I have actually started making videos on Tiktok during this lockdown. Initially, I underestimated the types of content available as I was only exposed to the typical South Asian videos. But, I later decided to explore myself as a content creator to come up with new and unique video ideas.

Do you have a message for the readers?

I would advise the readers to focus on their mental health as this pandemic has taken a toll on everyone. It is important to be active and optimistic rather than spending the day unproductively. I, myself, try to spend my free time efficiently by reading books, learning something new or coming up with new ideas, so that I don't regret it later. It is always important to try and make use of what you have.

BONNA MIRZA

How are you staying positive during the pandemic?

It is hard to stay positive during this pandemic, but since I have a comfortable life, I can stay home and spend time with my family. Those of us in the middle to upper class can still maintain their lives during this pandemic. The people who are most affected are the lower-class people who have to work daily to earn money for food. They are the ones who are in the worst state now. With their daily struggles to earn money for food, they probably don't even get the time to think about how to stay positive. So, I will say that in these current times, their struggles are much different and more difficult than our ones.

Nowadays, all we hear about is how things are getting worse. How do you keep yourself positive?

I don't have any way to keep myself positive. I have accepted that if I happen to die, I will die and if I can live then I will live. What I find ironic is that even though I don't check about COVID-19 updates, I have to provide news about the virus to people as my work asks for me to do so. 

Do you have any message for the readers about how they can take care of their mental health during this pandemic?

I think that everyone should take a look at other people around them. There are people who are suffering a lot now. If those people can go on with their lives, so can we. 

SIAM AHMED

How have you been spending quarantine?

I spend my time mainly just reading books, watching movies and writing stories. I also have been working on my next films.

Have you learnt any new skills while in quarantine?

I have learnt to control my anger.

What are you missing the most during quarantine?

I miss acting the most.

What is the first thing that you will do once this ends?

I would like to start working on my projects as soon as the quarantine ends. Many people are not being able to earn a living due to this, so I would like to start my projects so that they can get paid.

Do you have any message for the readers?

We all have to face this huge crisis together, so it is better for us all that we stay at home. To keep our families safe, we must all remain at home.