“Grateful to the government for this award”

Amanul Huq began his career as a dancer in 1959 under the guidance of Ghonoshyam Anjariya in Karachi, Pakistan. A prominent name in the Bangladeshi cultural scene, he is an award winning-music director too, and an adept writer. He received the Ekushey Padak 2015 yesterday, for his outstanding contribution to the country's dance scene. TDS talked to him about his reaction and more. Excerpts:
“I am honoured, I am elated, and I am grateful that the government nominated me for such an honour. Definitely, this is one of the greatest achievements of my life, and it will help me keep going further.”   

“I worked for the country throughout my life, and never expected anything in return -- not even any recognition. Now at this stage of my life, this recognition makes me look back at my previous works. It is a great inspiration for me and for other Bangladeshi artistes as well. Not only does this award recognise our contribution to the cultural field, but it also motivates us to keep up with good work.” 

“I made dance-dramas on the life of labourers and the oppressed people during pre-liberation era. After the Liberation War, I continued my work and focused on this nation.” 

“I have nothing more to wish for, except work for the country till my last breath. My new project focuses on the history of this land. I hope to start working on a dance drama based on Mahasthangarh from March.” 

Asked what he thinks about the new generations of dancers, the veteran artiste said, “I think younger generation have an urge to rise to fame very early. As a result they come here and quit to move to television. Dance is an expensive art as there are outlays required for music arrangement, set designs, and costumes. Moreover, it requires hard work and devotion which many don't have.”