‘I want to help others to achieve their dreams’

Shefa Tabassum is one of the greatest K-pop dancers in Bangladesh. She represented Bangladesh in South Korea and won The Best Solo in Changwon K-pop World Festival-2018. Nabila Nowshin, on behalf of the popular news portal-risingbd, catches up with the dancer for a chat.

Hello, how are you?
Hello, I am good. Hope you are doing good too.

What’s your nickname?
My full name is Shefa Tabassum. I don't have any nickname.

From where you completed your O’levels and A levels?
I completed my O’levels and A Levels from Edexcel.

Where and in which subject you are studying currently?
I am currently studying at Ulab University in Media Studies and Journalism. My major is Public Relations and minor is BBA.

Where you used to live in your childhood?
I have been living in Dhaka from childhood.

Do you want to give any advice to a 16 years old yourself?
Advice, I want to say 16-year old life would be spend as much time as you can with your family and always listen to your mother. Also, failure is a part of life to learn how to achieve a successful path. Don't worry too much. Have confidence in yourself wherever you go.

Is there anything that you wanted to achieve from your childhood and now you have got it? If yes, then what is this and how did you achieve this?
Not yet but I want to build an orphanage and also a free school for people who cannot afford education. I am still working towards those dreams.

In this moment we all know we have got some precious free time. So, what are you doing with this time? Are you doing something productive? Share it with us! We would love to know your activities.
Yes, I am practicing art, sketching and dancing. The free time has given me the chance to catch up on a lot of things that I used to have left off for sometime.
 

What is your dream job?
My dream is to help other people achieve their dreams.

I see, you are one of the greatest K-pop dancers in Bangladesh. Since when did you start to practice it? And how did you make K-pop dance your thing?
I started dancing somewhere in 2016. K-pop is actually how I discovered my passion for dancing. After getting into K-pop, I started dancing and it made me realise how much I love doing it and it helps to express myself through it.

So, you won the best solo in Changwon K-pop World Festival- 2018. You were the one who represented Bangladesh beautifully. I must say we are really proud of you. So, how was your journey to Korea? Share your experiences!
I was in Korea for more than 2 weeks. It was absolutely an amazing experience for me.  I had the chance to experience K-pop idol's life. It was very difficult I must say, but very much worth it in the end. Everyone there was so friendly and helpful. Each performer had their own translator and manager. I had the chance to meet different types of people from all over the world with similar passions and dreams like mine. And I met K-pop idols!

Besides dance, what do you like to do the most in your pastime?
I really like sketching. I am a very impatient person and sketching really helps me to increase my concentration and patience. I also sing from time to time.

After 10 years where do you want to see yourself?
In 10 years, I want to become a mentor. I want to open different types of dancing schools and platforms.

In your journey who were always beside you and whom you want to say thanks the most?
My sister Sharmin and my cousin Sobnom have always supported me since the start and also my friend Touhid has helped me so much. I am very thankful to them. And of course, my fans. I wouldn't be where I am without their support and love.

So, In series #30days30souls you are one of those 30 people. How do feel to take part in this?|
I feel very honoured and thankful and proud to be a part of this.

And also, there are 29 more people like you who are passionate about their work and doing great for the world. Do you want to give any message to them?
I want to tell them that, no matter how many obstacles get in your way, no matter how many times people tell you that you cannot do what you love to do, don't listen to them and follow your dreams through till the end. It's not an easy path but if you believe in yourself and stay committed, you will be able to achieve anything you want in life. Always be brave and stay true to yourself.

Dhaka/Mukul