Once upon a time when people heard the name Ankhi Alamgir, they immediately associated her with famous actor Alamgir. Being born into a famous actor's family has had its ups and downs, admits adhunik singer Ankhi. But things have changed since then and today Ankhi has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment world. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star she talks about the journey to her current position.

“I have always been an introvert and been on my own. Somehow as a child everyone would want to be friends with me because I was Alamgir's daughter and not because I was Ankhi. So I never had close friends.” While some of her teachers adored her, others used to pass taunting comments like -- “Oh why study, you are Alamgir's daughter.”

“However, my parents have always instilled the value of education. I passed out from Shaheen School and College with distinction and completed my LLB from Queen's university. However, everyone still thought I would end up being an actor like my father.”

Ankhi could have simply been an actor as well. She won a National Award in the children's category for Amjad Hussain's movie Bhat De. “My parents didn't want me to work in films at that young age. They realised that if I joined the acting world at that point, I wouldn't complete my education. I also figured out that singing suited me better. With my singing career I got the full package -- completed my studies, had a happy family life and am doing something I love.”

Ankhi has been learning classical music since second grade. “My first teacher was ustad Akhtar Sadmani. Subse-

quently, I trained under Sanjiv De.” She rendered her first song in the movie Bidrohi Bau in 1994 and then her album Prothom Koli came out. Both were huge hits amongst the masses.

After tasting success, Ankhi had to decide what she wanted more in life. Prioritising became important. “Earlier in life I had no ambition to be a professional

singer; rather I had wanted to be a lawyer. However after the success of my album I realised I didn't want to study any more. I must admit I started enjoying the name, fame and money.

“I did have an advantage being Alamgir's daughter during the initial days. Everyone already knew me and so I didn't have a tough time being recognised

amongst the masses. For those who have no media background the launching pad can be difficult. Gaining recognition can prove to be a tough hurdle. But at the end one has to prove oneself. Someone else's name won't make you a star.”

In Ankhi's life her parents have been her greatest inspiration. “One thing they were both firm about was instilling moral values in us.” Her dad is also her biggest critic."If my song has a minute mistake he will immediately point that out. He does the same with my make- up, my attire and so on. He just wants me to be perfect. On the contrary, my mother is the opposite. For her, her daughter is always perfect.”

Ankhi describes herself as a very moody and self-willed person. While her parents were worried initially, she told them that if she ever disappointed them then they could stop her. But they soon realised she did everything expected of her, but at her own pace and mood. “This streak of moodiness has been there always. I got married and had two children at the peak of my career. Everyone said my popularity would diminish. But I went ahead. However I don't do things that would affect others negatively.”

Great at stage performances, Ankhi does plenty of shows abroad and in the country. She has just returned from Paris. With two young daughters she still manages to look young, energetic and fabulous. “My mom helps me out with the children. Besides that I have always felt that one should maintain oneself."

To be a real artiste, one has to be a good human being, believes Ankhi. “Learning classical music is necessary. But to sustain your popularity you have to know how to give in return all the love and affection you receive.”