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Shahana Khan Khalil
 Shahana Khan Khalil is a talented model and actor who has been in the Isloo scene for a few years. Shahana has done ramp and has acted superbly in Isloo plays and mesmerised audience with her brilliant work. Mag4you.com met this talented girl and chatted about what’s up in Shahanas’ life:
Mag4you.com. What is on your mind?
At this very moment in time, well —- Hey you asked for it! I’ve got the plot of a fantasy story line trying to manifest itself with great fervor, full of adventure and enchantment, with spontaneous appearances from James McAvoy every two seconds. I can’t help it (smirk).
Mag4you.com: If you had to make an apology, what would it be for and to whom?
Probably myself. I think I owe myself one, for all the times I’ve disappointed myself, not listened to my better judgment and gone out and done something stupid. And also, for not living up to my total potential. That’s something I think we should all kick ourselves for.
Where’s the best place to be?
On the moon! I mean that both figuratively and literally. To respond in terms of geography, I’d say Broadway, Manhattan, Vancouver, BIG cities with lots of theatres. That’s real living. But I have an obsession with the North, like Alaska. I want to see the Aurora more than anything. So, I suppose being up there, underneath the glow of the Aurora, in the frigid cold would have to be the best place for me.
What scares you the most?
The dark. I can’t take absolute darkness. It’s like this big void, almost suffocating. Thank God for night lights. Other than that, it’s drowning. I can’t swim. I’ve had it in water.
What keeps you sailing in a crisis?
The advice the gives in My Best Friend’s Wedding. He says a few words to console Julia Roberts who happens to be sitting in complete self agony in the hall. Apparently, the words belong to his grandmother, he says, ‘This too, shall pass.’ It’s that and the fact that God Himself said that He would not overburden us with problems, whatever we face is completely in our capability to withstand. ‘That which doesn’t kill me can only make me stronger.’
Which item from your wardrobe do you love the most?
Ah, a few things, my sneakers, my Lynard Skynard T-shirt and my black overcoat, those are to top the lot of my clothes.
When was the last time you felt utterly insignificant?
Hmmm —- a rare moment. Let me see, utterly insignificant —- I can’t remember a specific moment as such but probably at times when I feel like I’m not being recognized as someone useful, thereby diminishing my worth. Again, I believe everyone has their own invaluable potential and without allowing it to thrive, you’re left incomplete because you’re not being all you can be.
Which song truly means something to you?
Music is the soundtrack of my life, there are so many. But to be specific, there are some soundtracks that really move me. A Small Measure of Peace by Hans Zimmer from the soundtrack of The Last Samurai is one of the best pieces I’ve heard.
What’s your favorite fashion purchase?
Fashion purchase —- hmmm. To be honest, I don’t consider myself ‘fashionable’ in the conventional sense of the word, The Devil Wears Prada kind. I’m very spontaneous so I dress accordingly, I think, whatever’s comfortable and I do like to experiment with clothes. For me, it’s khussas. I love them. I wear them with practically everything, different colours and designs. They look fashionable and funky to me, and comfortable.
Which fashion icon would you relate closely to your style?
Ha! Ha! Let me see. I don’t know who I relate to, I’ve never assessed myself like that, but I know I’d like to dress like Natalie Portman. I really like her dress sense; and Johnny Depp. They know how to dress. They’re sexy, funky and not conventional. Anything against the convention and you’ve got me.
What is the best thing about being famous?
Famous? Who? Me? No, no. I don’t consider myself famous. I know people. The people that need to know me —- know me. And you’ll always have your extra bunch of ‘frandship’/gossipmongers, which isn’t in your own hands. So yes, I’m glad I know the people that I want to know and vice versa. When I am famous, I’ll let you know.
Which was your most memorable day?
Well, since I have an insanely good memory I could give you many, of which I’m not embarrassed to share. But the one that sticks out right now is from the first professional stage play I had ever acted in here, Phantom Productions adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It was one of the earlier days of my career and I walked out onstage for my entrance scene. As I entered I was speaking and had to stop because the audience was hooting and applauding insanely. I stood there smiling, perfectly in character, and had to wait for a minute or two for the audience to settle down. Finally, they allowed me to go on. I went backstage after the scene, feeling so excited. I mean, it’s one thing to be appreciated so much during curtain call, but at my very entrance! Yeah, THAT made me feel special. There’s nothing like theatre.
The best compliment that you’ve received?
At the risk of being perceived as vain, I’ll say it was after my O’Level farewell party, when I was voted ‘Lady of the Evening’, a friend of mine said I looked stunning. Yes, people have paid me compliments about my personality but I usually take them well. When it comes to how I look, I usually disregard it because I’ve never known what to make of my appearance. I think I look human, period. So to have someone say I looked ‘Stunning’, well, it meant something.
When did you last laugh till you cried?
I think it was when my friend Osman told me the name of an Indian movie that Mithan Chakraborty was in. It was called Aa Ganji, Teri Maangh Bharoon. I still laugh thinking about it. I’ll laugh even now if he says it to me.
What is the cutest thing about you?
I am not cute. I am big strong, Pathan woman. Yeah!
What do you find truly tasteless?
Hypocrisy. I mean, like dude, seriously.
Who are the most significant people in your life?
My imaginary friend Shiloh, a fire pixie from Mars named Whoosh, my sneakers because they walk me, Dumbledore, heroes and other than them, my family and my friends. And lots and lots of people I haven’t met yet.
If you have to describe yourself in one word what that it would be?
Eccentric.
Who to you is the best-looking man on earth?
But some men are just beautiful, why one? If I had Johnny Depp or Milo Ventimiglia in front of me —- (sighs).
The proudest professional moment in your career?
Is the day I can stand there, accomplished, recognized and know that I did what I set out to do. Cliché? Alright —- then it’ll be when I finally start talking to the big statue heads on Easter Island and get my letter from Hogwarts.
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