Shizza Khan is unpretentious from the word go. She has a unique appeal and she knows it. This effortless beauty wants to focus on her work and improve herself rather than focusing on the rat race in the industry. We all have an inner diva that emerges with age and experience and it is time for the world to see the real Shizza Khan. Fashion Times Magazine meets the actress for a fun chat…
Shizza Khan (SK): When you first came into the industry, it made us feel that here is a girl with a fresh new breeze, devoid of hypocrisy and pretense in an industry that is full of it. Did showbiz happen to you by default or design?
Fashion Times Magazine (FTM): Showbiz happened to me by design and I am glad it happened (Smiles). I’ve earned a name, and I’m forever grateful.
SK: As a child and growing up, what did you want most in life… wealth or fame?
FTM: I want peace and success with fame. My self-recognition is important as my identity matters the most. I don’t let the world drape hate over my shoulders. I am fueled by injustice and can be ruled by love. I don’t allow hatred to penetrate my surface. I choose to lay it down, mighty warrior. Rise above.
SK: Our industry follows the peripheral that comes with the expectations that an actress has to look gorgeous, tall, and has to have a good figure. Do you think our industry is entirely image-driven?
FTM: Yes! Everyone tried their best to dictate to me, who to be and how to look. But I choose not to listen. I tried to fit in for a while and it just wasn’t me. It never worked for me, I am not here to dull anyone’s sparkle or aim to shine brighter than others. Every individual has its place. I am not asking anyone to praise or admire me, just respect me. For all those who like following the crowd, please do what makes you happy.
SK: You did modeling, hosting and subsequently acting. Were your parents supportive of your career choice?
FTM: Yes! They have been a great support always. They let everything breathe -knowing fate isn’t something to be forced. They understand the fact that I am still learning and finding trust in optimism without entitlement. They told me “Don’t confuse your confidence with arrogance. Just be steady and glow. If people around knew how far you had come they would be proud of you. Beautiful things might be fleeting. Let’s appreciate them. Don’t hate change while reaching your destiny. Let’s enjoy the blue skies while they last.” Therefore, I let everyone wander, knowing what’s meant for me always finds its way home.
SK: You’ve tasted success early on in your career. Don’t you think that’s quite a lucky break, considering that the industry takes its own time to accept newcomers?
FTM: It was never easy, struggle days were tough and unforgettable. But I write in my heart that every day is the best day of the year. I have spent so much time fighting for things meant to leave when all along I should have been fighting for myself. The world gave me every reason to hate, and still, all I get is love.
SK: Were you expecting this kind of acceptance by the industry?
FTM: Surprisingly yes! But I have never been in a rush. I don’t rush into determining what the future holds. You don’t have to be inspired all the time just to tell yourself that a particular day is worthwhile. A small step forward is still a step forward. Even if you feel sluggish and like you’re doing nothing but lying in bed all day. You are doing your best and working hard to make ends meet for your future pursuits. So keep moving forward, be patient that better things will come, and have faith that all will fall into place. Doing your best is more than enough to justify your existence. You’ve come a long way from the person you used to be. I believe you will continue to do so. You will go a long way.
SK: Mein, Tere Bina Mein Nahi and Jo Bichare Gaye prove your versatility as an actor. What do you look in a script for?
FTM: For me the story, character, and theme is everything. You have to start with a strong story and a solid theme, and everything builds from there onwards. Without these elements, everything else is meaningless. Of course, one needs interesting characters that the audience can care about. The structure of the script needs to work on as well as it does on paper. Sometimes what reads so well on the page doesn’t necessarily translate on the screen. Of course, I also looked for scripts that would become films that I would want to see. I am not sure what you like, but I know what I like. I am usually able to judge a script very quickly in this regard.
SK: Is there a dark side to the people in the industry? How strong are you in this industry?
FTM: “Water does not resist, it flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient, dripping water wears away a stone. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”
SK: Tell us about your experience of working in theatre.
FTM: Theatre is absolutely fun, exciting, scary and most importantly a process of self-discovery. You get to wear costumes and heavy makeup. This is an extension of my first point because costumes are so essential to my theater experiences. They make me feel very confident, secure, and ready to perform. Instant friends, no effort required. You can make the audience laugh or cry, although that reaction is subtler and harder to notice from the stage. This particular ability feels like a superpower. You can explore the complete range of human emotions and have experiences on stage that you would never encounter in real life.
SK: Any dream role? Which directors you’d like to work with?
FTM: ‘Paro’ and ‘Chandramukhi’ from Bollywood’s ‘Devdas’ are my dream roles. I am an admirer of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and would love to play such characters. They are filled with so many shades and emotions. The lavish apparel, colors and meaningful dialogues, create a mesmerizing, larger-than-life impact on the screen.
SK: With love, comes criticism, too. How do you look at it?
FTM: Don’t waste your time hating a failure. Failure is a greater teacher than success. Listen, learn and move on. The conditions are always impossible. Believe in yourself and do whatever you are meant to do.
SK: Tell us about your style statement.
FTM: I see a beautiful person when I look in the mirror. And that’s what matters to me. Not the style of my clothes, but the passion in my spirit; this is what real beauty is. And if anyone tries to tell you differently, look past their eyes. True beauty starts from within.
SK: What is your go-to beauty regime?
FTM: My go-to beauty regime includes sunscreen, lip & cheek tint and my favorite perfume ‘Mancera Roses Greedy’.
SK: How do you deal with social media trolls?
FTM: Let’s forget the generosity of those who cannot love us.
SK: Your fans are eager to know; what’s next? Tell us something about your upcoming projects.
FTM: I have a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline. I will soon feature in ARY Digital’s ‘Khudser’ which is directed by Faisal Bukhari.
