We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shahjehan Khan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shahjehan below.
Shahjehan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’ll be a series regular on Hulu’s upcoming “Deli Boys” (https://g.co/kgs/amQZYXW)
After years of feeling like I was trying to change myself to fit into someone else’s box, an opportunity came along to be part of something groundbreaking, fresh, and an unlike anything America has ever seen on screen. I spent two months working on this Pakistani-American crime comedy and finally feel like our stories are being taking seriously and supported by the industry.
It was a dream come true not just as an actor, but as an artist looking to leave a meaningful legacy behind.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a Pakistani-American actor, musician, and media professional from Boston and I’m always looking to collaborate so please do reach out if you think we could work together in some capacity.
ACTOR
Succession as “Len”
Aftermath as “Ozzie” opposite Dylan Sprouse
Deli Boys as “Ali” (coming soon to Hulu, I’m recurring in the series)
MUSICIAN
Co-founder desi-punk legends THE KOMINAS
Current guitarist/backup vocalist with RAVI SHAVI
Guitarist/backup vocalist with Sonny Singh and Valarie Kaur for Revolutionary Love Tour 2024
NARRATOR
Earphones Award-Winner for LATE BLOOMERS by Deepa Vardarajan
“Naveen” in Desi-Romance Thriller “Partners in Crime” by Alisha Rai
Co-Narrator in “Four Eids and a Funeral” by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
Ambie-Webby nominated host of KING OF THE WORLD Podcast Series a seven-part series that follows my journey through addiction, identity, creativity, and what it means to belong as a Muslim in America in the 20 years after 9/11.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In late 2021, I had to leave my full-time job. I was terrified but I did it anyway because I wasn’t happy. I picked up a shift driving a delivery van until I was able to start earning more money.
I still have to pick up gigs all the time, this is not a stable industry at all. I believe there’s nothing wrong with doing any regular job to survive, it makes you an interesting person, and it doesn’t mean you’re “not an artist” if you aren’t earning only from your art.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Give value to art instead of commodifying it in the name of “content”. Go see stuff, buy stuff from us, treat us like the life-saving and life-enriching people we are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shahjehankhan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahjistan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalikShahjehanMuhammadKhan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahjehan-khan-b21632b9/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shahjistan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShahjehanMKhan
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/shahjehankhan
Image Credits
Richard Pizzuti; Fahmida Azim