This week, in our Mother’s Day special segment, a doting mother interviews her talented daughter...
interview
‘My daughter is my biggest achievement. She is a little star and my life has changed so much for the better since she came along’ - Denise Van Outen. This week, in our Mother’s Day special segment, a doting mother interviews her talented daughter...
Shaiyanne Malik is a renowned fashion designer, one of the pioneers of fashion industry of Pakistan. She is also a social entrepreneur and has travelled extensively, showcasing and highlighting Pakistani fashion and culture through her shows. Her daughter Zahshanné Zehra Malik is an upcoming artist who has inherited creative genes from her celebrity parents – Shaiyanne Malik and Sohail Malik, an ace theatre actor and director. We asked Shaiyanne to take her daughter’s interview from the perspective of a mother’s eye.
“Each one of my children is my achievement, pride, and joy and I am complete because of them.
We were both in Toronto, when I was commissioned to do this interview for Mother’s Day. Being in one continent, one city and one place at the same time, long enough to be able to do a question-answer session was a rare treat in itself because with both of our hectic work schedules that doesn’t happen very often,” shares the author. We hope you will enjoy this candid mum-daughter interview as much as we did. Ed.
Shaiyanne Malik: What are your earliest childhood memories?
Zahshanne Malik: I had a very ‘happening’ childhood, unlike other children.
My parents were busy people. Growing up, I always saw my parents busy with their shows, rehearsals, models, being behind stage and on-stage.
SM: What inspired you to be a dancer and a performing artist?
ZM: I didn’t choose theatre, instead it chose me. I was literally born into the world of theatre, glamour and showbiz. My mom told me that when she was expecting me, she was once on stage and as the music played she could literally feel me dancing in her stomach. For me, it is said that I could dance before I learnt how to walk. I also had an unwritten pact with my parents that I would be a part of every show they did and my parents happily complied seeing my natural flair and love for performing.
SM: What have been the setbacks and obstacles in your chosen profession?
ZM: Initially, people do not think that it’s your profession; they just think that you are skilled. They don’t see the time and effort that goes into perfecting your skill. In Pakistan, there is lack of unity in dance community and dancers do not support each other. Dancers, who are doing well, remain in their closed circles and do not encourage newcomers. It is a very competitive and unhealthy animosity which exists at times. It is my dream to have a community of dancers, a big family, where they care for each other and promote young dancers.
SM: What would be your advice to aspiring dancers?
ZM: Practice, practice and practice! Be disciplined and dance every single day. Attend different dance instructors’ classes whenever you get the opportunity. Follow those who inspire you and follow their routines. Perfect your chosen dance genre.
SM: And what is your chosen genre of dance?
ZM: I have been dancing from a very early age and it was always classical Kathak. Later, when I was in University, I went to Coachella, an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and saw Major Laser (music trio). The dancers inspired me to go back into dance because at the time I was studying theatre and drama. My genre diversified then.
SM: Do you offer trainings for aspiring dancers and what is the style that you teach?
ZM: Yes, I teach classical and commercial pop. I also teach a mix of hip hop, jazz, etc. I teach all age groups but none of my students are dancing professionally, yet.
SM: Do you teach dance and drama therapy?
ZM: No, I do not. But my classes are fun. Dance is rewarding, it spreads joy and builds confidence. Not everyone is a perfect dancer, actually dance gives a sense of self-esteem and everyone leaves my classes smiling. The energies are always positive.
SM: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
ZM: I don’t think so far into the future. I just want to dance. It is my passion and I want to pursue it. I want to perform and each time I do, I want to give it my best. For me, there is no compromise there and I want to be the best version of myself.
SM: Being a Citizen of Canada as well as of Pakistan, where has your art flourished more?
ZM: Canada is multicultural and accepts all cultures and encourages the performing arts. I train in Canada whenever I am there because the training opportunities are extensive. The competitive dance teams give me structure and I appreciate the professionalism in their work, which is stimulating.
Pakistan is culturally conservative, in this respect. Even though the opportunities are less, I have worked extensively in Pakistan, with work environment being challenging at times. While working in Pakistan, I try to collaborate and I want to perform with all the dancers because if we want our creative yet fledging industry to grow, it can only be done with team effort.
SM: How can we, as parents, help you to pursue your career?
ZM: By doing what you have always done. Giving me encouragement and support and by making my beautiful costumes.
At the end of the interview, just a few last words to my beautiful daughter. Always remember that you are brave, talented and capable. You have in the past and you will in the future accomplish anything your heart desires! Believe me because I am your mother and I have your back! Chin up my princess, dance on and don’t let the crown slip.
