Shireen Khan is an independent screenwriter and filmmaker. He has written three feature films, one of which won the 2nd prize at Qalambaaz screenwriting Fellowship. Recently, he has co-authored a feature film under the title of ‘Sandstormʼ at Vidhi Films Screenwriting Lab in collaboration with the Locarno Film Festival. In his writing, he explores topics such as politics, existence and spaces. He currently teaches Mass Communication in Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences. He takes part in our interview series to shed light on more of his psyche.
The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I would say everyone sharing the same space devoid of boundaries.
What is your greatest fear?
To never do something that is meaningful.
Which living person do you most admire?
My teacher.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Junk food and films.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Kindness. Honestly, I can be a very selfish person.
On what occasion do you lie?
A lot of times. I arrive late so about my timing. To avoid risking someone else. Lying in order to not go to weddings.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Nothing actually. I have found a way to accept myself as I am.
Which living person do you most despise?
A lot of people. Currently, Imran Khan.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
It depends on the person. But if asked to single out, I would say empathy.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Same, empathy.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
‘Oh God’ and I use the word ‘shit’ often too.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Films. I love films. It makes me believe in the soul of things.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Playing a musical instrument. I once played a guitar and broke its strings, so yeah!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Overthinking. It exhausting.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Haven’t achieved anything great yet. My writing is terrible so I would say finding a good connection with my students.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
A musical instrument. (And I hope I never get played by a person like me).
Where would you most like to live?
Switzerland.
What is your most treasured possession?
My laptop.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Helplessness.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I am a good storyteller.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their understanding and sense of humour.
Who are your favorite writers?
I have a list but to name a few: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Milan Kundera, Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Gorky, Tolstoy, Arundhati Roy and many more.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Pavel from ‘Mother’.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My teacher, an activist friend of mine and many more.
What is your motto?
Live and let live.
