There's no better way to spend your Sunday evening than getting to know some of your favorite stars a little better. We spoke to Miss International South Africa, Shajar Khan, this week. We chatted about her role as Miss International SA, her favorite celebs, and where we can catch her hanging out.
Hi Shajar, welcome to ZAlebs. You're the current Miss International SA, a title that some people confuse with Miss SA and other variations. Please tell us more about it.
Miss International SA is very different to Miss SA. It's an international title and we compete internationally against representatives from other countries. I recently represented South Africa in Chicago against over 40 other nationalities.
This is my first title. I started doing pageantry when i was 17. It was a title that was always close to my heart and in line with my ambitions. I thought this would be a good platform to express my passions and have an influence on a global scale.
That sounds very interesting, as well as exciting (Especially getting to travel to Chicago!). How have you found the overall experience?
It was challenging because I had to get my own sponsors. For that to happen, people needed to know what the platform is about, and what the investment would entail. My journey was amazing though- I went with the whole family and we took a vacation. We went via New York and eventually made our way to Chicago. I was also invited to the Trump Towers for a business meeting. To be 23 and doing things like that was a complete honor.
So tell us a bit more about Shajar- what do you stand for, what do you like, what do you hate?
Im a Joburg girl- that's why I loved New York so much. I like the city and fast paced life. I have an older sister who is also my best friend, and we have our family here. Apart from pageantry I model part time, I am a brand ambassador of Ralo Cosmetics. I study at UJ, majoring in Human Resources Management. I am also the ultimate socialite, I love having a good time.
You mention that you're an ambassador for a couple of brands, Help2Read and Ralo Cosmetics- tell us a little more about your ambassadorial roles?
Help2Read promotes literacy, they're an organization that started overseas and eventually came to Cape Town. Before I left for Chicago, I was appointed as an ambassador, along with Jeannie D. We promote the platform and get books for donations.
I also attend events as Miss SA International ambassador and a Ralo Cosmetics ambassador. I represent the brand as a role model, while helping to promote the brand. My goal is to show that hard work, undoubtedly, pays off.
What would be your next goals, can we expect to see you on Television?
I have actually done some presenting, mainly for Top TV.. I'm actually a bit camera shy, i need to work on it. However, I still love what i do, and wouldn't change that!
Where can we find Shajar Khan in a typical week- any parties or events we should look out for you at?
There are so many! I was at the Jonathan Boynton Lee's birthday party recently. I like to be everywhere, as long as there's a good party and great company. I'm still doing what I can to get my name out there. Self management can be tricky!
We've actually attended a few of the same events- In your pictures you always look to be having a lot of fun with the hottest guys and gals in Mzanzi. Who would you say is your Celeb BFF?
Quite recently I had the pleasure of meeting Jen Su, and we had an amazing time! We took Instagram pictures, shared tweets and enjoyed each other's company. I also really enjoy Simba Mhere's company. He's a great person, also very funny. At one stage we got lost for an hour looking for The Cod Father, but it was all good. We had a laugh and listened to Drake the whole time.
What did you want to be when you were 5 years old?
I wanted to be a lawyer until I studied it! I didn't enjoy it one bit, however. Those books were ridiculously boring. I also wanted to be a model for a while.
Everybody has a weird habit, what would you say yours is?
I have OCD. I wash my hair everyday. I smell everything. I clean everything. My hands, everything. I've had it forever.
We really enjoyed chatting to Shajar Khan and are looking forward to watching her star rise higher and higher as she continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry. We hope you recognize us at the next cool event Shajar! If you would like to keep in touch with her, follow her on Twitter.
Do you have any questions you'd like to ask Shajar? Leave them in the comments section below.