“If there is a required sexy scene needed in the movie, I will follow the company’s regulation. But, of course, I need the decision of my manager. ” – Sahil Khan, Philmoda and Viva Artist.
It took him several times to go to Viva Films’ office hoping to meet some pseudo-talent manager’s who promised him that he could meet film honcho, Boss Vic del Rosario, and a possibility of inking a movie contract. Unfortunately, all those so-called meetings were futile and they failed to fulfill their promises.
With the advice of a concerned Viva staff, Sahil Khan, with his persistence and patience, was able to find a manager, the hardworking and talent manager-of-the hour, Jojo Veloso of Philmoda Artist Management.
Sahil’s showbiz bravura happened after he was accidentally cast in the upcoming movie “Expensive Candy,” with Julia Barretto on the title role, under direk Paul Laxamana, and produced by Viva Film’s. It was a long story, but he was convinced by the film’s location manager to accept the role of a bar client, where the actress played a prostitute, and primarily the bar is owned by the aspiring actor himself. And after the movie, that’s where he realized that acting is a good opportunity to pursue. Incidentally, Sahil owns three bars in Pampanga, and a 2-star hotel.
In a rare interview with the half-Afghanistan showbiz newbie, Sahil admitted that he was surprised and moved by the gesture given to him by Veloso, who listened to his showbiz plans.
“I know (Papa) Jojo is busy but he took time to meet me and brought me to Boss Vic (Del Rosario), and was able to convince Viva to sign me up for a a 5-year, 10-picture contract with the company. And I was really happy and cannot thank him enough for the support he has given me. He is humble and kind. He’s been in showbiz for long, and I’m sure he can manage me well, ” claims the former military man.
Sahil’s life story is a big “teleserye” itself, and good enough to be featured in a true-to-life TV anthology (“MPK” probably). He was born in the country, but grew up and raised in the war-torn country of his dad. His parents met in Dubai as overseas workers. His dad works as a military- engineer and his mom a medical doctor working in a hospital. But due to the chaos in Afghanistan, his mom came back to the Philippines. After high school he took a two-year military course and after graduation, he served his country to fight against the Taliban.
With the desire to see his mom again, he left the military service and came back to the Philippines, thinking he had enough cash to support his vacation. And the only address given to him by his mom was Pampanga. Unfortunately, he was unable to find his mom in the given address.
He never stopped searching for his mother, until he realized he had no more money to survive. For days he slept in the park and begged for food. Until one day, an old woman saw him and gave him a shelter to stay.
Because of his looks, Sahil easily got a job. He initially worked as a waiter. And every time he got his salary, he kept half of it as savings. Until he was promoted to a manager. And it was during this time that he met a Korean woman who also became his business partner. They opened their own bar. But few years ago, his partner went home to her country and left him alone to manage their business.
Today, Sahil is considered to be a successful businessman. He hired managers to keep his business afloat, in spite of the pandemic. And because of this, he had more time to pursue his other interests, like… acting.
Meanwhile, he has been attending several drama workshops to improve his acting skills, and also his Tagalog tongue. With his military background, he hopes to try action movies. In the future, he aims to produce movies, with the right project. But he is happy now because he found his mom and visited her, who is now in Davao, with her own family, and working as a physician in a local hospital in the city.
