Daughter takes Amjad Khan's legacy forward

Nothing in Ahlam Khan's manner will tell you that she is a star-kid. Nor is she used to name-dropping. The daughter of Amjad Khan has carved a niche for herself in Indian theatre and gives credit for her success to her passion for acting.
On her first visit to Assam, Ahlam talked about the inspiration she still derives from her late father and her passion for the art form."My decision to choose acting as a career is purely because of my passion for the art form and my greatest inspiration has been watching my father act during childhood," said Ahlam. She is on a visit to the city to perform in a play that will be staged in the Natasurjya Theatre Festival, 2009.
Unlike other star kids in Bollywood, Ahlam chose to stay away from mainstream Bollywood and concentrate on theatre. "My father was part of it and I have seen some harsh and nasty realities of the industry. The glamour is only a facade," she said.
Losing her father at a very young age was a big blow for her and the family. "It is my mother who should get all the credit for keeping his ideals alive in us. But yes, even though he was a celebrity, losing him was very painful for all of us. Moreover, it brought us face to face with the flip side of the coin when most of his so-called celebrity friends disappeared quickly," she added.
"My father started his career as an actor in theatre. Eventually, he entered films but continued acting in one of my uncle's plays. The rehearsals were held on our terrace. I often watched his plays and films and that's how the acting bug bit me. Familiarity with the environment helped me in a number of ways," said the talented artiste. She admits that she still misses her father a lot. "I feel his presence and get guidance from him all the time. Yet there are times when I miss him and feel there is so much I could have talked to him about and learnt from him had he still been around."
But she fondly remembers some great characters that Amjad Khan played in some films. "Gabbar Singh's character made him a legend. But it is his portrayal of Wajid Ali Shah in Shatranj Ke Khiladi is, in my opinion, his best role," said the doting daughter.
Although she has no plans of venturing into cinema, she is open to offers. "I have done a short experimental film for a friend and am open to good cinema and roles I can believe in. Films that are offbeat and have something edgy about them attract me," she added.
At present she is madly in love with the beauty of Assam and the majestic Brahmaputra River. "I find the place and its people very warm and beautiful. I always wanted to learn more about the North-East and want to come back here as much as possible," said Ahlam, all geared up to set the stage on fire.