She is walking with a purposeful dream by carving milestones of her acting skills on the way towards higher goals. Meet Ahana Shahi of Class X at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. In a candid interview, she is writing her journey with art, inclusion and achievements.
Share your recent district-level achievement.
I’m proud to share that I recently earned a district-level achievement. Being selected for the competition was a wonderful feel-good moment, and it motivated me to participate with great enthusiasm. I prepared the entire script and performance on my own, receiving last-minute approval from my teachers since I was away on a school trip.
How did you develop an interest in mono acting?
I developed an interest in mono acting because I’ve loved participating in dance and drama from a very young age. I aspire to become an actress, and that dream has encouraged me to step out, explore new opportunities, and keep improving my skills with every competition, whether I win or lose.
Tell us about your performance at the competition.
My performance focused on the theme of inclusion for people with special needs and the importance of staying patient while caring for them. In my act, I portrayed a mother who is exhausted from repeatedly telling her child not to draw on the walls. Eventually, she hands the child a phone, and the child becomes so absorbed in it that they no longer want to draw or engage in any other activities.
How did Apeejay School support your journey?
The school played a significant role in supporting my journey this time. I spent several periods in the counsellor’s room observing children’s behaviour so I could portray it accurately in my act without creating any stereotypes. The teachers were supportive, helping me refine both my script and my performance, which made a big difference in my preparation.
What’s your biggest takeaway from the competition?
My biggest takeaway from this competition was that whatever I choose to perform should truly come from within. I also learnt that for the zonal, it’s perfectly fine to use my previous script, as the judges change at every level. What matters most is how much I improve, continuously polishing and perfecting my performance each time.