From Finance to Fame: Shaz Khan's Acting Journey

In this episode, I sit down with Shaz Khan — Pakistani-American actor, writer, and director — to explore his unexpected journey from aspiring pilot to powerful storyteller in the film industry. Shaz opens up about navigating cultural identity, confronting typecasting, and breaking away from traditional expectations to carve his own path in Hollywood. We discuss the emotional depth behind his roles, the vision behind his latest project The Martial Artist, and the broader need for authentic South Asian representation in cinema.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Cultural Identity & Representation – How Shaz navigates being brown in the entertainment world and champions authentic South Asian narratives.
• Breaking the Mold – The challenges of typecasting, family expectations, and why creating your own stories matters.
• The Power of Storytelling – Exploring The Martial Artist, and how universal themes and cultural heritage can come together through film.