Leila Khan
4th October 2024
Photographer & Editor-in-chief: Owen James Vincent
Interview & Digital Editor: Pankhuri Bhutani
Styling: Rasa Balcuinate
Makeup: Jumoke Ajayi
Hairstylist: Lucy Muyanga
Retoucher: Edd Kaspar
Styling Assistant: Angel Sahota
Heartstopper has already transformed into one of the most successful LGBTQ+ projects to have ever graced our screens. And now, they're back with their highly-anticipated new season.
As the fans gear up to witness what the Netflix project has in store in terms of all the character's stories and their respective arcs, one of the main spotlights this upcoming season is on Sahar Zahid.
Played by the wonderful Leila Khan, Sahar was introduced within the Heartstopper-verse in the previous installment as one of the newest members of Nick and Charlie's group.
A perfect amalgamation of a genius and an artistic soul, Leila Khan is all set to showcase an extremely creative side to her character this season as the project's recent teaser hinted Sahar to be dipping her toes and immersing herself within the landscape of music.
While laying out the sickest of beats and projecting her impeccable vocal abilities to the world, Leila Khan embodies a never-before-seen side to Sahar being a musical prodigy.
Leila Khan joins us on ReVamp as our latest cover star to discuss what it was like finally getting to graduate in real life, her experience reuniting with the cast, how she prepared for Sahar's musical arc, what we can expect in terms of Sahar's journey in this upcoming season, and all things HEARTSTOPPER.
Dress, Zeynep Kartal
Earrings, Maison Lumiere
Bracelet, Hot Diamonds
Before diving into the much anticipated season of Heartstopper, I need to talk about a very important chapter of your private life.
First of all, huge congratulations on your recent graduation! How did it feel like when you finally graduated and how did you personally focus on and balance both acting and education as elements together when it came to factors like time management?
Thank you! So, I don't manage my time very well, I'll be honest. I just do everything at the last minute but that's how I work the best and think that's where my best work comes out.
I believe I wrote my dissertation over the course of a week. I remember it was due in at 10 a.m. and I was still writing it at around 6 a.m. But I got a first so I was really happy that I graduated!
I'm really happy that it's over. It's like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders because I had to keep taking my time out to shoot and then go back to the University. Then I took some more time out to shoot 'Death in Paradise' and I further went back to University and now we're done!
Shirt & Trousers, Flowery He
And obviously diving into Heartstopper, what was it like stepping back into the shoes of Sahar.
Was it a bit easier for you now that you played this character in the previous installment or did you face any challenges this time around?
Yes, it was so much easier stepping into Sahar's shoes. I felt so much more comfortable and confident stepping back on the set and working with everyone again.
Like you said, I had to sing for this new season. They asked me to sing a song and that was a challenge since I was like, 'I don't know if I could do it. I'm not a singer.' But everyone was so lovely including the producers Brett (Thomas) and Patrick (Walters) and everyone who helped us set up.
They gave me singing lessons. I worked with the composer Adiescar Chase in her studio. Even though it was a big challenge, it was one that I was excited to bite my teeth into and have fun with because when do you ever get paid to learn to sing for a little bit? (Laughs)
Earrings, Xhen Xhen
Blazer, Trousers & Top, Sirimon
Heels, Pleiades
Netflix recently released the trailer like literally yesterday but there was also a teaser/sneak peek of Sahar playing some amazing beats and music in this upcoming season.
So pertaining to that what was your first impression to Sahar having these wonderful musical moments that finally delves into showcasing that passionate side to her and how did the preparation for it go?
It was really exciting. The composer had written the song from Sahar's point of view.
We sat down and really talked about how Sahar uses her creativity to express herself and really deal with those kind of chaotic things that are going on in her life as well as how she processes her relationship with Imogen.
So it was really exciting to see that and explore that side of Sahar that we haven't seen yet.
This show has such a plethora of fascinating characters but I'm very curious to know in terms of Sahar, is there any specific element that you absolutely love about her, perhaps something that you think makes her stand out from the other characters in the show?
I think she can just be brutally honest and she just will say how it is which is great. She doesn't shy away from being herself and I believe that's what makes her stand out and why we should all take a little bit of a leaf out of Sahar's book in that sense.
Don't shy away from who you are. Just be who you want to be and sod what anyone else has to say about it.
Trousers, Vidi Blak
Bracelet, Hot Diamonds
What was the most memorable and favourite scene that you had to shoot as well as a specific scene that you're really excited about and looking forward to getting everyone's reaction on?
I would have to say Darragh's (Hand) entrance is phenomenal. I remember we were filming this scene where we're all sat on a bench and Darragh as Michael, he's kind of talking about his issues with Tori and he can't find her.
He's just brilliant at what he does. I remember we couldn't stop laughing at every single take and at how good he was. He was really in the zone and really like Michael.
I'm excited for the fans to see Darragh's Michael Holden, and them to see Sahar and Imogen's journey this season. Maybe it's not what they're expecting.
I'm also excited for them to see Darcy's journey. I'm excited for it all! They're gonna love it. I can't wait!
Dress, Zeynep Kartal
I was talking to Tobie (Donovan) and Corinna (Brown) just the other day and both of them mentioned how this season involves a bit more mature theme than we witnessed in the previous two seasons.
So, what can you tell us about the arc? Do you think Sahar goes through a similar route in terms of her character development or is there any other novel aspect that we and the fans can expect from her storyline?
This season, I think Sahar definitely is. This season is all about watching these characters grow up. And, as you're growing up, you kind of face different problems and you have got to try to navigate the world from your perspective and the feelings that you have.
So, I think each character has their own kind of journey of navigating those feelings and also joining Sixth Form. That's a whole new challenge for them.
This season is definitely about seeing these characters really find their place in the world as well as finding out who they really are or who they potentially want to be in this world.
It is really exciting but scary and not uncommon since we've all got to go through it. So it's nice to see our favourite characters doing it with us.
I mean we're on the verge of Heartstopper releasing. It's almost 2 weeks away now, so how is this anticipation period going for you, Leila?
I'm 100% nervous and 100% excited. I'm currently a mix of everything. At first, everyone kept saying, 'Oh, you know Heartstopper Season Three's out soon!' and you don't really feel it but now I've just had the moment of realization that it's actually coming out in a couple of weeks so it's a little bit scary, but it's fun too.
I hope the fans like the singing and hope that I did Sahar justice.
I'm just grateful. I'm so grateful for the show, the people that we made it with and the fans as well.
And finally, what else can we expect from you? Anything else you're currently working on?
I'm not allowed to say too much but I'm currently working on a few potential projects for screen and stage. Although, there's nothing that I can share right now but hopefully I will have some news soon!
You can watch Leila Khan in the new season of Heartstopper streaming on Netflix now.