Starlight – Aaisha Khan

Aaisha Khan

Founder of Girmit Diaries and The Stylander’s first SCRIBE.

Born and raised in New Zealand, AAISHA KHAN is the founder and curator of Girmit Diaries, a multi-SM platform library that shares the history, legacy and truth of INDOFIJIAN experiences.

GIRMIT DIARIES provides valuable information and clues to the ongoing identity displacement felt by many IndoFijians.

Aaisha’s nickname is “sass-ninja”, based on her serene all-seeing reserve, until she drops a witticism as delightfully sharp as Rekha‘s aura on the hoodie she’s wearing in the slide show. It’s no coincidence that Rekha is a role model:

“As someone who has grown up watching Hindi cinema, Rekha has always stood out, especially her versatility as an actress [From Silsila to Umrao Jaan and Khoobsurat to Khoon Bhari Maang].

Also her life, life story and experiences, she has gone through hell. I think I’ve watched pretty much every interview she’s done & it’s clear that she’s gone through s**t.

Rekha seems like she hasn’t let life nor her experiences turn her into a bitter or cold person. You can see that clearly. She radiates warmth and has remained soft, which shows in the way she treats people. Obviously I could be wrong, since I am coming to this conclusion based on what I’ve seen online but I don’t feel I am. Rekha’s just really cool.“

Role models also say a lot about the person who chooses the role model. Aaisha is also just really cool. And warm, funny and serious, reassuring and enigmatic.

In between the intense work for GIRMIT DIARIES and studying journalism, Aaisha, not surprisingly, loves watching true crime documentaries, researching old cases and reading. Otherwise she’s playing Nintendo or visiting the sugar-cane with her pet goats on her family’s farm.

“I also really like watching make-up and style videos.” – AK

Cover photo, photographs and self portraits by Aaisha Khan.

1. Is what you’re doing now what you always wanted to do growing up?

Yes and no, I have always wanted to do something for the community but it took me longer than I preferred, to realise or figure what that was.

2. Time travel: when, where and why?
My grandparent’s home in Ba, Fiji, when my great grandma was alive. Just to spend a moment with my great grandma, ask her a few questions or maybe, just to sit with her.
Or… London in 2020. It was my first time experiencing snow, albeit very minimal levels but still magical, lots of hot chocolate & staring whimsically out the apartment window thinking life would go the way I had planned.

3. What are you most grateful for?
My late father – just the man he was & the life / stability / security he provided me with. They don’t make men like my pops anymore. He put aside the turmoils of his life to be the best man for those who needed him.

4. How do you spend your free time?
Usually researching for or working on Girmit Diaries.
If not that, then reading or watching Netflix. Currently watching: Yellowstone.

*****

A QUICK REVIEW

SCALE:

5 – Must Watch
3 – Passes The Time
1 – Better Than Nails in Eyes

***** 5
Didn’t expect it, but I found it relatable, especially the generational storylines. John Dutton’s character arc reminds me of my Abba – they share some qualities, especially the love for land (though my dad didn’t take anyone else’s land). Kinda wanna be like Beth when I grow up, just not as cold.

*****

5. What colour would you use to describe yourself?

Usually blue, though right now it is white as am in ‘resting’ and ‘new chapter’ energy / stage of life.

6. Name a book that had an impact on you and why.
‘The Silence of Bones’ by June Hur, about the story of an indentured servant in Joseon (Korea).
Obviously very different geographic differences but it was the first time I read about the perspective of an indentured servant & everything that comes with it (in a fictional but factually correct manner).

7. Recommend three favourite sites:
Definitely the National Library of NZ for research, Tumblr.com (too many memories) and Suranya Sen Gupta, which is hands down my favorite blog.

8. What thing keeps you going on hard days?
Honestly just blind (at times naive) hope that everything will fall into place some day. 99% of the time, there is no point in wallowing for long periods of time – always tomorrow to be better.

9. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done (so far)?
My life hasn’t been that exciting haha but (censored answer) road trip to Taupo (earlier this year) without anyone in my family knowing.

10. What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?
Drama free, good people, sunsets, hearty food. Possible locations: Queenstown, London or North Carolina.

11. If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
Phone, Mohar necklace, books, laptop and water bottle because we like to stay hydrated.

12. Tattoos?
No tattoos. Never had the guts to actually get one but if I do, it would either be my great grandparent’s names or a (personal) constellation of stars.

13. What’s your biggest indulgence?
Coffee. An unhealthy amount.

14. If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Loaded fries.

15. Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?
K3G (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) for life.

16. Do you have a signature outfit?
Oversized hoodie and sweats.

17. What is your best childhood memory?
Sitting on the terrace of the grandparent’s house in Fiji, elders of the family were all around, no responsibilities, just pure vibes.

18. What do you want to be remembered for?
Selfishly for Girmit Diaries and hopefully just being a good person.

19. How would your friends describe you?
Sarcastic and the friend that will always show up no matter the time.

20. THREE things you love about yourself…. and ONE thing you would change.
Love about myself: Resilience, fortitude, my hair.
One thing I’d change: impulsiveness and overthinking. (Which are connected for me).