Shivani Khandoo, 16, who is from Sangre Grande has established herself as a singer/model/actress.
“Most times the nights are long as performers wait to get on stage,” Shivani said, adding that the entire process of hairstyles, make-up, elaborate costuming and bright lights are a norm for them.
Shivani is the daughter of singer Ricky and Shamin Kandhoo. She has one brother Akshay Shivan Khandoo who is also a singer.
She studied at the SWAHA Hindu College for the past five years and is currently awaiting results for the CXC examination.
She describes her school as one of best colleges both academically and in its religious education.
Shivani first sang in temple at age 13, where she accompanied her parents in singing bhajans.
“This art form has helped me to develop a stronger religious background,” she told Sunday Newsday.
She noted that singing really helped her in expressing her feelings in song. She was inspired by listening to her father and by listening to the songs from India’s Kavita Krishnamurti and Lata Mangeshkar. She also draws inspiration from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
“I started to delve into the politics of the lands since her win at the polls,” she admits, adding that there is a lot to learn about the country.
The confident Shivani placed first runner-up twice in the NCIC Teen Queen (2008 and 2009) competition.
This experience, she says has motivated her as she gained the respect from her peers in school and also from fellow villagers.
Her goal in life is to be a certified accountant and to do whatever it takes to uplift East Indian culture.
She describes herself as a religious individual as she attends many temples throughout the country and she is a member of the Sant Nagar Hindu Temple and Tulsi Manas Mandir. In both temples she is heavily involved in the Ramleela and Divali activities.
The last book she read, she says, was 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
“This book has inspired me to overcome challenges and the tough issues and life changing decisions I face as a teenager,” says Shivani.

Article Posted in Sunday Newsday
http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,123471.html