I am better than girls who pretend to be sweet and docile and live secret lives of sin. Being a porn star doesnt mean I sleep around in my personal life, Sahara Knite, Indian girl and current shining star of British adult industry, tells Nona Walia in an exclusive interview from London
"I know, youve already made up your mind about me even before you begin reading what I have to say. Im a porn star. That itself stereotypes me as a bad girl. Does having sex in front of the camera for professional reasons mean I cant be a nice human being and lead a normal personal life? True. Being a porn star brings imbalances in your life and relationships, especially with your family.
Im an Indian Muslim girl from Gujarat. My parents moved to London in the 60s. My family is very conservative, but I grew up as a rebel. But, let me tell you, what I do for a living doesnt dictate who I am. I get hate mails by the dozen, everyday people call me to say: they want to kill me or theyll shoot me. But Im not ashamed of myself. Ive been working in the adult industry for two years now and I love what I do. I dont hide under false pretences.
If you think porn stars are exploited, youre wrong. Were here by our free will. Were paid extremely well. I have to work extremely hard for the money I earn. I speak my mind freely, Ive done an article for Sun and a documentary for Channel 4 on my life. Ive just finished an interview with Mens Vogue and a photo shoot for Mayfair magazine. Everybody wants an interview with me. They want to know the darker side of my life.
Im getting invited to top talk shows on television and radio. I can say that in the cult of global celebrities, porn stars are the latest addition. Were suddenly in the spotlight, writing books and advising people on how to make love like a porn star. Suddenly, theres unexpected acceptance about our work.
No, I never had a moralistic debate about whether I should be a porn star or not. I needed the extra money, so I went ahead and did the movies. So far, Ive done about 70 porn movies.
Just before joining the adult entertainment industry, I was a model and worked for French Connection. Ive had a very conservative upbringing. I couldnt even meet boys or talk to them when I was growing up. I wasnt allowed to go for parties either. During my teenage years, I was crazy about fashion. I dreamt of wearing the sexiest outfits by world-famous designers.
Now, I think working for porn movies is exciting. Im an actress, theres somebody who does my make-up, hair and Im ready for action. While shooting, I often think of shopping, fixing my tap at home or what Ill have for dinner
Most porn actresses are educated, intelligent women, and you cant abuse us just because of what we do.
I dont drink or smoke, and I dont harm anyone. I dont do drugs and I didnt get abused when I was growing up. Im a normal girl. Im not a hypocrite. When I was working for French Connection, I was wearing hijab
I tried to be religious. I accept that Im a Muslim. There arent many Asian Indian women like me, but Im not an object, I have feelings. I believe sex isnt bad, it cant be suppressed. Looking the other way doesnt mean people wont have sex or will stop watching porn.
In London, Asian men typically will watch porn at home, but wont accept a porn star for a girlfriend! An Indian being a porn star gets extreme reactions. Thats the reason I dont have a boyfriend. Im an open and different girl, and thats something men dont like. Being a porn star doesnt mean Im a prostitute, I dont sleep around in my personal life. Im better than other girls like me, who pretend to be sweet and docile and live secret lives of sin. But most men cant believe that. Id rather date someone who sees me as a person and not just a body. Thats the reason Im always honest about my profession with men I meet.
Do I want to get married? Of course! Lets say, if a guy falls in love with me and wants marriage, I wont resist it. Im not consciously trying to bring disgrace to my family. Initially, I didnt tell my parents about my work. One day, my cousin was watching Babestation, the soft porn channel in the UK, and happened to see me. His wife informed my parents. Today, my mother and brother dont talk to me. My father calls up once a month to find out if Im okay. Anyway, Ive stopped caring about what anyone will say or think. If parents could accept the choices their kids made, there would be fewer cases of depression, suicides and honour killings in Britain.
Im 31 now, I want to make money for four years and then direct some porn movies. At the end of the day, being a porn star isnt glamorous, its just a job done. Initially, I would think, Gawd! I cant do this. But thats the initial hiccup. After that, you dont think too much. Sometimes I have to work with men I dont like. Then, I just concentrate on their feet or hands and mentally switch off.
I can understand why people would want to kill me. Asians would have certain expectations from me. But I want to assure them that Im proud to be an Indian. Im religious, and I love going home to India every two years. Being a porn star doesnt make me less of a human being, daughter or friend. These are some of my honest confessions. Im not hurting anyone. Is it fair to target me just because Im a porn star?