“I don’t believe in a plan B. If you focus on two different
things, you will never accomplish one. Plan A is acting
and I’m sticking with that. There is no plan B.”
MC: You had a big break last year
when you were cast in the video for
Britney Spears’ hit “Slumber Party.”
What’s it like to star in a video with
58 million views and counting?
SA: The video was very fun. The produc-
tion was amazing. I had one of the best
times of my life. It was a last-minute
booking for me that was not supposed
to happen, but I’m glad it did. It was fun,
it was amazing. It took two days to shoot
it, and I was the love interest of Britney.
The director, Colin Terry, is very good at
making music videos. He does an amaz-
ing job. It’s become an iconic thing. That
video went crazy.
MC: Considering the current political
climate, are you proud to be a role
model for immigrants?
SA: Definitely. Of course. I came from
Iran, and we have some of the greatest
people who have made their marks. I
56 APRIL 2017 | ironmanmagazine.com
don’t think I have made my own mark
yet, but it is something that people look
up to. I love being inspirational to peo-
ple. And I am very flattered that some
people recognize that. I moved here nine
years ago. I have experienced the Amer-
ican Dream. If I can do it, anyone can
do it. I am very flattered that I can inspire
other people.
MC: Who is your favorite group to
inspire?
SA: The group closest to my heart is defi-
nitely kids. They always have a hero. As a
child growing up, I had people I looked up
to. I had coaches, and they made such a
big impact on me and were so inspiring
to me. I know how important that is. I
have always worked with kids. I see the
impact in the kids I have inspired, and it is
the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
They make you feel like a million dollars.
It’s something that moves my heart. IM
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