Shakila (Persian: ??????) (born May 3, 1962, Tehran) is a Persian vocalist and master of classical Persian music.She studied both Persian classical music, (from maestro Mahmoud Karimi) and western classical music. In 2005, Shakila was awarded by Persian Academy Awards International for her modern Classical Performances. Shakila is the youngest child of her family. When she was only nine she was invited to a television show, which caught the attention of producers. Her family thought she was too young to sing professionally, so she focused on her studies. She studied music with Mahmoud Karimi at age 15 until some time afterward. When she turned 18 she decided to move to the United States.Shakila currently holds numerous international awards. She also performed on several international soundtracks, which she won several awards for.Shakila does not make the lyrics or melody herself.After studying classical music, she released her first album, "Kami Baa Man Modaaraa Kon." She is heavily interested in poetry, and sings many of Rumi's poems. Shakila has two sons, Shahrod and Behrod. She currently resides in San Diego, CA.