His early life went through a turbulent period when, on February 6,1984, his family was forced to move from Karachi and settle in India. Leaving behind a large estate, they had to make a fresh start and life for themselves. A mere 26 then, Khilnani had to decide what direction his life would take. "In those days an artist's job was not a lucrative one. It paid very poorly and often not enough to sustain oneself. Hence I decided to get into the teaching line," he explains. For several years he was a mentor to countless students. As a teacher, he taught the disciplines of English, Persian and Geography, and later, as the principal, he was instrumental in bringing up the school from strength of about 100 students to 6000 students at the time he left in 1980.

As one chapter in his life drew to a close, he decided not to take up another job, but to devote all his time to his interests. "After retiring I immersed myself in my hobbies. I began to paint, which is still my first love. I also, simultaneously, began to write poetry in Urdu as well as in English. I have always been fond of music and have composed and performed many ghazals," says the effervescent Khilnani. A favourite at social dos, he was always ready to perform any of his own compositions whenever called upon. Has he ever considered focusing all his energy on just one discipline? "If you eat one type of food you get bored of it, where as if you have a variety it keeps your interest alive and your mind fresh," is his reply.