Dec 09 2014.
views 3201A chat with 22 year old Actor, Model and Radio Personality - Kiran Rai
Sitting down with Kiran Rai, makes you wonder how much you can achieve within a short span of time and how much success one can endeavor at the young age of 22. Kiran currently hosts the celebrity talk show titled "Secrets with Kiran Rai" which is broadcast on six different radio channels and two television stations in the UK. He also plays a significant role in the Hollywood movie "Forbidden Note" which is currently in its post production stage. This suave British Indian, proved to be an amicable and cheerful character as he narrated to me on how it all began for him once upon a time. So here's Kiran's story up-close and personal!
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How would you describe yourself?
An artistic businessman I suppose? I'm a model, actor and radio host which defines me as a media personality. At a young age I figured out that my passion was media, arts and entertainment and here I am!
Rewinding back to a couple of years ago, what would you call a turning point in your life?
I suppose it was "Good Things Happen To Good People", a show which I wrote directed and produced on my own at the age of 18 which helped me get to where I am. It was a reenactment of my life story and I played 27 different characters! Looking at it on a more personal note, it was a depiction of the unlikable childhood I experienced. I didn't have the best relationship with my family especially my mother, which made me headstrong to bring myself up alone. This drove me to produce at the West End theatre show in UK which later paved the way to a show at Broadway in New York. However, I didn't stop there. Since "Good Things Happen To Good People", I've come a long way, much more refined and polished with experience and more energy for the next big thing.
Most rewarding experiences you'd like to recall?
I am represented by the number 1 agency I.C Talent which also represents intriguing personalities such as Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Jackson 5 which is an absolute honour and definitely rewarding experience. In addition to that I received an award from the president of Super Bowl for being 'Head of Media ' for the World Corporate Games. It was a hectic job but I nailed it, if I say so myself. Another experience I'd consider as rewarding is being signed onto two record labels, namely Phantom Records and P.B Records and also without fail I must mention the time when a famous Bollywood painter Shankar Eson Loy, portrayed my work in top British art galleries in London. I also mentor and represent young people who want to make a difference. Well these are few, I can recall as rewarding.
What are the career challenges you've faced so far, in all your mediums of entertainment?
The appointment as head of media for the World Corporate Games was definitely a tough challenge which I took on well and even won an award for. Working under pressure relentlessly and the blending in is what I'd call tough. It isn't easy for a young Asian guy to mingle and fit in especially amongst top personalities who barely know you. The adjustment was tough but I made it through. Similarly, when looking at my modelling career, the toughest was to model alongside models who were 6 feet and above at the Liverpool Fashion Week. It was intimidation right away, because I am just 5'10' but I took it up anyway and in turn I received the opportunity to do a worldwide campaign shoot along with Oscar nominated Actor Oris Erhuero and supermodel Ruth Oti which was great.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
The relationship between me and my mom.
What is your ultimate satisfaction in life?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be the biggest star in the world. But now honestly I am too hurt and lonely inside, I'm tired of proving myself and I just want mental happiness. Although I've professionally acquired many things, I don’t think I've gained mental happiness. I really do want to reconcile with my family and at the same time I'm done trying to prove to everyone that I'm not naïve and stupid. In other words, I am never satisfied and I'm temporarily happy which lasts for about a half hour or so. Then I move on to the next big thing.
Any other passion in life apart from media and entertainment?
I was a tennis player for quite many years but it never worked out. It was very tough to get a ranking and I changed my career path as soon as I realized it wasn’t my calling but I truly enjoyed the sport.
Who do you idolize?
Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep.
Any regrets in life?
Many. But I make it a point to learn from them.
Most treasured moment in life?
Your question really got me thinking and sad to say that I don't have one. It is not because I can't pick as I have many, but the fact that there is no self satisfaction which lasts, to consider a specific moment as special. So no such treasured moment.
What is the next big thing for Kiran?
Parachute, a film which I'd be a part of here in Sri Lanka. I don't really have a plan as such, just more of go with the flow and continue what I'm doing at the moment.
By Eshani Seneviratne
Interview photos by Kushan Pathiraja
Modelling photos courtesy Kiran Rai
0 Comments
Thiwanka says:
Dec 10, 2014 at 12:00 amSuch an Inspirational Story and Inspirational Person