Sunday 4 August 2019

Celebrity Feature - Kriya Gangiah

Brad Patterson had the opportunity to chat with the beautiful and talented Kriya Gangiah! The vivacious presenter has had an interesting career and has come so far to where she is now, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

BP - We all know that the media doesn’t always get all their info correct, what is the strangest thing you have read about yourself that wasn’t true?
KG - I was celebrating my dating anniversary with my boyfriend and for some reason a publication decided to publish that we were married.

BP - Everybody starts their working careers off small, what was your very first job?
KG - Well besides selling a bunch of random things at school, like hair clips and sweets, I even tried fireworks once (that didn’t go down well). I started off as a waiter at Ocean Basket in Menlyn. I still go there regularly!

BP - The Digital Media Industry is a tough nut to crack, what advice do you have for anyone considering a career in this field?
KG - You need to always be ahead of the curve, so make sure you know what the latest coolest new developments are, and how to use them to better your business and your clients’ businesses.

BP - In your line of work, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most memorable?
KG - Recently, I have to say Brian Lara. Not only was I star struck, growing up watching him constantly beat South Africa. But I didn’t realise he is such a nice down to earth person. He is also a really good dancer!

BP - Given your onscreen popularity, I am sure you have encountered a few interesting star-struck fans along the way, what has been your favourite fan encounter?
KG - Once at a party, I had someone walk up to me and say I’m much shorter in real life and just walk away. That was a little strange for me.

BP - Even the most successful people have had somebody they would love to meet, given the opportunity. Who would you like to meet?
KG - To be honest with you, I have already met such inspirational people who have really become pillars in their industries. Like Sureshnie Rider for example, who proved you can be a strong Indian female, true to your roots and still be successful.

BP - Now onto a more personal note for those super-fans out there> Where did you grow up, and what was it like growing up where you did?
KG - I grew up in the South of Johannesburg, in Robertshem and moved to Pretoria when I was about 12. I had a really normal upbringing with a typical Brady Bunch family! Always in each other’s business but unbelievably supportive.

BP - Everyone’s career goals changed and adapt as they grow, what did you see yourself becoming as a child? And, how much does it differ from your current career?
KG - It really differs! I wanted to become a VET. Which is extremely different.

BP - How has your success affected your personal life?
KG - It’s weird, I kind of feel like it’s a bit of a drug for me. I have this unexplainable drive that I want to do more. I want to try and make a success of everything I get involved in.

BP - What has been your most challenging decision in your career thus far? What made it so challenging?
KG - Leaving my very first radio job. I loved radio so much and to let the place that started the passion go was quite hard for me.

BP - What has been your most memorable moment in your career thus far? What made it so memorable?
KG - I have so many but for me the moments that stand out the most are the moments where I get to interact with the people who listen to my shows or watch me on TV. The fact that there is a special meaning in it for them, is unbelievably special for me!

BP - Looking back in your life and career, how do you feel you have grown, changed, and evolved as a person?
KG - I like to think that I am the same goofy, teenager with braces and no idea how to style her hair. I think I’m just a little older and a bit more secure with who I am as a person.

BP - You have been called an Infotainment Specialist, how does this mean to you?
KG - I have been in the entertainment and the information science sector for so long I feel like the two of them have merged into a whole new brand of thinking. The two industries complement each other so well its scary! For me it’s a way for companies to use the media industry to grow and develop their brand.

BP - With so many demands on your time and talents, how to you find a balance?
KG - Balance for me took very long to find, and till today I still struggle from time to time. You have to realise what’s important to you and one thing no one tells you, if right now its work, THAT’S COMPLETELY FINE! Put the effort in when you can, focus on building your empire, leave some time for family and friends but give yourself time to grow YOU!

BP - For all the dog-lovers out there, tell us a bit about "Bark in the Park".
KG - Bark in the park, is my passion and love! While I am sitting here my little fuzzy is on the couch next to me. Every animal deserves love and affection. We live in a society where animals are not often the main focus. They get abused, mistreated and often abandoned. We are trying to give a little extra love to the animals that really and truly need it.

BP - What inspired you to create "Bark in the Park"?
KG - Every year for your birthday you get gifts that you may not like, you never use or you don’t need. So, I started telling friends to either bring dog food, a blanket or a donation that will be given to an animal shelter in Pretoria. But why stop there? My friends can only give so much so why not find other people to get involved as well. Plus, we can give them and their furry friends a great day out. It sounded like a perfect solution to me!

BP - Everyone harbours a pet peeve. What is yours?
KG - Pronouncing someone’s name wrong. I must get it right every time!
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Photograph provided by Johan Venter

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