#aTypicalInterview: Kriya Gangiah insists that she is a tomboy at heart

Kriya Gangiah. | Image: supplied

Kriya Gangiah. | Image: supplied

Published Nov 15, 2020

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In this week’s A-typical interview, we feature South African radio and television presenter, businesswoman, actress and model Kriya Gangiah.

She is best known as a host on on popular magazine show Mela which showcases the uniquely South African Indian experience

Some of her career highlights include her involvement in the ad campaigns of notable companies like Coca Cola and MTN as well as her time as a presenter on eTV’s youth programme CRAZ-E from 2009 – 2013 and the South African Celebrity news show ZAlebs on SowetoTV and Glow TV.

During this time she was also part of the Highveld Stereo team. In 2010 Gangiah made her silver screen debut in a South African produced movie The Race-ist, alongside Craig Palm, Ian Roberts, DJ Fresh and Jonathan Pienaar.

She also spent a year working with many of the biggest names in South African radio at online radio station Ballz Visual Radio as a producer and presenter on its show The Business.

Gangiah also runs a successful digital agency, Kri8tive Media, and is a massive foodie.

How would you aptly describe growing up in an Indian home?

For me it was amazing! We didn’t have a typical Indian home. My parents didn’t live by the “normal” rules. We were allowed to follow the beat of our own drums and I am so grateful for that!

The worst date you've ever been on was....?

I once had to pick a guy up from his house, drive us to the mall, paid for dinner and the movie and then still drive him home. Definitely not the perfect date.

The meal that most reminds you of your childhood is...?

I love boiled peanuts! Everytime we visited my aunt in Escort on the way to Durban she always used to make me boiled peanuts. Definitely my favourite.

You are tasked with coming up with your very own bunny chow. What are the main ingredients that go in it?

Oooohhh I’m thinking of some bhindi, maybe dried fried green beans and sour herbs. Now that’s a winner!

If you were able to change one thing from your past, what would it be and why?

I wouldn’t change a single thing! The time has passed and the lessons I have learnt along the way have made me who I am. Without those lessons, who knows where I would be as a person today.

You are able to attend one live sporting event anywhere around the world. Which sporting event do you choose to attend?

Definitely the Singapore or Abu Dubai Grand Prix! In my opinion the best races on the F1 calendar.

The biggest misconception people have of Kriya Gangiah is?

That I am a little bit of a prissy girl. I am definitely a tomboy that would rather be in sneakers and jeans then heels.

You are about to get into a fight, what song comes on as your soundtrack?

Beastie Boys Fight For Your Right.

If you were arrested with no explanation, what would your friends and family assume you had done?

I am such an animal lover so if I was arrested with no explanation, my friends and family would probably assume that I was breaking the law trying to save an animal.

Which three famous people would you love at your fantasy dinner party and why?

Do I really have to have famous people? I’d rather just do dinner with my family and friends. The bonds I have with them are so special and each person means so much to me that I try my best to give each and every one of them the individual attention they deserve.

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