Christmastime for Kalyan

A promising actor with a rising reputation in recent years, Kalyan Corraya is hardworking and dedicated to his profession. Like in most parts of the world, today is a special day for the young artiste, and he shares with The Daily Star his Christmas plans, and more.

What do you look forward to most on Christmas Day?

Kalyan Corraya: I am most excited about receiving gifts - they could be anything, and I would accept it as gifts come from love and thoughtfulness. I love different kinds of electronic gadgets though!

Is there a family tradition you observe every year during this time?

Kalyan Corraya: We celebrate Christmas in the typical fashion most people do – with gift-giving, and taking time off to spend it together with the whole family. We have lunch and dinner together, and in the evenings we all gather for activities such as singing. Sometimes there are formal cultural programmes which we all attend as well.

Christmas encapsulates a spirit of giving and togetherness – how do you feel we could extend this spirit to help the community?

Kalyan Corraya: Christmas is also a time for charity where we donate money and clothes for the poor. Church groups carry out collections where they help gather various resources for donation. Orphanages run by churches also receive money at this time of the year to obtain books and other academic facilities for the children. The parish council has always been looking after organisations for the old, sick and the needy, and there does not need to be a special time in the year where we extend our generosity – it can be done anytime.

What are your plans for today?

Kalyan Corraya: Last Christmas I was in Australia, and missed my family dearly. This year I plan to make up for that by going to our ancestral village and spend time with all my relatives and friends. It has been nearly a decade since we have celebrated Christmas there, so it is something I am looking forward to eagerly.

Everyone recognises you as an actor. Is there a hidden talent you possess that no one knows of?

Kalyan Corraya: I'm quite good at art – I got A's in art throughout school. I love pencil sketching, particularly still life drawings. I am also quite apt at outdoor sports and have won many awards for sports. But since I turned to acting I haven't had time to practice other hobbies.