She perfected the art of presenting
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: SEASONED TELEVISION HOST KRIYA GANGIAH GETS CANDID ON HER MELA GIG
She opens up about series that continues to be a game-changer for Indian community.
For the past four years, television personality Kriya Gangiah has served as one of the hosts on the popular magazine show Mela. The series is known for showcasing the uniquely South African Indian experience and has become a staple in almost every Indian home.
Mela offers viewers an opportunity to get to know leading figures and innovators in business, the creative and performing arts, fashion, entertainment and many other sectors. In short, these are the kind of people who are making a mark on popular culture, setting trends that others follow or are presenting new ways of seeing and thinking about our contemporary world. As the series continues to be a game-changer for the local Indian community, Gangiah opens up about the importance of a show like this.
1. Why do you think Mela is still such an iconic TV show?
I believe that there is no other programme on South African television like Mela. The series continues the legacy of Eastern Mosaic and gives South Africans a window into the exciting, diverse and colourful Indian culture, food and traditions.
2. What a racted you to be a part of a series like Mela?
I am extremely proud to be a South African Indian and it is an honour to be able to showcase our community and what we have to offer. I find that, for us as South African Indians, there aren’t many platforms in the country that celebrate what we have to offer as much as Mela does. I think it’s so important to highlight and honour our Indian culture and heritage and being part of a brand that does this so proudly is a dream come true.
3. What has been your favourite story you’ve shared on the show?
My very first assignment on Mela was a travel segment to Zanzibar. Besides the fact that I got to travel to one of the most spectacular destinations in the world, I also got to understand the local culture, the people and their traditions. Being on location blended two of my absolute passions – telling stories and travel.
4. Which of the interviews you’ve conducted stand out?
I have had the opportunity to interview a number of local and international guests but my favourite has got be Krijay Govender. Not only is she an amazing comedian but she has cemented herself as one of the leading directors and producers in the South African film and television industry.
5. How important is your Indian heritage to you?
My heritage makes me who I am. It gives me pride to understand where my roots are from and helps me connect with people. 6. You’re quite the foodie as well. Which dish can you whip up that Mela viewers would be proud of you for?
I have definitely gotten the hang of a good mutton biryani. It’s a special dish that takes hours to prepare and you always find it at important events and functions. It reminds you of home.
7. Mela is quite different to the presenting styles you had in Craz-e and SuperSport.
How do you get into these different grooves so effortlessly?
Each show is a subject that I am passionate about and something that I talk about with friends, family or even complete strangers! So, when I present I try and bring that passion across to the viewers. 8. What advice do you have for aspiring presenters?
Try, try –and when you want to give up, try again. The entertainment industry is not all glitz and glamour and it’s not easy to get into it. As long as you don’t take no for an answer you’ll be fine. And be yourself, there is only one of you in the world so celebrate it. 9. What’s one thing no one knows about life on set?
It’s a long tiring day. I often dress myself, do my own hair and make-up and write my own script! But the harder you work, the better the show turns out. 10. How have you been doing during lockdown?
I own a digital agency so most of lockdown consisted of getting my clients digitally ready for the “new normal”. That and a lot of cooking! I’ve been trying so many new recipes during lockdown.
– Citizen reporter
It is an honour to showcase our community and what we have to offer.
Kriya Gangiah Television personality