At only 28 years old, Kalyani Nagarajan has carved out an acting career in theatre and TV playing strong South Asian mothers.
The Auckland performer says it’s amusing that she is constantly cast in these roles because she is a proud single woman with no children.
“Every actor has that character they play that they are really good at. For me, it’s a South Asian mother. Their stories aren’t often told and when they are, they’re often stereotypes. I want to tear those archetypes apart.”
In her latest role, Kalyani portrays Safia Assadi, a character based on comedian Pax Assadi’s mother in the biographical local TV comedy Raised by Refugees.
Kalyani acts opposite Pax, who stars as his own father Afnan, in a series about Pax’s upbringing in New Zealand with parents who moved here from Pakistan as refugees.
Kalyani’s parents moved to New Zealand from India before she was born, so she could relate to the story of being a child of immigrant parents.
“Safia reminded me of my own mother. I deeply understand her because South Asian mothers are very direct, blunt and assertive.
“Many people can relate to having an immigrant mother trying to raise their first generation child. As a first-generation daughter, I constantly feel this obligation to make my parents happy and proud of me with the choices I make in my life.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 20, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 20, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills