Kiran Raj, who has been a part of TV shows like Tu Aashiqui and Chandramukhi, wishes to explore life to the fullest

Actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and sportsman— which title do you like the best?

Actor because people know me as an actor first, that’s my identity. I am always into multi-tasking. I want to explore life as best as I can.

Share your fondest memory from childhood?

Being a part of a play, even though I didn’t have a dialogue. Somewhere the seed of acting was born that time only. I hail from Mysore and my father was in the Army because of which we were exposed to different cultures.

When did you decide to become an actor?

Since childhood I wanted to be an actor but I felt it was not for people like us. During my college days, I realised that was my calling. One must love what one does and do what one loves.

When it comes to acting are you a natural actor or a method actor?

I am a natural actor. I learn from life and utilise it in my acting.

The pandemic has changed all of us. How did it change you as a person?

One thing I learnt that nothing is permanent and life is really short. Life is precious and one must live in the moment. The pandemic has changed the way we think, live and work. Life is in the present. One must take life one day at a time. The Covid variants are there, but panicking won’t help. We must follow all protocols strictly.

An actor has to be fit and healthy. How do you keep yourself healthy?

Proper diet and regular workout. Fitness is a way of life. Irrespective of whether you are into acting or not, you have to live a disciplined life.

When and how did you come up with Kiran Raj Foundation?

Since I started working, I always wanted to help, but for that, I needed to be stable in life. I made it a point to donate 40 per cent of my income to the foundation. It works on providing education to homeless children.

What is your dream now as an actor?

To be the best, at least for those who believe I am the best. I want to explore different kinds of roles.

What do you like to do in your ‘me time’?

Anything creative. Time is very important for me. I like to observe and read. Everyone must spend time with oneself. The pace of the entertainment industry is fast and one needs to strike a balance between personal and professional lives.