Raj Kalesh


Raj Kalesh is an Indian magician, chef, TV host, stage choreographer and performer, from the city of Trivandrum, Kerala. He is best known for his cookery shows and magic shows on television. He has been the host of various shows for national channels, but almost all channels in Malayalam. He has also appeared in films, with notable roles in movies such as Sapthamashree Thaskaraha, Ustad Hotel and Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi.

Childhood and personal life

Kalesh and his younger brother Raj Mahesh were born in Nedumparambu, Kilimanoor a suburban town near Thiruvananthapuram, in the state of Kerala. They were raised by their father Divakaran, who worked as a postmaster and their mother, Sarasamma. Attending school at Nagaroor Nedumparambu Government Higher Secondary School, he went on to complete his pre-degree in English at Sree Narayana College, Varkala. Shortly thereafter he graduated with an English degree from Sree Narayana College, Chempazhanthy.
During his schooling, he won an award for best actor at the State School Youth Festival.
Kalesh is married to Divya Kalesh. She is the producer of TV shows such as Taste of Kerala, Hot and Spicy, Little World and Mathrubhumi Award Night. They have two children, Daksha and Darsh.

Early career

Kalesh's career took the turn into the entertainment industry when he joined a course in cinematography at the Southern Film Institute. He had been a part of Challenge Arts, an arts promotion club at Nagaroor, where he performed in some amateur theatre performances including dramas by G.Sankarapilai, Kavalam Narayana Panickker, Onam Thuruththu Rajasekharan and Chembur Zakir. On completion, he joined Asianet as an assistant director for programmes such as Sayahnam and Suprabhatham. He also assisted in the making of promotional videos and films. When he was not working on his many other projects, he worked as a stage choreographer for the famous magician Gopinath Muthukad, who inspired him to study magic. In 1999, Kalesh sought his tutelage. He has hence made a name for himself as a magician with state and national recognition.

The making of Raj Kalesh

From the foundations laid during the formative years, Kalesh has now built a career as a magician, TV host, chef and a stage performer and dancer of some repute.

Writing

Ruchi Vattam was publishe in Malayalam by DC Book, Kottayam. Raj Kalesh joined the illustrious ranks of authors. He had earlier published food oriented articles in various Malayalam periodicals like Vanitha, Grihalakshmi, Mathrubhoomi Yathra, Kanyaka, Vanitha Paachakam and Madhyamam Ruchi.

Rewards and recognitions

Kalesh continues to be a performer. His own magic troupe, Redinfocus, is a sought-after magic show at most major events. His production company, Raj Kalesh Productions Ltd, is a production house for such popular TV shows as Hot & Spicy on ACV. He is assisted by his wife Divya in his production venture and she herself is a video and movie editor.
Kalesh resides in Trivandrum.