Did you know? Kalyani Priyadarshan and her brother lived in a Vietnamese orphanage to learn life’s real lessons

Kalyani Priyadarshan is surely one of the rising talents in Malayalam cinema, and her father, veteran director Priyadarshan has made a mark in the industry with his magnificent films. Did you know Kalyani and her brother Siddharth lived in an orphanage in Vietnam? Yes, you heard it right.

Alleppey Ashraf reveals
According to On Manorama, film critic and journalist Alleppey Ashraf recently revealed a heartwarming and little-known story about actress Kalyani Priyadarshan and her brother Siddharth, children of acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy. Despite being born into fame and privilege, the siblings were raised with a strong sense of humility and empathy — values their parents instilled through extraordinary means.

Conscious decision made by parents
In a YouTube video, Ashraf recalled one particularly impactful chapter from their childhood: a week-long stay at an orphanage in one of Vietnam’s poorest regions. This was not a random visit, but a conscious decision made by Priyadarshan and Lissy, who wanted their children to experience a world far removed from the comforts of luxury. During that time, Kalyani and Siddharth lived just like the other children — sharing meals, sleeping in modest conditions, and adjusting to an unfamiliar and challenging lifestyle.
Life lessons learned
Ashraf emphasized how this experience grounded them and gave them a lasting appreciation for the struggles many face daily. At home, the siblings were affectionately called Ammu and Chandu, names that reflected the simplicity of their upbringing. Despite their background, entitlement was never part of their vocabulary.
Even as adults, their humility shines through. Siddharth, for instance, is known for his simple lifestyle — often seen in worn-out shirts and unconcerned with fashion or fame. Ashraf also pointed out how this grounding helped both siblings navigate their parents’ divorce with maturity and grace, without bitterness or drama.
On the work front, Kalyani Priyadarshan will be teaming up next with the ‘Premalu’ actor Naslen for a film bankrolled by Dulquer Salmaan’s production house.