Adhir Kalyan: A Journey Through Acting and Versatility

Adhir Kalyan: A Journey Through Acting and Versatility

Adhir Kalyan is a South African actor noted for his role as Timmy in the CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement and as Awalmir Karimi/’Al’ in United States of Al.

Adhir Kalyan

Born
Durban, South Africa
Occupation Actor
Years active 2004–present
Spouse
Emily Wilson

(m. 2016)

Children 1
Parent
  • Sandy Kalyan (mother)

Early Life

Kalyan was born in Durban to an Indian South African family. His mother, Santosh Vinita “Sandy” Kalyan, was a member of Parliament in the South African National Assembly, where she represented the Democratic Alliance. He completed his schooling at Marklands in Durban and participated in several theatrical productions in South Africa, including adaptations of works by Charles Dickens and Salman Rushdie, as well as Shakespearean plays.

Career

In 2005, Kalyan moved to London to pursue his acting career. He appeared in the BBC series Holby City (series 8), Spooks (series 5), and the Irish network RTÉ One’s Fair City as Ramal Kirmani. Additionally, he starred in the American CW Television Network sitcom Aliens in America and portrayed recurring characters in Nip/Tuck and Rules of Engagement, becoming a series regular in the latter’s fourth season.

His film credits include roles in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Up in the Air, Fired Up!, Youth in Revolt, and No Strings Attached. Kalyan also starred in the Fox science fiction crime drama Second Chance before landing the role of Awalmir “Al” Karimi in United States of Al.

Personal Life

In March 2015, Kalyan became engaged to actress Emily Wilson of General Hospital. They tied the knot on 1 October 2016, and their first child, a daughter, was born on 23 March 2021.

Filmography:

  • 2006: Holby City (TV series) – Arjmand Younis (1 episode)
  • 2006–2007: Fair City (TV series) – Ramal Kirmani
  • 2007–2008: Aliens in America (TV series) – Raja (Starring role)
  • 2009: Paul Blart: Mall Cop (Feature) – Pahud
  • 2009: Fired Up! (Feature) – Brewster
  • 2009: Up in the Air (Feature) – Irate IT worker
  • 2009: Nip/Tuck (TV series) – Raj Paresh (3 episodes)
  • 2009: Youth in Revolt (Feature) – Vijay Joshi
  • 2009–2013: Rules of Engagement (TV series) – Timmy (Recurring in Season 3, main cast in Seasons 4–7, 70 episodes)
  • 2010: High School (Feature) – Sebastian Saleem
  • 2011: No Strings Attached (Feature) – Kevin
  • 2015: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (Feature) – Pahud (Cameo)
  • 2016: Second Chance (TV series) – Otto Goodwin (Starring role)
  • 2020: A Nice Girl Like You (Feature) – Paul Goodwin
  • 2020: Broken Promises 5 (Feature) – Bushknife Bobby
  • 2020: The Goldbergs (TV series) – Dodd Wembley (Episode: “It’s All About Comptrol”)
  • 2021–2022: United States of Al (TV series) – Awalmir “Al” Karimi (Main cast)
  • 2022: Bob Hearts Abishola (TV series) – Jared (Episode: “Inner Boss Bitch”)
  • 2023: Not Dead Yet (TV series) – Keith (Episode: “Not Feeling It Yet”)
  • 2023: Broken Promises 6 (Feature) – Bushknife Bobby (Starring role)

Conclusion

Adhir Kalyan is a talented South African actor known for his roles in various TV series and films. He began his career in South Africa before moving to London and then to the United States, where he gained recognition for his performances. Kalyan’s notable roles include Timmy in “Rules of Engagement” and Awalmir Karimi/’Al’ in “United States of Al.”

Throughout his career, he has showcased his versatility by portraying diverse characters in different genres. Kalyan’s filmography includes appearances in popular TV series like “Holby City,” “Aliens in America,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Second Chance,” and “The Goldbergs,” along with roles in films such as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Up in the Air,” “Youth in Revolt,” and “No Strings Attached.”

Outside of acting, Kalyan’s personal life includes his marriage to actress Emily Wilson and their journey into parenthood with the birth of their daughter.

Overall, Adhir Kalyan continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry, known for his dedication to his craft and ability to bring characters to life on screen.