Born in Isleworth, she was raised in Twickenham, south-west London. The daughter of an independent financial adviser father, and mother who works for British Airways, she started ballet classes at the age of three, and tap at five. She keeps her personal life private, but has been linked by tabloids and community media to Hungarian aristocrat Count Miklós Cseszneky de Milvány and also to her onscreen partner, Marc Elliott. She has revealed she would be prepared to ask her parents to find her a husband, adding arranged marriages are a positive thing.
She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. She trained at Songtime Theatre Arts, where her love of acting really began. Kalidas first appeared on screen in the drama Googleyes. She then went on to play Usha in a short film called Jump Boy in 1998, directed by Menhaj Huda and written by Harsha Patel.
After a number of parts in films and on television, including: East is East, Bollywood Queen, My Family and Casualty, in 2002 she appeared as Monica in Gurinder Chadha’s film Bend It Like Beckham.
She then played the female lead Priya in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-produced Bollywood-style hit show Bombay Dreams, written by A.R. Rahman, Meera Syal and Don Black. She then appeared in the BBC Television series Bodies as Dr. Maya Dutta.
In 2007, Kalidas landed the female lead in a West End revival of Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Appearing as the narrator, she performed with Lee Mead, who won the title role of Joseph in BBC One’s Any Dream Will Do talent search series. In late 2007, Kalidas appeared in the multi-award-winning Channel 4 miniseries Britz.
In 2009, Kalidas appeared in the second series of BBC One’s Mistresses, and joined EastEnders in April 2009 as Amira Shah, the girlfriend, and later wife of Syed Masood. She has also appeared in Hotel Babylon as Aisha Chaudhri, the daughter of a rich Indian hotel owner.
She also appeared in the music video “Love Is Blind” by Ramzi featuring Ash King and “Lets Work it Out” by Raghav.
In December 2009, Kalidas played the part of Leanne in ITV comedy drama Mister Eleven, alongside ex-EastEnders actors Michelle Ryan and Sean Maguire. In January 2010, Kalidas decided to quit EastEnders to pursue a pop career. Her debut single, Shimmy featuring Mumzy Stranger, will be released on July 26 this year. The video for her single premiered on June 10 on the MSN website.
She appeared in the 2010 Chris Morris feature film Four Lions playing Sofia, the wife of main protagonist Omar (played by Riz Ahmed). The film was released on 7 May. She also appeared in a small role in Gurinder Chadha’s latest film It’s a Wonderful Afterlife.
After leaving EastEnders, Kalidas pursued a career in music, and was signed to Universal Records. Her debut single, “Shimmy”, is scheduled for release on 26 July 2010. Kalidas stated that her album will consist of various genres. Digital Spy confirmed that the album will be called I’m Over It.
Her debut single, "Shimmy", featuring Mumzy Stranger, was released on 26 July 2010. She appeared on several shows including the National Lottery Show and Loose Women to perform the single. The single got mixed reception after BBC Newsround only gave the song three starts, and described the song negatively. Although, Ruth Harrison from FemaleFirst stated she 'liked the single' but she doesn't like that genre of music. Kalidas stated that her album will consist of various genres, and the album will be titled Constant Craving.
While Kalidas was recording her debut album, she also collaborated with several artists. She is featured on Bashy's single, "Fantasy". Kalidas also is featured on rapper, Skepta's come back single from his second studio album, Doin' It Again, "Cross My Heart"
Cross My Heart
Preeya Kalidas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living for this moment, now I realize
I'll never tell a lie lie lie
I'll never let em in, I leave em on the outside
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you
Cross my heart until the day I die
I've been around the world and back
Screaming more money more paper
Been doing it major
Even Walkers ain't go this much flavor
They say I'm superbad like Mclovin
Now man are calling me family all of a sudden
And I'm like mum how come you never told me that I had all these cousins
This corner I'm standing in never felt claustrophobic when I came here 10 minutes ago
Now my backs against the wall
It's a good job I'm tall
So I can always see clear
Even with all the smoke in the air
I know some are standing here cause of loving fame
But some of them are here out of fear
Strobe lights flashing in my eyes
Living for this moment, now I realize
I'll never tell a lie lie lie
I'll never let em in, I leave em on the outside
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you
Cross my heart until the day I die
It's time to go straight back to the top with them
They tried to stop me but I'm doing it again
And all my real friends know I'ma still keep it 10 multiplied by 10
Forgive me if I've been acting a little strange
I never ever knew that one song could make my whole life change
Last week I boarded six planes
But I can't complain this is the moment I've been waiting for
Picked myself off the floor and now I get a warm welcome when I walked in the door
I'm with Boy Better Know let em all in
But there's a flip side to all things
So before you sign yourself up to the high life
Make sure you read the small print
Please, listen to me when I'm talking
The guy you're looking at right now is the guy I was this morning
I never had a pen but I made a mark
Even when I top the chart I'll be the same guy that I was at the start
I hope to die I cross my heart
Strobe lights flashing in my eyes
Living for this moment, now I realize
I'll never tell a lie lie lie
I'll never let em in, I leave em on the outside
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I promise you, I promise you
Cross my heart until the day I die
The song "Cross My Heart" by Preeya Kalidas is a rousing declaration of a singer's loyalty to her friends, herself, and to those who believe in her. The song begins with a vivid image of strobe lights flashing in the singer's face, highlighting the intensity of the moment. She declares that she will never lie to anyone and promises to always remain true to herself. As the track progresses, she faces the different facets of fame and how it can attract both friends and detractors. Despite these crucial lessons, Preeya promises to remain unchanged and loyal, even before fame.
In the second verse, the singer talks about her newfound success, which has taken her on incredible journeys worldwide. The lyrics suggest that she may have stumbled a lot in her journey, as indicated by the line "Forgive me if I've been acting a little strange," but that she this song is her commitment to staying grounded and never forgetting her roots. The chorus then returns with its playful intensity, marking a celebration of her commitment to loyalty.
Overall, "Cross My Heart" is a declaration of the singer’s persistence in staying true to herself, through both highs and lows. It's a triumphant pledge to the people who support her and an entertaining listen with an unforgettable chorus.
Line by Line Meaning
Strobe lights flashing in my eyes
I'm in the moment and nothing can distract me from the fun I'm having.
Living for this moment, now I realize
I've been going through life on auto-pilot and not really taking the time to enjoy things.
I'll never tell a lie lie lie
I won't lie to myself or anyone else, even if the truth hurts.
I'll never let em in, I leave em on the outside
I'm careful about who I let into my life and I'm not afraid to keep people at a distance.
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I'm making a solemn promise to someone that I'll always be truthful and honest.
I promise you, I promise you, yeah
I'm repeating my promise to show just how serious I am about it.
I promise you, I promise you
I'm making another promise to someone and I'm not taking it lightly.
Cross my heart until the day I die
I'm making a final vow to someone that I will keep my promise, even if it means sacrificing my life.
I've been around the world and back
I've experienced many things and have gained valuable knowledge from my travels.
Screaming more money more paper
I'm always chasing after wealth and success, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of my life.
Been doing it major
I'm achieving great things and doing them on a large scale.
Even Walkers ain't go this much flavor
I'm unique and have an abundance of personality and charm, just like the popular brand of chips.
They say I'm superbad like Mclovin
People think I'm really cool and impressive, like the character Mclovin from the movie Superbad.
Now man are calling me family all of a sudden
People are starting to treat me like family, even though I haven't known them for very long.
And I'm like mum how come you never told me that I had all these cousins
I'm surprised to learn that I have so many new friends and acquaintances in my life.
This corner I'm standing in never felt claustrophobic when I came here 10 minutes ago
I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed and anxious in my current situation, even though I was fine earlier.
Now my backs against the wall
I'm feeling trapped and don't know how to escape from my current predicament.
It's a good job I'm tall
Fortunately, I'm tall enough to see over the crowd and get a clear view of my surroundings.
So I can always see clear
I have a clear perspective on things and know what I need to do to succeed.
Even with all the smoke in the air
Despite all the chaos and confusion around me, I'm able to maintain my focus.
I know some are standing here cause of loving fame
Some of the people around me are only interested in being famous and don't really care about me.
But some of them are here out of fear
Other people around me are scared of me or what I represent.
It's time to go straight back to the top with them
I'm about to make a comeback and regain my position at the top of my field.
They tried to stop me but I'm doing it again
Other people have tried to bring me down or hold me back, but I refuse to let them stop me.
And all my real friends know I'ma still keep it 10 multiplied by 10
My true friends know that I'm always going to be loyal and honest, and that I have their backs no matter what.
Forgive me if I've been acting a little strange
I'm sorry if I've been acting unusually or erratically lately.
I never ever knew that one song could make my whole life change
I'm amazed at how much my life has changed since I released a particular song, and I never expected it to have such a huge impact.
Last week I boarded six planes
I've been traveling a lot lately, and I've taken six flights in the last week alone.
But I can't complain this is the moment I've been waiting for
I'm incredibly happy and grateful for all the success and attention I've been receiving, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Picked myself off the floor and now I get a warm welcome when I walked in the door
I've overcome a difficult time in my life and now people are happy to see me and welcome me with open arms.
I'm with Boy Better Know let em all in
I'm part of a cool and popular group called Boy Better Know, and I'm ready to share my success and fame with everyone.
But there's a flip side to all things
There are always drawbacks and consequences to success and fame.
So before you sign yourself up to the high life
Before you commit to a life of fame and success, make sure you understand what it truly entails.
Make sure you read the small print
Don't overlook the details and the fine print, because they can have a huge impact on your life.
Please, listen to me when I'm talking
I'm trying to give you some advice or wisdom, so please pay attention and take it seriously.
The guy you're looking at right now is the guy I was this morning
I haven't changed as a person despite all my success and fame; I'm still the same guy I was before.
I never had a pen but I made a mark
I've left a lasting legacy and made an impact on the world, even without having many resources or opportunities.
Even when I top the chart I'll be the same guy that I was at the start
No matter how successful I become or how many records I break, I'll always be true to myself and my values.
I hope to die I cross my heart
I'm so serious about my promises and my integrity that I'm willing to die for them if necessary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Celetia Verona Louise Martin, Joseph Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cjrun8610
This song is actually a banger, Skepta did pop while still keeping it grime. The happy medium was good u na
@firellparker7463
Pop with a grime beat.
@JoshHadders
I really cannot believe this song didn't go BIG. Absolutely amazing.
@echofushionz1
such a hard beat
@Pariahisgod
+Echo Fushionz goes all wetty when the singer screams tho..
@mohg1457
2010 was the fucking year
@youthere316
Grime is going places... the beat is NUTS!!!! Skepz is one of the biggest producers in the scene as well as one of the biggest MCs!
@misst8574
This gal was in Eastenders 😂😂😫😏
@rehmanahmed7742
She’s pulling mad faces
@TheDonMega12
This tune is so mainstream, and Skepta still sounds like he's going hard on it. Brilliant.