Lishalliny Kanaran Biography, Age, Height, Net Worth and More

Lishalliny Kanaran, also known as Lisha, is a Malaysian actress, model, and TV host of Indian Tamil heritage. She became widely known after winning the Miss Grand Malaysia 2021 title. In July 2025, she made headlines by publicly accusing an Indian priest of molestation at a temple, which sparked national debate and a police manhunt.

Lishalliny Kanaran Wiki/Bio

Full NameLishalliny K. Kanaran
NicknameLisha
Date of Birth24 August 1997
Age (as of 2025)28 years
ProfessionActor, Model, Television Host
HometownSelangor, Malaysia
Current ResidenceSelangor, Malaysia
ReligionHinduism
NationalityMalaysian
Zodiac SignVirgo
Instagram ID@lishallinykanaran

Physical Details

Height5’9” (175 cm)
Eye ColourBrown
Hair ColourLight Brown
Lishalliny Kanaran Photo
Lishalliny Kanaran Photo

Lishalliny Kanaran Early Life

Lishalliny was born and raised in Selangor, Malaysia, in a Hindu Tamil family. Her father Kanaran Kunji Raman and mother Pusphavalli Kanaran have always supported her journey. She grew up with two brothers, Divaha Shanon and Yuvaneesh Shanon.

From the young age, Lishalliny showed interest in the arts, communication, and fashion. Her favorite quote, “By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others,” reflects her positive and determined outlook on life.

Lishalliny Kanaran with her mom and dad
Lishalliny Kanaran with her mom and dad

Education

Lishalliny holds a Diploma in Architecture from Politeknik Port Dickson and is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication from Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) as of 2025. She also briefly studied architecture at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) while pursuing her pageant dreams.

Lishalliny Kanaran Career Journey

Lishalliny started her career as a customer service representative and part-time sales executive. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she entered the pageantry world.

Lishalliny Kanaran with her brothers
Lishalliny Kanaran with her brothers

Career Start

MilestoneDetails
First JobCustomer Service at Syarikat Usahasama S.M. Sdn Bhd (2017–2018)
Pageant DebutMiss Grand Selangor 2019 (2nd runner-up, Miss Best in Evening Gown)
Breakthrough TitleMiss Grand Malaysia 2021 (Virtual pageant during COVID-19)
Acting DebutJeeyum Neeyum (2023) as Meera Shetty on Astro Vinmeen HD
Hosting DebutMalaysian Delights on TV Okey

Best Work

ProjectYearDetails
Jeeyum Neeyum2023Tamil drama on Astro Vinmeen HD
Wedding Galatta2024Played Yazhini in this Astro Vinmeen series
Thigil2025Portrayed Warsha in this thriller web series on Astro GO

Controversy and Social Justice

In June 2025, Lishalliny visited the Mariamman Temple in Sepang, Malaysia, for spiritual reasons. A temporary priest, an Indian national, allegedly molested her under the guise of blessings. He used rose-scented water to blur her vision and inappropriately touched her. Lishalliny filed a police report on 4 July 2025 after her mother returned from India. (News Artical)

Aftermath

  • The priest fled before the police arrived.
  • As of 13 July 2025, the accused is still on the run.
  • Another woman came forward with a similar allegation at the same temple.
  • The incident drew support from playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, known for her #MeToo advocacy.
Lishalliny Kanaran

Lishalliny’s Public Post

On 7 July 2025, she shared her story on Instagram, saying:

“You are not to blame. You did nothing wrong. And if you ever need someone, I’m here. You are not alone.”

Her post went viral and encouraged others to speak up against abuse in religious places.

Social Work and Advocacy

As Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, Lishalliny advocated for:

  • Period poverty awareness
  • Children’s education
  • Empowerment of sexual assault survivors

Her public voice, especially after the temple incident, has sparked larger discussions about temple safety, victim-blaming, and accountability in Malaysia.

Lifestyle and Interests

Lishalliny is a passionate traveler and fitness enthusiast. She regularly shares her trips across Malaysia and international destinations. Her gym and outdoor fitness sessions are also a highlight for her followers.

Lesser-Known Facts About Lishalliny

  • She competed in Miss Grand Selangor twice, improving from 2nd runner-up in 2019 to winner in 2020.
  • She speaks Tamil fluently, which has helped her connect with her cultural roots in acting.
  • Her spiritual journey before the temple incident was deeply personal.
  • She previously worked in architecture-related roles before entering the entertainment field.

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