Pillay was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to a British mother and South African father.

He began figure skating after being encouraged by a childhood friend to give it a try.

He was initially coached by Betty Calvert and Dale Hazell, before eventually relocating to Calgary, Alberta to be coached by Sharon Lariviere and later Vancouver, British Columbia to train under Joanne McLeod.

Following the event, Pillay retired from competitive figure skating and began attending Simon Fraser University, where he studied dance.

[6] Figure skaters that Pillay has worked with over the years include: