How To Make The Most Out Of 2021?

So, it was a pretty difficult year wasn’t it? Hey, you are not alone my friend. We’ve all gone through this year stronger, although when we were in the peak of it, life was like sinking in the Indian ocean where waves just kept on hitting us, pulling and submerging us into the deep waters.
Well, guess what? Instead of Drowning, we learnt To swim and made our way back to shore. A round of applause to us all!
2020 was a year unlike none other, but it doesn’t mean 2021 is going to be the same scenario. It’s in your hands, in fact, its either you take hold of this year and use it to your full potential or get stuck where you were in 2020.
I may not be the sanest one to give you suggestions to make your 2021 worthy, but this is how I’m going to roll out this year.
Focus on habits, not goals
Picture credit: Random Acts of Architecture
Instead of writing a resolution like, “To publish a book by the end of this year,” try write down the actions you should take to achieve that goal. An example, “Write 10 pages a day” or “Check with publishers on a daily basis”. By doing this, you break your goals into chunks that make your goals much more attainable.
Start saving up
Picture credit: The ways to wealth
If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s that you always need a “Plan B”, especially when it comes to money. I personally have been following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule ever since I started working, but you can start saving however you want. Why? When you have cash saved for emergency situations, you’re going to have a fallback if anything unimaginable happens, like “this pandemic.”
Give up on a bad habit
Picture credit: Inc.com
Seriously, if not now, when? Just try to eliminate one or two of your bad habits. Don’t concentrate on too many, or you may just slip back into the pit. Bad habit isn’t just smoking or alcohol, all right? Often it can be constant lateness, or even wasting your money. It can be anything that you’re trying to stop doing this year. So, just stop that.
Stick to some kind of sport/hobby through out this year
Picture credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics
This could sound pretty boring and tiring because of only one thing, you’re not going to get the results you want right away. Yeah, it’s true, but in the long run, you’re going to master the one thing that you’ve been engaging in. Let’s say, you want  to do the middle splits. Try to do it every day. Maybe spend 10 minutes stretching and doing it, you’d certainly be able to do middle splits by the end of the year. So sweat it out! Remember, the secret here is consistency.
Spend less time on screen

Pick another better alternative, like reading books, cracking jokes with your mates, playing with your dog, gardening, running like crazy, sweating it all. There are plenty of healthy and mindful habits to adapt when you’re away from the screen. Also, stop scrolling Instagram for hours people.
Spend time alone, away from everything and everyone from time to time.
Picture credit: Medium.com
Take the time to focus thoroughly on your feelings and your day. Journal on how you feel or just close your eyes and meditate. If there’s something that bothers you, don’t be mean to judge yourself. Be a friend of yours. Just think about it, if your friend is having a bad day, what advice will you give them? Same applies to you. Consider yourself to be your own best mate by spending more time with ‘YOU’. This helps in understanding yourself deeper, too.
After all of that words of wisdom, keeping up with all the resolutions you’ve set for the year can be daunting sometimes, so don’t be harsh on yourself. But, I’d also suggest don’t relinquish. Instead, concentrate on one at a time and do it at your own pace.
You’ve got one whole year to accomplish your fantastic goals. Put on relentless effort, and in no time you would be there. Remember, your plans won’t work until you do it.

So, what are your goals, then? Do you have any other ideas to make 2021 a better year? Write about them in the comments section below and best of luck everybody! Wish me good luck, too!
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Filed Under 2021best yearditch bad habitshappiness in 2021how to make this year worthyresolutions


EXCLUSIVE: Chef Christina Arokiasamy Savours the Many Cultures in a Spoonful of Malaysian Food

We’ve always highlighted talented Malaysians in our features. This March, we’re going to amp it up, in conjunction with International Women’s Day, with features on the many amazing Malaysian women who have made our nation and community proud. Enjoy!
There was once a young girl, who on her walk back from school, could smell the spices wafting from her house. They called her the girl with the yellow hands because she always helped her mother grind tumeric at a nearby mill.
Christina Arokiasamy has come a long way from her yellowing digits. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, this chef, spice expert and cookbook author was declared Malaysia’s first-ever official Food Ambassador to the United States.

Christina hosted The Malaysian Kitchen which aired on The Cooking Channel. The show was a hit, reaching over 80 million viewers across the United States. Her efforts helped place Malaysian in the top 3 flavor trends in America by The National Restaurant Association. She is continuing her crusade to make Malaysian food a household norm around the world, starting in the United States. She is currently based there with her family.
The Varnam team speaks to Christina about her journey with spices, her love for food and her perception of Malaysian cuisine.
Varnam: Your relationship with spices has been something that’s been simmering from childhood. How has it evolved for you?
Christina: Form a young age, I have found spices to be fascinating. My mother was a spice merchant. She would add beautiful layers of spices to food. We even used it in our medicine cabinet. It was magical for me to be around spices as a child. As I grew up and found that I had to cook for myself, I realised that I was drawn into this industry, the arena of flavours and food.

V: Tell us about your journey to chef and cookbook author.
C: After graduating with a degree in public relations, I began working in that sector. But I wasn’t enjoying it, work became a chore.
So I went abroad at a young age and learnt how to cook. I received professional culinary training and went on to work as a chef consultant at the Four Seasons Hotels in Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. After getting married, I lived in Hawaii. Every summer, I would go back to Southeast Asia to keep learning and to refine my skills in cooking.
On my many trips, I realised that nobody was cooking the food that I wanted to cook. I decided to start teaching cooking classes. The more I taught, the more I learnt from the American people about how they wanted to extend their own pantry. It then dawned on me, people in the western world didn’t know much about spices or flavour.

V: Was writing a book the natural next step for you?
C: No! I never imagined myself an author. It was only when the publishers in New York approached me to do so. I was in Washington at the time. They said, you’ve been teaching classes, will you try writing a cookbook?
The publisher then assigned me an agent, I didn’t even have to look for one on my own. Like a parent, the agent guided me with writing my cookbook. With my heart, I penned down all that I’d learnt. And that’s how the The Spice Merchant’s Daughter came to be. It was listed as top ten cookbooks in the USA by National Public Radio in 2008. It also earned a starred review on Publisher’s Weekly, and was featured on the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe.
Cookbooks aren’t just a collection of recipes. They share a person’s values, their culture, including little anecdotes like why the mother cooked that on a Friday, why people eat on a banana leaf and why close it a certain way. It tells a good story that touches a heart. It brings the reader on a trip.
V: Your second cookbook, The Malaysian Kitchen: 150 Recipes for Simple Home Cooking also reached spectacular heights. It was featured in People Magazine, Oprah.com and awarded Amazon’s Top 10 Cookbooks of 2017. How do you feel, seeing your book reach such great heights?

C: It humbles me. My life in Malaysia was a struggle. I grew up in the era where it was “Chinese wanted” or “Malay wanted” in all the job advertisements. I didn’t conform to that. I want everybody to be given a chance based on their value and merit.
I made my way to the US and every time I worked on something I would put so much effort into it. I would put in days of research before coming up with an article. So when my work appeared on Oprah.com and NBC, it was so humbling. It was all respected publicity, I never paid for any of it.
Every time I look at that, it reminds me of where I come from, my roots. This trade that I had learnt from my mother, the information I acquired from my Southeast Asian family has made it so far. Its very important to reflect on that.

V: You speak a lot about bringing Malaysian cuisine to the kitchens of America. And you do this by introducing new ingredients, one by one. Why do it this way?
C: You know, in Malaysia, you don’t need to go to the market, the market comes to you on four wheels, or you could walk to the pasar malam. You’ve got curry leaves and pandan in your garden as well as Babas and Alagappas in every supermarket. We take all of that for granted.
You need to think about the average American who doesn’t have access to all of these when introducing a new cuisine to their kitchens
Related:  Dr. Magindren is appointed to MDEC's Talent Expert Network PanelHere in the US, if you want lemongrass you need to go to a Thai shop. For tofu and soy sauce, you need to visit a Chinese shop. Yellow noodles here are presented full of chemicals and congealed oil in plastic wrapping that comes from China. Spices are exotic and they are only for the rich, as a tiny bottle the size of your palm costs north of $8.
I take things that they already have like cumin, peppercorns, chilli powder, tweak the way they use it. And immediately, the response is, “Wow, my chicken tastes different!” Bit by bit, this is how you get Americans to fall in love with your cuisine. In my second cookbook, there are recipes for laksa with fettucine and mee goreng using spaghetti. People can come back home, mix sambal ulek with mayo and make a delicious dip for their chicken wings.

V: Malaysian food gets bashed a lot because of how unhealthy it is. What’s your take on this?
C: I’m going to be fair, I agree with it. The way Malaysians cook unhealthy. Anyone who is reading this interview needs to realise that our health is the best investment we can make.
Lets deconstruct a dish. Rendang is made with shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, chilies, woody spices and coconut oil – all these ingredients are actually good for you. When you cook rendang, if you are cooking it whole and eating all these aromatics, the health benefits are right there.
When you eat outside, however, they use palm oil, often congealed and old. The meat may be a cut of poor quality and often not refrigerated properly. Everything is simmering in oil and it morphs into a dish that is so high in cholesterol and long chain fatty acids that are bad for you. The healthy ingredients that you’ve started out with is gone.

V: So you’re saying the Malaysian homecooked food is healthy, not what is available outside?
C: The food we cook at home would remain healthy. If we go back to the foundation of how this food was to be cooked, Malaysian food is not unhealthy, it is fabulous.
But in Malaysia, we always want to go out, because we feel the restaurants are more delicious than what we get at home. Perhaps it is, but it isn’t as good for your health.
When I look at Malaysians presenting the food, everything has one inch of red oil floating atop it. I wonder, why would anyone need so much oil? Why not prepare the same dish cooked very lightly in oil? No person outside Malaysia is going to invest or earn the respect of Malaysian food if it is going to be so unhealthy.
It’s not like you cannot taste the flavours of something just because there is less oil in it!
Don’t destroy an ingredient for the sake of the flavour, compromising your health. This is how we can sustain our cuisine, we can teach people that Malaysian food is healthy.  Any food if you think about it, we can always come up with a way to make it healthier.

V: What is the biggest myth when it comes to Malaysian food?
C: (Pauses to think) When people talk about Malaysian food, they always think Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. This has been translated to the rest of the world. But why can’t Malaysian food be also the kind of food that actual Malaysians eat? What is cooked at home on a daily basis.
Look at your Chinese neighbour. Do you think her parents cook the same way the Chinese restaurant near your house does? Your neighbour’s food is a little different, but why isn’t that Malaysian food?
I think we put so much emphasis on the usual Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak, satay, rendang and roti canai that we have narrowed Malaysian cuisine down to that. But we are boxing ourselves in by doing that. What your mum makes at home when you were growing up, that’s Malaysian food too.

V: This would render Malaysian food to be limitless!
C: There really is no limit to it. Malaysian food is unique to the people of this land, their knowledge, their way of life and how they cook with what they have. It doesn’t have to be nasi lemak to be Malaysian.
There is a dish that I call ‘Slow Cooked Tomatoes in Coconut Cream Sauce’. As a young girl, I knew it as sothi. I wanted Americans to try this dish, but nobody understood when I said that. This particular dish isn’t usually regarded as Malaysian food. But why not?
Every single cookbook that has come out of Malaysia only has the same style of recipes. We will never create, we will never evolve, because we forget to recognise that we all came to this land, we made this place our home and we made food our own style and it is unique as we are. And that is also Malaysian food, it has to be respected for that.
Honestly, Malaysian food isn’t just a mixture of cultures, it is how the people in Malaysia eat in their own homes too.
Visit Christina’s website here. Keep up with her on Facebook here and on Instagram here.
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Filed Under authorchefchef christina arokiasamychristina arokiasamycookbookmalaysian indianmalaysian indian abroadmalaysian indian authorthe malaysian kitchen


Dhruva Natchathiram Trailer May Release at Harris Jayaraj’s Concert in Malaysia

The much-awaited Dhruva Natchathiram film trailer is planned to be released during the Hearts of Harris 3.0 concert happening this weekend. Gautam Vasudev Menon’s much-awaited Dhruva Natchathiram has been in post-production for almost seven years, and many of his devoted fans have been waiting for an update on when the film will be released. The film was initially planned to be shot with Surya in 2013, who has previously starred in GVM’s hit films Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram (2008). But after some creative differences between them, they parted ways, and in the end, GVM finalised Vikram as the lead of this spy-thriller film. This will also be the first collaboration between Vikram and GVM.
Image Source Platform Tamil
Due to budget constraints, the film has been facing delays in release since 2017. The film had begun production as early as 2016 but has still not seen the light of day. Throughout the years, GVM has given hints that he may release the film soon, like on Diwali, November 6, 2018, or November 15, 2019. But the film still stalled in its release. It is one of the longest-delayed films in the Tamil film industry. However, the film has finally officially announced the date for its release as July 14, 2023.
Image Source Movie Crow
The music director of the film Harris Jayaraj, who will be having his much-awaited Hearts of Harris 3.0 and 4.0, tweeted as early as February 25, 2023, that he had already begun making the background score of Dhruva Natchathiram. There are sources that state that the trailer for the film is planned to be released during Harris Jayaraj’s concert in Malaysia. This is very exciting news, as many of Harris Jayaraj’s fans are also great fans of GVM, who it has been confirmed will be a special guest at Hearts of Harris 3.0. This is all a whirlwind of amazing new information for their fans. Harris and GVM have both collaborated on some of the most celebrated works of music and cinema, worshipped among fans all over the world. From Minnale to Kaakha Kaakha to Vaaranam Aayiram to Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyadu, the magic they have created together  is endless. They are two foremost creatives who just work so seamlessly together. There is no doubt that Dhruva Natchathiram will be another phenomenal collaboration between these two great friends and visionaries.

Started the Background score for @menongautham ‘s film #Dhruvanatchathiram. in Dolby 9.1.4 See you soon in theatres.
— Harris Jayaraj (@Jharrisjayaraj) February 25, 2023

The film has been shot across several countries, like the United States, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Slovenia, India, Georgia, and Turkey. All these amazing places featured in one film truly elevate the film to an international standard. Since this is a spy thriller, we can expect Vikram’s role to be that of an internationally renowned spy who has to travel across the globe to complete his important mission. This increases the stakes for the film amongst the audience, which no doubt GVM will satiate with his masterful skill in writing and direction.
Related:  Chiyaan Vikram Tweets An Intriguing Update About "Thangalaan"Image Source IMDb
The film stars Vikram, Ritu Varma, Aishwarya Rajesh, R. Parthiban, Simran, Arjun Das, Raadhika Sarathkumar, Dhivyadharshini, Vinayakan, and many more. With this stellar line-up of amazing artists, it is understandable that many GVM fans are overflowing with excitement and thrill to finally witness this cutting-edge film.
Source: Times of India, Movie Crow, India Glitz
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Filed Under Aishwarya RajeshArjun DasGautham Vasudev MenonHarris Jayarajhearts of harrisR. ParthibanSimranVikram


Blake Yap Embraces Indian Culture By Deciphering Thirukurral On TikTok

The diverse culture and traditions present in Malaysia has over the years elevated the country as one of the most beautiful nation in the eyes of many. Despite our differences and disputes, the one Malaysian spirit embodied in each of us always kept us closely knit. whilst adoring our multi-cultured Malaysia in our own unique manner.
a Malaysian, Blake yap embraced The Indian culture recently on the tiktok platform, By dEciphering our very own Thirukurral, in an effort to deliver a thoughtful message to the community.
His videos has reached the public greatly, all thanks to his easy translation and explanation of the Hindu ancient scriptures.
Now, that’s a truly an amazing and inspiring element to diverse in!
Blake Yap’s Facebook Page
Thirukkural is one of the oldest historic scriptures in Tamil literature and was written by Thiruvalluvar in the 2nd century. It is largely acknowledged around the world for its 1,330 in-depth life values it depicts.
Thirukkural is the only literary work in Tamil that has earned numerous recognition and has been translated into multiple languages, Making The Scriputers Available to the world.
We at Varnam had a great privilege and opportunity to interview Blake Yap to know all about his inspiration and aspiration in creating content videos on TikTok, based on the ancient powerful verses of Thirukurral.
Varnam: What has been the source inspiration for you to venture into TikTok to make these videos?
Blake Yap: When I was a child, I used to enjoy watching music videos on television whenever I had the chance to, which made me realise that entertaining people in any form  would be my life, my work and my passion. Now, I’m an aspiring actor and film-maker, taking my childhood dreams of entertainment to the next level.
TikTok has provided me with a safe and positive platform to express my ideas and creativity to not just a local audience but a much wider global one as well.
Of course, my ultimate dream is to act in movies and I’ve been fortunate to be given the chance to take the first step into the acting world of Kollywood because of the exposure TikTok has given me. My TikTok videos have provided me with exposure in India’s Tamil Cinema, and it’s turning my dream into reality.

Varnam: Why choose the TikTok platform and not any other social media handles?
Blake Yap: TikTok has become my platform of choice to express my creativity because it is perfect for my short skits and dance videos, reaching international audiences as well. I love being able to show my love for entertainment while incorporating Malaysia’s essence of being multilingual and multicultural in my videos.
Not only am I able to practice Tamil while creating content, I’m also able to entertain and engage with people from Malaysia and all over the world.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a large portion of my fans are from Tamil Nadu, India, and they’ve been spurring me on to provide them with more content. To be able to connect with a global audience and see how they appreciate my work is truly a gift that keeps on giving!
Blake Yap’s Facebook Page
Varnam: What are the backlashes or criticism faced, and how did you overcome it?
Blake Yap: There are always ups and downs when it comes to creating content for the world to see. You are vulnerable and exposed for people to judge you and your flaws critically and no one is able to escape from this. When I was first starting out, I faced forms of criticism such as people making fun of me for doing content that doesn’t fit with the way I look. What I can say is that throughout the years, there will be people who love what we do, and those who don’t.
Not everyone is going to love what you do and that’s fine. I managed to overcome criticism by reminding myself to never give up and to give my best at everything I do, because it took me a long time to get where I am today and I believe that there’s still so much for me to achieve in the future.
What’s important to me is that I know what I’m doing – which is creating unique, entertaining and responsible content that is aligned with my values.
I also always try to inject my personality into my content and put my spin on everything I do, because there is only one Chinepaiyen and that’s what sets me apart.
Varnam: How did your profound interest in the Tamil language grow, leading you to make videos in Tamil based on Thirukkural?
Blake Yap: Being Malaysian provided me with the perfect exposure towards the various melting pot of cultures and languages in our beloved country. My natural curiosity helped me embrace the Indian culture and the Tamil language through my friends. I started watching a lot of Tamil movies, and we all know that Tamil movies are a fun combination of acting, dancing and singing – which are the three things I love the most!
I eventually managed to pick up the language, and progressed to making Tamil music videos and dialogues over social media platforms like TikTok. Because of my size and heritage, many of my friends and fans call me Chinepaiyen, which literally means little boy in Tamil.
2020 is also a special year for me, as it marks the 10th year of me learning Tamil. I felt that doing 31 readings of the Thirukkural for the Merdeka month was the perfect progression of my self-learning journey. Not only am I trying to pronounce classic Tamil, I also get to familiarise myself with the Tamil words through hours of reading. To share the important values learnt and connect it into our modern society, I managed to get a book which had the text translated in English and Bahasa Melayu, so that it was relatable and understandable to all Malaysians.
Another reason I wanted to do this series of readings is because I feel a sense of responsibility to showcase and uplift the Tamil language and its literature in mainstream Malaysian media, as I’ve received plenty of support from the Tamil community throughout the years.
I also wanted to set an example on how diverse Malaysian content on TikTok can be, especially as we are a multicultural country.
At the end of the day, it goes back to the core reason of why I do things – to encourage us Malaysians to learn each others’ languages so we can learn about the struggles and stories of others.
Related:  Malaysian International Carnatic Music Festival 2023: A Celebration of Melodies and RhythmsBlake Yap’s Facebook Page
Varnam: How long did it take for you to shoot these videos? Did you do any rehearsals beforehand?
Blake Yap: I’ve found that TikTok encourages creation through easy-to-use video capturing and editing tools, making it less time consuming for me to create videos that I’m passionate about. With this in mind, it normally takes me about three hours to shoot a video.
The whole process starts with coming up with the video idea, creating a script if needed, and to practice, especially if it’s a dance routine. I definitely do a few rehearsals before shooting so that I am able to produce content that I’m proud to present to my audience. This also prevents me from taking too many retakes and saving time.
Varnam: What were the personal challenges faced in making these videos?
Blake Yap: For me, one of the challenges I’ve faced is making sure that the language is accurately used and the meaning of the text is deciphered properly, as it is a constant learning process for me. Secondly, it’s capturing the attention span of the viewers.
My videos have to be outstanding and meaningful enough to capture my audience’s attention within 15 seconds and for them to want to repeat and share them with their friends and family.
These are some of the things that I constantly ponder upon each time I create a video, but at the end of the day, it’s important to still love what you do, because this is what the audience will connect with.
Varnam: What is your advice to our fellow Malaysians out there?
Blake Yap: Have a stand and be adamant about it. I’ve found that throughout my years of refining my craft, it is very important to know what you stand for and believe in as an individual and as a Malaysian.
Translating that belief into your content and creating your own brand is not easy, but as long as it is what you love to do then by all means please start creating!
Also for me, doing what I love is only half the story, getting to entertain, inspire, and motivate people along the way is the other half, and this brings me much fulfilment. So, never falter and give up on your dreams. You may face challenges and obstacles but you will know it’s worth it when you achieve everything you have sought after.
Blake Yap’s Facebook Page
Tamil being one of the oldest language in the world, is not practiced or spoken by many of us because many have diverted from thE language, failing to practice and value it as our mother tongue!
Blake Yap or our home boy #Chinepaiyen is surely an idol that we should all look up to and be inspired with. In this current millennial era, not many of us actually possess the right skills and fluency when it comes to conversing and writing in Tamil.
He has definitely gone against all odds by deciphering the ancient Thirukurral with utmost flair in Tamil and English, in order to be understood by his fellow audience in the most effective social media platform TikTok.
Blake Yap’s Facebook Page
TikTok is a social media handle that has been trending tremendously for it’s ability to feature videos of people, demonstrating a piece of themselves. It has been a great use to many in cultivating their inner talents showering them with the proper limelight in receiving the right acknowledgements for their talents.
Blake Yap is indeed an empowering Individual that uses the wide range of existing social media handles by voicing out on the recent happenings in the country, giving us a full insight on knowledgeable matters With an eye opening perpective.
Kudos on your marvelous work in creating content packed videos depicting Thirukkural  Blake Yap!
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Filed Under #chinepaiyanblake yapMalaysiathirukurraltiktok


Kamal Haasan Summoned By Police After Fatal Indian 2 Crane Accident!

Kamal Haasan was summoned by the Central Crime Branch police in connection with the crane accident at the Indian 2 shooting, where three persons were killed and 12 injured at the spot.

3 technicians — Madhu, Chandran and Krishna — were killed and 12 others injured after the crane fell on them while constructing the sets at the EVP Film City in Chennai on February 19 night.
Kamal Haasan, lead Kajal Aggarwal, as well as director Shankar himself, had a providential escape that night.
The police are summoning people who were present at the accident spot for the inquiry to ascertain the reason for the accident. They will find out about the safety precautions that were taken and other details.
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Filed Under Indian 2Kajal AggarwalKamal HaasankollywoodShankarTamiltamil nadu police


WATCH: This A Capella Tribute to P Susheela Will Blow Your Mind!

Twenty one established and upcoming singers have created a mind blowing a capella tribute to veteran crooner P Susheela, in conjuction with her 84th birthday.
Led by Swetha Mohan, the a capella ensemble comprises of her mother, Sujatha Mohan, along with senior singers Srinivas, Unnikrishnan, Anuradha Sriram, Vijay Yesudas, Benny Dayal, Haricharan, Naresh Iyer and Aalaap Raju.
The younger generation of singers include Uthara Unnikrishnan, Sharanya Srinivas, Rakshita, Sireesha, Aparna, Sreekanth Hariharan, Anirudh Suswaram, Sudharshan, Vaishagan and Lakshmipriya.
Popular American Indian singer, Devan Ekambaram, the smooth voice behind the tune Ore Nyabagam in Minnale, has made his comeback with this tribute. Devan has single-handedly managed the vocal arrangement and is the vocal bass for the medley of tunes.
The beatboxing for the clip was done one of the most talented rappers in Tamil Nadu, Bmac Mastamind.
The medley of four songs were from different eras, so this is one of those clips that will excite Tamil music fans of all ages. They sang the tunes Malarndhum Malaradha, Kannukku Mai Azhagu, Poo Pookkum Maasam, Azhagiya Thamizh Magal Ival.
We absolutely loved the choice of songs and the arrangement of the tunes, kudos to the entire team behind this tribute. Congratulations on a job well done!
Varnam wishes P Susheela a very happy birthday!
https://youtu.be/k3dkXaJrZqc
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Filed Under aalap rajuAnirudh SuswaramAnuradha SriramAparnaBenny Dayalbmac mastaminddevan ekambaramharicharanLakshmipriyaNaresh Iyerp susheelaRakshitaSharanya SrinivasSireeshaSreekanth HariharanSrinivasSudharshansujatha mohanswetha mohanUnnikrishnanUthara UnnikrishnanVaishaganVijay Yesudas


DR. Dayanandan’s Take On Banning Child Marriages ; A Loophole That Still Exist In Malaysian Law

Well, here we go again with some nonsensical statement made by Datuk Seri Rina Harun, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry who stated that the government has no plans to ban child marriages for the time being.
Since the statement went viral on social media platforms, it has sparked indignation among Malaysian netizens especially medical officers, and frontlines who have been handling labor and delivery at hospitals.
Dr. Dayanandan Dinakaran, who has been working as a medical officer has taken to his social media platform recently to express the heart-wrenching incident which happened to a 11-year-old girl who was about to deliver her baby with complicated issues. Unfortunately, the young expectant mother lost her battle during childbirth while the newborn was pronounced dead soon after the mother.
This is truly heartbreaking!
Check out the post below:

Do you know what it is like assisting a delivery? There are a lot of things that can go wrong depending on the risk factors involved and I can tell you for certain that supporting child and teenage pregnancies is a terrible idea. These are children! – Dr Dayan
A statement which makes sense indeed!
As a doctor, Dr Daya has stepped up by explaining the unbearable journey of the childbirth process which girls have to endure. Whilst, the writer is still wondering as to why the government is still hesitating on stopping child marriages despite the cons that have resulted in such marriages.
There’s a saying that goes:
A cow is worth more than a woman!
If the cow represents God, hence worshipping the animal and pouring milk for it at a temple, why don’t we protect young girls from marrying at a tender young age?
Statistics on the rate of child marriages in Malaysia are hard to pin down, but UNICEF reported that 1,856 children aged below 18 in the country were married in 2018. In between 2007 till 2017, approximately 15,000 cases were recorded in Malaysia, with child marriages occurring in all communities across the country.

A cause for concern right now is the silence of the government pertaining the issue of child marriage and to date there is no clear & cut law in prohibiting child marriages. On the interesting note, most child marriages in the country took place in Kelantan.
This is ridiculous. Massive outrage over the situation has not subsided, with netizens sharing their point of views on social media platforms. Let’s have a look at some of the comments below:

Child marriage ‘love’ is like the ocean – cold, dark, scary, unfathomable. Here be monsters. #childmarriage #rinaharu #KPWKM #kitajagakita #terengganu #loveisnotliketheocean pic.twitter.com/KyFutZD10v
— Jo🔺Kukathas (@Jo_Kukathas) March 26, 2022

https://t.co/7AwF4KGDtn pic.twitter.com/B3FLHpRC2J
— Jeffery Seow 🇲🇾 ☮ #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@jefferyseow) March 27, 2022

Children belong in the classroom NOT the marital bedchamber, there is only one group that want to marry a child ..they are called paedophiles ,The damage done to children mentally physically and emotionally is irreparable when forced into union too soon, children are innocent.😡
— pauletteChristineH🇺🇦FREE AHMADREZA-MORAD TAHBAZ (@paulett20997141) March 25, 2022

In recent years, there has been a rising global concern about the need to halt child marriages. Child marriage was included in the 2016-2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals because of resolutions passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.
Sustainable Development Goal Five, on gender equality, includes nine targets, one of which is, “Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.”
Countries all across the world have formed national action plans to stop child marriage, and donor support for efforts to end child marriage has grown dramatically. Malaysia, by refusing to even reform its law to make child marriages illegal, is going against a global tide of progress on child marriage.
Let’s join hands by signing the ‘End all under 18-year-old child marriage, Protect our children’ petition HERE!
Say no to#ChildMarriage yes to #education!
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Filed Under BanChild MarriagesDR. DayanandanSustainable Development Goal FiveunicefUnited Nations Human Rights Council


Fresh Start For Couple Who Were Living Miserably In A Car

Recently, authorities had discovered a couple who had been forced to stay in their run-down Proton Iswara for over a week. It was reported by Bernama that the couple in their mid-forties had parked their car at a petrol station in Kampar, Perak after being let go off their jobs as car washers in Johor Bharu.
Moved with compassion over the couple’s plight, Tualang Sekah State Assemblywoman Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi had come forward to provide a home for P.Sivagamyselvam and J.Rajakumari, both aged 45.
The childless couple lost their jobs during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) in July, after working at the car wash for 8 years. Rajakumari is also a diabetic patient who needs proper medical treatment and care.
When they lost their jobs, they returned to Rajakumari’s hometown in Kampar and realised her father’s house in Kampung  Baharin Pinji was a white elephant in a terrible state. Hence, they were forced to rent a space until their savings ran empty.
Source: SAYS, Utusan
Left with no other savings, this unfortunate couple decided to park their car and stay at the Bandar Baru Kampar petrol station, in order for them to use the public restroom there to wash and clean themselves. “We couldn’t afford to find a rented home, let alone a hotel, but we were bold enough to eat and sleep in the car,” Rajakumari told reporters, according to a Sinar Harian report.
Their story is one that can certainly move us all to tears. Especially so, knowing the fact that a wheelchair-bound lady was left with no other option but to live in a car where there’s not much space to even rest, adding with the unpredictable Malaysian weather to bear with while living in their car.
Sadly, there are many folks out there living miserable lives brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. As I penned this article, I’ve realised how blessed I am to have a roof on top of my head, food to eat at anytime of the day and a job, while this couple have none. Its time for us to be grateful for having these privileges.
The Tualang Sekah State Assemblywoman has now embarked on a mission to restore Rajakumari’s father’s house, into a two-bedroom home. The home, costing around RM20,000, employs 32 firemen as manpower, and is scheduled to be completed by Deepavali in November. Till the completion of the house, the couple will stay in a rented house for RM300 per month, supported by the MIC.
JBPM Perak director, Azmi Osman, said “We want the couple to celebrate Deepavali with joy, as well as give them a fresh start”
Source: Bernama
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Filed Under couple living in carKamparmalaysian couple living in carP.Sivagamyselvam and J.RajakumariTualang Sekah State Assemblywoman Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi


Covid-19; 298 Schools Closed In PJ, Shah Alam & Subang Jaya

The Covid- 19 cases spiking up to alarming rates in Malaysia currently has forced the Ministry of Education to take extreme measures by closing down 298 schools in 3 districts, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam in an immediate sudden notice!

All schools are ordered to be closed from 12th October 2020 to 25th October 2020!

The news was announced by Ministry Of Education of Malaysia through their Instagram handle!

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A post shared by #KementerianPendidikanMalaysia (@kempendidikan)

As of today, there has been 561 positive Covid-19 cases reported with 2 deaths from all the 14 states in the country!

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A post shared by Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (@kkdigital_gov)

There has been 15, 567 of Covid-19 positive cases reported with 159 deaths in Malaysia marking as the highest reported cases in Asia currently!

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A post shared by Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (@kkdigital_gov)

Stay tuned for more updates!
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Filed Under Covid-19 in malaysialist of schools closed in malaysia due to Covid-19schools shut down in the peninsular


Rames Harikrishnasamy Comes Under Fire For Insensitive Post About Black Lives Matter

Digital artist Rames Harikrishnasamy has come under fire for an insensitive post on Black Lives Matter.
In an Instagram post depicting a statue of the Goddess Durga, a lion and a black dog, Rames tells a story about a lion, the pet of Goddess Durga who stumbles upon a black dog who was lamenting its blackness.

View this post on Instagram

#conceptart: BLACK LIVES MATTERS ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿🖤 . . Full story: Maa Durga brought Her vehicle the Lion to one of Her temple in Tamil Nadu. Once arrived, She looked at the lion and said.. . . “Dear, this pooja will require me to be here for quite some time. Why don’t you go out and play instead of waiting for me here. I’ll call you once it’s done ☺” . . “Oh! Ok Maa. That sounds good. I’ve never been to this temple before. Looks like I can use this time too look around 😄” said the lion before heading out for a sightseeing. . . While he was strolling at the back of the temple, he could hear a very sad voice. As if someone was crying. He followed the voice and was surprised to see a small black dog staring at Durga Maa statue. . . “Why did You made me black Maa?!😞. Why?? Everyone just hates me because I am black! But I didn’t do anything 😭. I don’t even have any friends because of my look. Every time I walk around the neighbourhood, people chased me away because for them, I bring bad luck 😣. Just take my life away Maa. Please. I can’t take it anymore 😞” said the sad little dog. . . The lion who was listening from the bushes was crying and lost for words 😢. He took sometime to calm himself down and said.. . . “Hi. I heard everything. I felt sorry for what had happened to you 😥🙏🏽✨. We should blame the society for judging people based on their colours. I understand that I will never understand. However I stand with you ☹. We can do this together 🙌🏽. Can you accept me as your friend?” said the lion. . . The dog was so touched with what the lion just said 😣. And ever since then, the lion would bring him every where he go and introduce him to his circle of friends. Now everyone likes the black dog. Liking him not based on COLOUR but the KIND HEART he has ❤. The End ✨. . . I am very sure you all know what’s going on in #America right now. To change all this, it’s starts from YOURSELF. Then, the SOCIETY will follow 🙏🏽. I really hope things will get better in the US very soon ✨🇺🇸 . #georgefloyd #blacklivesmatter #photoshop #blackouttuesday
A post shared by  Rames Harikrishnasamy (@ramesstudios) on Jun 1, 2020 at 6:29pm PDT

Rames ends his post by correlating this story with the Black Lives Matter movement. It is an international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community in the United States of America, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.
“Why did You made me black Maa?! Why?? Everyone just hates me because I am black! But I didn’t do anything. I don’t even have any friends because of my look. Every time I walk around the neighbourhood, people chased me away”
People from around the world have taken to his comments to express their dissatisfaction with the distasteful comparison, including African Americans themselves.
Related:  Young Rhetoric, Kanniesh Theeran Triumphs Admirably in The UK-Based Speech Contest

Rames, however, appears unfettered by these messages and chalks it up to a difference in opinion, reinforcing that he has no control over how people perceive his work.

The sheer number of positive comments on the post are part a worrying trend that most of these individuals have no comprehension of the term Black Lives Matter.
Many of those calling Rames out for this post have reinforced that they understand his intention was to mean no harm, but they are concerned that his insensitivity in keeping the post up is very inappropriate.
The Varnam team stands with those who have called Rames out. Equating the laments of a black dog to the Black Lives Matter movement, one birthed to decimate systemic racial oppression of African Americans isn’t just wrong, it is downright insulting.
Feature image credit: Rames Harikrishnasamy
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Filed Under black lives matterdigital artistmalaysian indianoffensiveRames Harikrishnasamy


Four Individuals Involved In Bangsar Robbery Case Charged With Murder

Bangsar seems to be a favourite crime spot recently with many notorious crimes taking place within the vicinity even with the current CMCO in place, the very recent one being the murder of a MARDI retired officer.
Security guard Vickeswaran Selvach Santhiran, 22, dispatch rider Kogilan Panniselvam, 23, electrician Ravindran Manimurasu, 23, and unemployed Sugu Thangarajoo, 27 were charged with murder after an attempted robbery at the home of a retired MARDI researcher, Dr Wan Hassan Wan Embong, former director of the Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) at his home in Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar on 29th November 2020.
Source: SAYS
The four men allegedly committed the crime on the 73-year-old at his residence in Jalan Mambu, Bukit Bandaraya that occurred at 3.35 am and 4 am on 29th November. The offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code carries a mandatory death penalty.
The four Whose hands were chained Together nodded their heads as a sign they understood the charge read to them before magistrate Wong Chai Sia.
The accused were not granted bail and their case will move ahead for mention on 9th March 2021.
It was confirmed that after finding out that they had broken into his double-story bungalow, Wan Hassan had fought off two robbers around 3.30 am when two armed men broke in with machetes and entered the house through the kitchen.
The robbers forced Wan Hassan and his wife to hand over their valuables when confronted, but the deceased reportedly tried to fight them off, resulting in his death after he was slashed in the face and neck.
Then they proceeded to slash his wife Sarifah Yusof on her right shoulder, before feeding away with the loot.

During a court session, the four were also charged with another robbery case at a 33-year-old man’s residence in Taman Tiara wielding a parang and hammer on the same day, between 4.12 am and 5.30 am.
Mohd Muzaffar Martin, was alleged to have been robbed, resulting in losses of around RM38,000. Judge Izralizam Sanusi did not permit all the four accused to be granted bail and scheduled the same day for mention.
Wan Hakimi Wan Ahmad Jaafar and Muhammad Aiman Azahan, deputy public prosecutors, prosecuted. The accussed were unrepresentated.
Therefore, the case mention has been pushed forward and scheduled to 9th March 2021 by the Magistrate Court and the accused are strictly not allowed to plead for bail.
The offence falls under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code and carries the sentence of 20 years’ jail and whipping upon conviction.
More Updates To Follow!
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Filed Under despatch rider Kogilan PanniselvamDr Wan Hassan Wan Embongelectrician Ravindran ManimurasuMalaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)murder case at bangsarrobbery case at bangsarSections 395 and 397 of the Penal CodeSecurity guard Vickeswaran Selvach Santhiranunemployed Sugu Thangarajoo


This Little Girl Explains How Tamil Qualified As A Chair At Harvard University

The Tamil language is the only language that met all 11 requirements to qualify as a chair at the prestigious Harvard University.
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Filed Under CultureTamil


6 Things for Malaysian Indians to Avoid This Deepavali

It’s that time of year again, the floors of our neighbourhood malls are bedazzled with colourful kolams, the friendly bank teller asks us if we want the peacock themed ang pau packets, and everyone complains that they need to take Monday off.
Deepavali, the festival of lights that is celebrated by a majority of Malaysian Indians is around the corner. Ours is a celebration different from the rest of the world, with the festival revolving around the Malaysian tradition of the Open House. The open house is fun, but not when the judgmental and entitled come visiting. We have compiled a list of things we suggest all Malaysian Indians avoid this Deepavali.
Commenting on someone’s weight

“Eh, you’ve gained/lost so much weight! What happened?”
A few PSAs before we get started on this. 1. Not everyone wants to lose weight. 2. Even if someone has been working hard to lose weight, it is not appropriate to comment on their body.
Can you believe that this is the FIRST thing we are driven say upon seeing each other? The problem with us Malaysians is that we love stating the obvious, even if it is weight that isn’t ours. The person you are speaking to probably knows that they have gained or lost weight. There is no need to rub it in their faces and demand an explanation on how they got there, because frankly, it isn’t any of your business. Oh and if you are ‘concerned about their health’, you should probably be also asking them other questions like “Are you getting enough sleep?” “Is your job incredibly stressful?” “When was your last medical check up?” Going by that logic, you need to start policing people smoking, drinking, doing drugs, eating junk food, etc.
Nobody can comment on Your body without your consent.
Even if the person was unhealthy, that doesn’t allow you to comment on their body.  No matter what you have been taught by media and social media, A PERSON’S WEIGHT IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THEIR HEALTH. All bodies deserve respect, dignity and safety. Even the ones you don’t deem attractive.
Asking for ‘good news’

“Do you have someone special?”
 “Are you getting married soon?”
“When are you having a baby?”
Annoyingly common within the Malaysian Indian spheres, these questions are the very reason some people choose to avoid gatherings entirely. These probing, personal questions grill innocently, and place immense pressure on a person to make life altering decisions. Really, one tradition we don’t need to perpetuate is pressuring people into doing things they’re not sure they want in the first place.
The thing is, for some people, good news is being single, or enjoying the companionship of their partner without a screaming infant nearby. You asking them for good news of the opposite outcome is just downright rude.
And for others, the lack of a partner or a child may be something so painful, something they are trying so hard to deal with, that it crushes them inside every time they are questioned about it. You never know what people are dealing with. SO DON’T PROBE.
Slut shaming & Prude shaming

Slut shaming: “I can see your cleavage, cover up lah!” “Why do you tie your saree to be so revealing?”
Prude shaming: “You need to show more skin, why are you all covered up?”
If you feel a pressing need to say something about the way a person is dressed, just say “You look nice!” And if you don’t think they look nice, then just zip it. There is a plethora of other things to talk about instead of how one looks in their outfit. This applies to their accessories, hairstyle, presence/absence of pottu, the works. Let people be.

Let them wear what they want, because honestly, nobody asked you for your opinion.

And if you really cannot take what someone is wearing, here’s what you need to do. LOOK AWAY.
Being the Food Police

“Are you seriously going to have a second round of that?”
“How much sugar are you going to eat?”
“I’m so bad for eating all these cookies!”
First of all, stop assigning food moral values. The bone marrow you just slurped isn’t bad and the nonexistent Deepavali salad isn’t good. It is merely food. Eat what you enjoy, in amounts that satiate you. Just as how you know your body the best, so does everyone else. The onus is NOT on you to tell people what and how much to eat.
Honestly, it is the one day in the year that is a celebration for most Malaysian Hindus. Do you really need to start monitoring what people eat? Stop being the self appointed food police officer and just let everyone enjoy themselves!
Snooping around to find out what people do for a living

“What do you work as?”
“So, how much are you earning now?”
Okay, anyone who asks you what your salary is needs to be pelted with the onion raita from the buffet table. Thankfully, Malaysian Indians don’t do that as much anymore. Instead, we just ask what do you for a living and how long you have been at it, and try to guess how much you earn.
As for “What do you work as?”, this is a tricky one. While it is a commonly asked question, and most people are okay with being asked what they do for a living, we need to understand a few things first. We live in 2018. A job today isn’t the be all and end all of a person. It is merely a job. It does not define a person.
Society is far too concerned with what people do to pay the bills.
People love to organize others into a social hierarchy, which is determined by their jobs and incomes. And yes, we are happy to have climbed up the rungs of society, out of the rubber estates to acquire professional jobs. A substantial number of Malaysian Indians now make up the holy trinity of doctors, lawyers and engineers. But what about those who are still trying?
It would be fantastic if as a society, we see past that social hierarchy. We need to start seeing the value in people for who they are, not what they do to pay the bills.
Giving people free advice on how to improve their appearance

‘Eh, why is your hair falling so early? Use this concoction of coconut oil, vendhayam and a lizard’s tail every night and it will grow back”
Deepavali is the time that people show greater interest in solving your problems than their own. These unsolicited nuggets of advice are often bestowed upon us by well meaning elders. They are usually just fighting to stay relevant to today’s society and cannot come up with a better way to prove themselves. It is a carnal need to portray that they can deal with your perceived difficulties better than you could ever be expected to.
“But I was just trying to help!” comes the hurt retort. You can help, when you are asked for help. Until then, why don’t we talk about something else?
If you are having trouble talking to someone after avoiding all of the above, you should probably broaden your view of the world, or perhaps just stick to talking about Tamil movies and Bigg Boss. Enjoy the Deepavali weekend!
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Gautham Menon And Suriya May Come Together For A New Project!

It’s been a decade since Gautham Menon and Suriya work together in Vaaranam Aayiram, in which the latter played dual roles as father and son. Suriya may soon reunite with Gautham for a new project which will be bankrolled by Lyca Productions.

Apparently, Gautham has already been paid advance and he’s said to have traveled to London earlier this week to finalise everything with the makers. The details about the project are yet unknown but the rumour has it that the duo is joining hands for an action flick.
Gautham and Suriya were originally supposed to work together for Dhruva Natchathiram which was eventually made with Vikram.
Meanwhile, Gautham Menon awaits the release of Enai Noki Paayum Thota, which marks his first-time collaboration with Dhanush. The film, which is expected to release in September, features Dhanush as a college student and Megha Akash as an actor.
Gautham Menon recently completed shooting the first season of Queen, a biopic web series on the rise of J Jayalalithaa for MX Player. Ramya Krishnan plays Jayalalithaa in the series which has been co-directed by Kidaari fame Prasath Murugesan.
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Netflix Premieres 17 Original Indian Series

Despite the new arrivals of various streaming services out there, 2020 will be another breakthrough year for Netflix with a slew of big-budget shows to complement its growing number of less-pricey projects.
Netflix has ramped up its library by adding 17 new TV shows and movies for India. The streaming platform’s roster of upcoming Indian originals includes 12 new films and five TV series. From thrillers to romantic comedies to lighthearted dramas, these upcoming Indian originals will premiere on Netflix in the upcoming months.
The new titles feature performances by prominent Bollywood actors such as Anil Kapoor, Pooja Bhatt, Bobby Deol, Bhumi Pednekar, Konkona Sensharma, Janhvi Kapoor, and many more.
We’ve curated a list of the upcoming Indian original shows on Netflix. Check it out:
Gunjan Saxena

Gunjan Saxen is an upcoming biographical film directed by Sharan Sharma and produced under Dharma productions. It depicts the life of a first Indian woman Air Force officer to fly in a combat zone. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Angad Bedi and Ayesha Radha.
Torbazz

The film is directed by Girish Malik. Torbazz is an emotional story of transformation starring Sanjay Dutt, Nargis Fakhri, and Rahul Dev.
Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare

Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, the film tales the lives of two cousins and their quest for freedom. Starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pedneka, the movie is produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under their banner Balaji.
Raat Akeli Hai

A crime thriller film directed by Honey Trehan. Starring Radhika Apte, Nawazuddin Siddiq and Aditya Srivasta. The film is set to hit your screens on 31st July.
Ludo

Directed by Anurag Basu, Ludo is an upcoming comedy-drama starring Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkumar Rao, and Aditya Rao Kapoor in the lead roles. The film depicts the journey of four different people who met at a crossroad.
Class Of 83

Class 83 is an upcoming movie produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Atul Sabharwal for Netflix. Starring Bobby Deol, the film tells the story of an upright and dedicated policeman turned police instructor whose students grapple with discipline problems.
Ginny Weds Sunny

A story tale of love, life, weddings and music starring Yami Gautham and Vikram Massey. It is directed by debutant Puneet Kanna and produced by Vinod Bachchan.
A Suitable Boy

A drama ministries written by Andrew Davies. The series is based on the critically acclaimed novel by Vikram Seth starring Ishaan Khatter, Tabu, and Ram Kapoor in the lead roles.
Mismatched

A film all about young adult romance starring Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf based on Sanhya Menon’s novel title When Dimple Met Rishi.
AK vs AK

AK vs AK, starring Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap in the lead roles, has been directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. The film depicts Anil Kapoor’s desperate search for his daughter in real time.
Serious Men

Serious Men is an adaption of Manu Joseph’s novel, staring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role. The film showcases a Dalit man (the lowest member of the Indian caste system) who works for a Brahmin astronomer (the highest member of the Indian caste system). Things go terribly wrong between the Brahmin and the Dalit when the latter lies about his son being a mathematical genius.
Tribhanga

Kajol starrer Tribhanga is set for its release on Netflix. Directed by Renuka Shahane, the film also stars Tanvi Azmi and Mithila Palkar. The story is about three women who dance to their own beat.
Kaali Khuhi

Shabana Azmi, Satyadeep Mishra, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Riva Arora feature in a horror movie called Kaali Khuhi, which was filmed in a Punjab village.
Bombay Rose

An award winning animated romance hanging precariously between living on the streets and loving on the screen.
Bhaag Beanie Bhaag

Ravi Patel has penned the series with Neel Shah. Apart from Swara Bhasker and Varun Thakur, the series will also star Dolly Singh and Ravi Patel.
Bombay Begums

Directed by Alankrita Shrisvastava, the series stars Pooja Bhatt, Sahana Goswami and Rituraj Singh as lead roles. It revolves around the story of five women as they strive to seek the truth.
Masaba Masaba

Masaba Gupta, Neena Gupta and Neel Bhoopalam join the cast of Masaba Masaba which appears to be a story centring around fashion designer Masaba Gupta’s life.
Remember, you’ll have to subscribe to the streaming service in order to watch the shows on the list. Haven’t subscribed to Netflix, you can do so by clicking here.
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Filed Under 17 Upcoming Indian OriginalsA Suitable BoyAK vs AKanil kapoorBhaag Beanie BhaagBhumi PednekarBobby DeolBombay BegumsBombay Rose Class Of 83Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte SitareGinny Weds SunnyGunjan SaxenaJanhvi KapoorKaali KhuhiKonkona SensharmaLudoMasaba MasabaMismatchedNetflixPooja BhattRaat Akeli HaiSerious Men TorbazzTribhanga


Associate Professor Dr Balamuralithara Becomes First Malaysian To Receive Fellowship Position At ITMO University, Russia

Dr Balamuralithara Balakrishnan, a professor and researcher who hails from Ipoh, Perak had recently received international recognition after being appointed for a fellowship position at the ITMO University, Russia which happens to be one of the prestigious universities in Russia specifically in the area of Educational Creative Studies.
In addition, he is also the first Malaysian to receive such an honour.

Speaking to Varnam, Balamuralithara is proud of the recognition received form an international organisation that acknowledges his talents and achievements in his field of study, being in the line of educational creative studies, which is also a new area of study that only a few researchers have delved into.
“I will be eternally grateful to the Almighty God, my family members who have always supported me, and my university, UPSI, for paving the way for me to grow,” he expressed.
The professor who currently resides in Hulu Bernam said he will be heading to St Petersburg, Russia to conduct classes for subjects on creative studies and technology for the ITMO University undergraduates and postgraduates students in September 2022.
This 44-year-old prof said he will be conducting research on how students who are engaged in the creative and innovation process deal with ethics and sustainability issues as a part of his appointed position.
Furthermore, in the year 2020, this dedicated professor was the first ASEAN academician who received an international grant award from the Engineering Information Foundation, United States of America. (Now that’s a huge deal)
The special grant is for his project titled “I am a Girl, I am an Engineer: Inspire and Empower Impoverished Urban Girls to be Future Engineers”.
This huge project is aimed to develop appropriate characteristics among impoverished urban girls (from the B40 group) in secondary school-aged 14-15 years old through Inspiration and Empowerment, leading them to choose engineering as their career path.
The professor of the Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry described that with this initiative he aims to uplift and nurture these girls’ capabilities in a positive way, pushing them to greater heights in their lives and breaking the poverty cycle.
According to him, this project will begin this year after being delayed for two years owing to the coronavirus outbreak.
Balamuralithara who has spent almost 2 decades in the education field, has also received several national grants and industry grants from IBM Malaysia. All these grants were obtained in the area of Creative Studies, Ethics and Sustainability and STEM education.
“My expertise is recognised at the national as well as the international levels. Notably, I was invited to deliver keynote speeches in South Korea, Japan, India and Indonesia,” he remarked.
Congratulations on your notable achievements, Dr Balamuralithara!
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Filed Under Associate Professor Dr Balamuralithara BalakrishnanITMO University


“Most Indians Are Unaware Of Consent,” – Shraddha Srinath

Shraddha Srinath has opened up about how alien the concept of consent is in India in a recent interview. The actress is set to play the lead role in Nerkonda Paarvai, the Tamil remake of the courtroom thriller, Pink.
Pink was released in 2016 to rave reviews. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang. The story revolves around three women who are trying to get justice for a crime of sexual harassment, only to be accused of soliciting, thanks to a corrupt system. Critics hailed the film as a giant leap for Hindi cinema, and one of the best movies of our time.

Shraddha will be playing Taapsee’s role in Nerkonda Paarvai. Speaking to The News Minute, the actress said, “I feel a large part of our country is unaware of consent as a concept. They don’t understand the basics,”
Shraddha goes on to talk about marital rape and how foreign it is to the everyday Indian. “There’s no such thing as marital rape for them, for instance. How can I rape my wife when she’s married to me? Stuff like this is beyond them,”
While she is aware that a film like Nerkonda Paarvai will not change the masses’ outlook overnight, she believes that it is a step in the right direction. “(Nerkonda Paarvai) is a good introduction to these basic concepts – how better to do it than through a visual medium like cinema? I think it’s going to get conversations started for sure,”

Shraddha, however, remains tight lipped on Nerkonda Paarvai, “I cannot speak about the film much. It is a faithful remake but there have been minor alterations made for the Tamil audience. It’s a very, very faithful adaptation,”
Related:  Top 10 Songs that Symbolises Thenisai Thendral Deva’s MusicWhen asked on sharing screen space with actor Ajith, Shraddha said she was comfortable, “The relationship we share is that of a lawyer and his client. It was a very comfortable space for me to be working in,”
Nerkonda Paarvai releases on the 1st of May.
https://varnam.my/news/2019/7122/the-first-look-of-thala-ajiths-next-film-nerkonda-paarvai/
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Filed Under Ajithconsentmarital rapenerkonda paarvaiPinkShraddha SrinathTaapseethala Ajith


2 Year Old Tisshaaanth Miraculously Unhurt After Being Flung Out of Car During Accident

Toddler Tisshaaanth was flung out of a car during an accident yesterday. Miraculously, he only sustained slight external injuries.
Captured by the dashcam of one Alan Chang, the incident happened at KM235.5 of the North South Expressway near Pedas Linggi in Negeri Sembilan, southbound at about 3.40 pm.
Tisshaaanth was travelling with his family in a car when he was thrown out of the vehicle after his father who was driving the car, lost control while trying to avoid colliding with a Perodua Myvi and Honda Jazz.
The boy is currently warded at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban. He is in stable condition.
The X-Ray conducted on the two year old showed that there was no internal injury, according to Negeri Sembilan Women Affairs, Family and Welfare Action Committee chairman Nicole Tan Lee Koon. She added that the state government would provide financial contributions and a child restraint seat for his family.
Meanwhile, the boy’s father, K. Satthiaseelan, 33, said he was driving on the right lane of the expressway when, through his rear-view mirror, he saw a Honda Jazz flashing its high beam, with a Perodua Myvi trailing closely behind it.
“When I wanted to give way, a Perodua Myvi suddenly came from the left lane and cut across to the right lane, hitting the left rear side of my car in doing so, and the impact caused me to ram into the divider,” he said.
“I immediately stopped the car in the middle of the road and searched for him in the car, but could not find him. I only saw him in the middle of the road later and quickly ran towards him,” he said.
Related:  Dr. Palani's 30 Years of Remarkable Journey of Being an EducatorSatthiaseelan is a furniture factory worker who resides in Taman Cempaka, Rantau. He thanked everyone for their assistance in the incident, especially the lorry driver, who stopped his vehicle and then went to rescue Tisshaaanth.
The driver of a Perodua Myvi has been remanded for three days from today. Negeri Sembilan Traffic Investigation and Enforcement deputy head DSP Shaifulizan Sulaiman said the remand against the 20-year-old man was issued by Magistrate Tan Chai Wei.He was arrested in Batu Berendam, Melaka, at about 4.50 pm yesterday.

Source: KiniTV, The Star Online
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Filed Under accidentcar seatmalaysian indianserembantwo year old


Thalapathy’s “Leo” Charged With Police Complaint For Drug Propaganda

Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film Leo has gotten into a bit of controversy in recent days. The film had just recently released its first single, titled Naa Ready. The song featured the star with lyrics that promoted smoking and drinking. Additionally, the poster for the song had the famed actor with a gun in his hand while a cigar lay on his lips, and the background image showed glass mugs, presumably filled with alcohol, being hoisted in the air. These actions have prompted a police report to be lodged against him under the Narcotics Control Act.
Image Source India Today
It has been expressed that Vijay was being hypocritical with this action, as it goes against what he preached recently to young students. In the recent education ceremony conducted by Vijay Makkal Eyakkam, the actor stressed that more than academic education, it is the character of an individual that determines one’s worth. Some pointed out that for a man of his stature to be seen drinking and smoking is a display of bad characteristics. Comments state that the actor, with his influence, should be guiding his young fans towards a more disciplined and drug-free lifestyle.
Image Source The Hindu
On the other end, Vijay fans have expressed that this police report is only giving free publicity to the actor and the film. This Lokesh Kanagaraj creation is already a highly anticipated movie, with fans eagerly waiting for new updates by the minute. This will be Lokesh Kanagaraj’s second film with Thalapathy Vijay after the massive success of Master. The film will also see the reunion of the evergreen pair, Vijay and Trisha, after 14 years. The two have been romantic partners in some of the most classic Tamil films, like Ghilli, Thirupaachi, and Aadhi. Leo will also feature other amazing actors such as Gautham Vasudev Menon, Arjun Sarja, Mysskin, Priya Anand, Mansoor Ali Khan, Matthew Thomas, and many more. The film is set for theatrical release on October 19, 2023.
Related:  Sivakarthikeyan's Maaveeran Trailer Has Fans Greatly ExcitedImage Source @trishtrashers Twitter
Source: Times of India, Pink Villa
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Filed Under Arjun SarjaGautham Vasudev MenonkollywoodLeolokesh kanagarajmansoor ali khanMatthew ThomasmysskinPriya Anandtamil cinemaThalapathy vijayTrisha


Resham; Bringing A Unique Spread To The 6 Yards Of Elegance

Saree; a material birthed with various traditions and values, each made to delicately cater to the needs of the ones adorning it while, holding a special place in their life. The saree is donned by the women in our society has an emblem of pride, dignity, tradition and culture.
Resham By Sofistiq’s Official Facebook Page
Sarees are now being used to break multiple stereotypes in the society with women from all corners of the world, earning to be draped in this exquisite piece based on their own mod of preferences from pants, dresses, and even skirts equally expressing their respective admiration.
Resham By Sofistiq’s Official Facebook Page

Resham, a homegrown brand, is brought to you by 2 purveyors of silk sarees, Kumaraesinggam Balasingam and Navin Rajaratnam.

The masterminds behind Resham believe that a saree can be donned in multiple ways bringing adequate justice to its elegant demure.
Resham By Sofistiq’s Official Facebook Page
In a notion to break the big wall of stereotype built by our Indian society, Resham has launched an amazing video featuring Yasmin Nadiah and Sharwita encrypting the classiness of draping a saree with enthralling techniques and design completely out of the norms.
Resham By Sofistiq’s Official Facebook Page
The idea behind this commercial was to bring to life a modern and fresh take to showcasing and draping a silk saree. The video was a conjoined work-ship with Sara a veteran singer, songwriter and musician, shot with a classy touch by Swans Wedding and styled by our very own Sanmuga Selvi of Desiglam.
Resham By Sofistiq’s Official Facebook Page
Both the eminent owners of Resham are brilliant intellectuals in their respective fields in the industry,  holding a name for themselves due to their passion and artistic desire towards the 6 yards of elegance.
The pioneers of Resham are professional workaholics who juggle the role of immigration specialist and marketing specialist with work experience of over a decade alongside the role of a makeup artist being the creative director of Sofistiq Bridal and an entrepreneur owning Resham as a side gig.
Kumaraesinggam Balasingam’s Official Facebook Page
Resham was started by them as an initiative to pursue their eloquent interest in fashion and culture. The owners incorporated and established their in-depth passion breaking all voids faced by the women in our society, bringing eccentric pieces of sarees that are weaved by the finest and purest materials from our motherland India to Malaysia.
Check out their designs here on the official Instagram handle:

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A post shared by Resham By Sofistiq (@resham_by_sofistiq)

Kumaraesinggam Balasingam and Navin Rajaratnam were prompted to bring Resham alive for a sight in a label that brings upon the highest quality of premium silk sarees.
Resham also aims to uplift the saree industry by dealing with the best weavers from the industry by compiling the sarees of the finest quality and exclusive silk sarees to the women here in our country.
We at Varnam strongly believe that a saree depicts multiple values of Indian traditions and is an epitome of a huge legacy. The 6 yards of sophistication worn and brought to us over centuries of traditions should be valued and be dressed up in any style to the comforts of the women whilst highlighting its virtuous values.
So shout out to all ladies out there to check out Resham’s latest collections here on their official Instagram & Facebook handle. Grab their one-of-a-kind silk sarees in order to rock the upcoming festival of lights with utmost finesse and glamness!
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Filed Under desi glampure silk sarees in malaysiaresham by sofistiqsanmuga selvisaree store in pjsilk sarees in malaysiayasmin nadiah sharwita


Revisiting Vikram Vedha: Can Vijay Sethupathi Please Be The Villain In Every Movie Ever

There’s always that one person that makes you (or rather, me) fall completely in love with a movie. In Maanagaram, it was Sundeep Kishan. In Alaipayuthey, it was Madhavan. In Vikram Vedha, it’s Vijay Sethupathi.
Vijay Sethupathi’s introduction scene with an electrifying background score was probably the best scene in Vikram Vedha. When was the last time you cheered for the villain as he was unveiled on screen, instead of the hero? Cheers like that are usually reserved for the likes of Ajith, Vijay, or the Superstar himself.
Here’s why I think Vijay Sethupathi should be the villain in every movie ever:
He stole my attention, which was reserved for Madhavan

From the moment Vijay Sethupathi’s Vedha made his entrance, I knew this movie was going to take an expected turn. And it did.
I can’t remember a time when I got goosebumps watching the villain’s introduction – especially when the hero is Madhavan. You don’t get it, Madhavan is my one true love. But even when he was on screen, playing the fearless and righteous cop that is Vikram with his swept back hair and chiseled jawline, I found myself yearning for Vijay Sethupathi’s presence. “Where is Vedha? I want Vedha back on screen! I want to hear his stories!” His natural swag, wit and charm just drowned everything else.
He has us rooting for the bad guy

The modus operandi of the plot is based on the conceit of the age-old folklore, King Vikramadityan and the Vedhalam – hence Vikram and Vedha. The title of the movie itself is genius. The story of Vikram Vedha is very simple, or so the directors would have you believe.
Vikram, the righteous cop, is determined to track down his arch-nemesis, Vedha, a gangster-cum-druglord who keeps getting away (think Kaaka Kaaka). And of course, we take Vikram’s side at first – we want him to take down the bad guy and win. But before Vikram could go out and hunt him down, Vedha surrenders himself.
This is where it all gets interesting. Every time Vikram captures Vedha, Vedha convinces Vikram to let him tell a story. In any other movie, we would have just yelled at Vikram to shoot Vedha and get it done and over with it. But in this movie, you take Vedha’s side. You want Vikram to take a chill pill and listen to Vedha’s story, because we want to listen to the story too. Every story Vedha tells Vikram may seem like a simple story, but it has layers and codes that he wants Vikram to decipher.
He makes us question what we know about right and wrong

The movie starts off with a very clear juxtaposition of what is right and what is wrong. In fact, Vikram repeats it multiple times in the movie. “Of course I will do the right thing. I’m a police. Of course you are wrong, you’re a criminal,”
Related:  Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir Trailer; Vijay Sethupathy With a MessageBut as the plot starts to unfold, the line between what is right and wrong is blurred. The more we hear Vedha’s stories, the more conflicted we become – just as Vikram does. You start to wonder what would you have done if you were in Vedha’s place. You realise that sometimes, whether something is right or wrong really depends on where you’re standing.
Vikram Vedha: the best bromance in Tamil cinema

This is the moment where I say “Name me a more iconic duo – I’ll wait.” And I’ll probably wait forever, because you can’t name me a more iconic duo (and no, you can’t say Rajinikanth and Sarath Babu). As I said earlier, my favourite scene in the movie is Vedha’s introduction scene. My second favourite scene? When Vikram arrests Vedha and puts him in the backseat, and while Vikram is driving, he shares a cigarette with Vedha – who is in handcuffs. This is where I have to highly praise (or build a shrine) for the directors, husband and wife duo Pushkar-Gayathri.
The hero and villain share a bromance moment, and it gels perfectly well with the tone of the movie. Vikram is still a cop who is determined to kill Vedha on encounter. Vedha is still the drug lord who knows he’s going to die, but doesn’t see a reason why he can’t have a cigarette first. Also, deep down, Vedha knows things that Vikram doesn’t – and he knows his moment to break Vikram will come.

Despite their cat and mouse chase, despite scheming to get away from Vikram every time he gets caught, deep down inside, for some peculiar reason, Vedha cares for Vikram. And that brings me to my third favourite scene in the movie – when Vedha gifts Vikram a chain sprocket so he can fix his dad’s old bike and use it again. More goosebumps!
I’m not a big fan of the final twist in Vikram Vedha. But the entire screenplay was crafted so well, the chemistry between Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi is off the charts – so much so that it outshines the romantic relationship Vikram and his wife. Plenty of case solving, pertinent and realistic fight scenes, and impeccable casting – kudos to Pushkar Gayathri.
Verdict: I’m going to start watching every single movie that has the name Vijay Sethupathi in it.
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Filed Under MadhavanVijay SethupathiVikram Vedha


Arya: Vishal Will Be In The Next Season Of Enga Veetu Mapillai

It came as a huge shock for almost everybody under the sun when actor Arya decided to participate in a reality TV show in order to find love.
Tall, dark, handsome, charming, smooth, suave, and fit – Arya should have no trouble finding a girl for himself. Unfortunately, he has not been so lucky when in the matters of love. After spending years trying and failing, Arya wanted to try a different way, something that he hasn’t done before, and something that may not agree with a lot of people. He resorted to reality TV.

“I’ve been trying to find the right person all these years. But it hasn’t happened till now. It’s not that I didn’t want to get married. I have been trying to find the right person and get married for so many years. But nothing worked out,” the Madrasapattinam actor said in an interview with Times Of India.
“So, I thought, let me try this,” he added.
However, Arya is aware of the fact that reality TV doesn’t guarantee that he will find ‘the one’. But it does help him meet people from all walks of life, which is what he wants.

The show is now down to only 7 girls, which means Arya is inching very close to finding the love of his life. When asked about the next season of Enga Veetu Mapillai, Arya joked that his friend Vishal might be next.
“I told Vishal, ‘adutha season-la nee vanthu kalyanam pannikko’,” Arya said.
It is a joke, but it is very likely that we might see that happening – since Vishal is hitting 40 and is still single!
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Filed Under AryaEnga Veetu MapillaiVishal


Tashny Sukumaran is One of Reporters Without Borders’ 30 Coronavirus Information Heroes

Tashny Sukumaran, the Malaysian news correspondent of South China Morning Post, has been selected by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as one of the 30 coronavirus Information Heroes.
RSF, a global journalism watchdog based in Paris, has compiled a list of 30 coronavirus Information Heroes – 30 journalists, whistleblowers and media outlets whose courage, perseverance or capacity to innovate has helped to circulate reliable and vital information during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The list includes the White House press corps for its persistence in grilling US President Donald Trump and the ill-fated Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang who was reprimanded for trying to highlight news of the outbreak and later succumbed to the disease.
Recently, Tashny was summoned by the police as she covered the mass arrest of migrant workers as part of the country’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The journalist was then investigated by Bukit Aman for two hours on May 6th under Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for her tweets about the immigration raid.
This was despite Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah’s instruction for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to drop its own investigation.
Tashny’s lawyer New Sin Yew told Malaysiakini that “the authorities have not contacted us since the questioning last month. We do not anticipate them to do so because there is no offence committed by Tashny. It’s plain harassment.”
Congrats, Tashny!

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Filed Under Malaysian News CorrespondentReporters Without Borders (RSF)Tashny SukumaranTop 30 Information heroes


Do you suffer from depression? Here are 3 ways to cope!

It’s easy to feel completely alone when you’re suffering from depression.
It’s possible that you believe you’re the only one in the world who feels this way. It can be isolating, if not crippling. It can feel unwieldy if left untreated, as if you have no control over yourself or your feelings. You may believe that no one understands what you’re going through. Perhaps you’re a caregiver who is witnessing a loved one’s struggle with depression. Perhaps it’s a sibling, a parent, or a child. You may feel as if you’re watching your loved one fade away.
You may be surprised to learn that depression is more common than you think. In fact, depression affects 264 million people worldwide.Credible studies have shown that In Malaysia, it is the most common mental illness reported with approximately 2.3 million people being affected at some point of their lives.
PC: everydayhealth.com
However, depression is much more complex than simply being sad.
You’re not alone if you’re suffering from depression or supporting a loved one who is. It is possible to live a happy, healthy life while suffering from depression. It does, however, necessitate an understanding of the disorder, its symptoms, causes, and how to seek help.
What is Depression?
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Depression can cause health problems. These issues range from mental and emotional health to physical fitness and well-being. Depression, like mental illness, is classified on a scale that ranges from severe to mild. Those who suffer from depression, on the other hand, have some common symptoms.
The Symptoms

Feelings of sadness (or depression) that don’t seem to go away

Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

Appetite changes, especially at extremes (weight loss or weight gain unrelated to dieting)

Sleeping problems — or sleeping too much (insomnia or hypersomnia)

Increased exhaustion (or loss of energy)
Increase in “busy” activities that aren’t productive or have no purpose (i.e. inability to sit still, pacing around, unable to focus)

Feeling insignificant

Having trouble concentrating, focusing, or making decisions

Thoughts of death, suicide, or suicidal ideation on a regular basis

PC: psycom.net
Even if you did not get a diagnosis and you exhibit more than 5 of these symptoms, chances of you having depression is high and it is best to seek help. With neurological study advancements, there are so many alternative ways of healing. Find one that suits you.
Causes
Like any condition for our physical health, one must always try to go back to the root of the cause. That way, we understand ourselves much better and will aid in healing.
The 5 Common causes
Trauma
Trauma, particularly childhood trauma, can play a significant role in the development of depression. When people are exposed to a shocking or traumatic event, it leaves an indelible mark. It’s natural for the brain to react when something frightening or stressful occurs. However, over time, this can alter how the brain responds, potentially leading to depression.
Genetics
Mood disorders (such as depression) can unfortunately run in families. If you’re unsure about your family’s past, do some research. It’s best to inquire with your doctor about any mental illnesses that may run in your family.
Life circumstances
The quality of your life has a huge impact on your mental + physical health. Relationship changes or financial hardships can cause depression due to stress and anxiety of the change. Other common situations you will hear of is grief, the pandemic and many other factors. The sky is the limit, truly when it comes to a humans life circumstances.

Other medical conditions
It’s possible that depression is caused by another medical condition. A person who suffers from insomnia, for example, is more likely to develop depression. Depression can also occur as a result of other medical conditions. Chronic pain, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are just a few of the conditions (ADHD). Depression symptoms can also be caused by certain medications used to treat other medical conditions.
Substance use or abuse (drugs and alcohol)
Alcohol and drugs have a vicious, cyclical relationship with depression. One-third of clinically depressed people are said to abuse drugs and alcohol. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol is common. While only temporary, it can help with low self-esteem, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
PC: Everydayhealth.com
However, depression and substance abuse share a genetic and neurological link. When someone is at risk for depression, they are also at risk for substance abuse. If you or a loved one is depressed, seek help from a mental health professional. While substances may appear to temporarily alleviate symptoms, they are part of a dangerous cycle.
We’re all individuals with distinct brains and bodies. There is no way to isolate a single symptom of depression. Everyone deals with depression in their own unique way. Depressive disorders manifest themselves in various ways in different people. But, in general, if you’ve been suffering for more than two weeks, it’s time to see a doctor.
It’s important to remember that depression doesn’t just manifest itself in your mind. You can also notice depression symptoms in your body. Physical pain, lethargy, loss of sleep and self sabotaging; and many others.
3 techniques to cope!
Living with depression does not mean you will be in that particular loop for a long time; well not for everyone at least. Learning how to cope and building mental strength will help to a certain extent. No one solution “cures” depression.
Taking good care of your physical body
Meditation has proven to help cure depression
Physical well-being is crucial. Taking care of your body will help you take care of your mind as well. When dealing with depression, consider adding some of these tools to your physical well-being toolbox. You can start slow with a 10 minute walk around your block or have a weekly check in with your friends. Yoga has been proven time on time again about how efficient it is for pain management. Exploring what sparks joy for you will be a fulfilling yet tiring journey. You will eventually find a type or a few types of body movement that you truly enjoy, if you allow yourself a little self exploration.
Be aware of your thoughts
Those automatic, negative thoughts are likely to creep in if you’re suffering from depression. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapies can help in this area. However, there are some things you can do on your own to deal with negative thoughts.

Submitting journal entrees and reflecting on them every now and then has personally helped me. There is no specific formula but you can start with writing down about the things you love about yourself. Starting it is the most important part.
Acknowledge the unhealthy behaviors and change them
To self-soothe, we may turn to unhealthy behaviours. We can, however, change our lifestyles if we have the right level of self-awareness. It is possible to substitute positive behaviours for negative or unhealthy ones. Keep track of how you feel after making changes to your lifestyle. You might develop some long-term healthy habits. What percentage of your time do you spend on social media? After spending time on social media, how do you feel? Try unplugging for a day or two if you don’t feel better after engaging with social media. What are some of the things you’ve noticed about your thought patterns?
Or
Practice self-compassion and self-care. Take a hot bath or shower. Simple things like brushing your hair or dressing nicely can make a significant difference in how we feel.
Try something and most importantly, try sticking to it to really see its full effects.
I will leave you with this last thought that helps us heal as a collective. When in doubt, lead with love and kindness, to yourself and your surroundings. It is arguably the only way for us to move forward to experience life with lesser pain; which loosely translates to being more present in your day to day; building memories that will replay on your mind.
If you are unaware, admit it and learn up. It is as simple as that because no one has the answers to this thing called LIFE. Taking the first step to admit not knowing liberates and inspires a person to understand better. There are numerous online resources available to help you learn more about the subject. Hopefully this article is added to your list.
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Filed Under coping mechanismdepressionenergymental healthneurosciencePsychologysadnesssleep


Hridayam; A Cinematic Magic With Beautiful Movie Scores

Whether a story is based on a true tale or explores entirely uncharted territory, there is one thing that all films seem to have in common: the potential to evoke strong emotions in spectators. Creating a connection with a character in a movie might help you see the world through the eyes or even serve as a mirror in which to view your own life.
In simple terms, Hridayam provides an entirely new perspective in simple terms:
Romance, friendship, heartbreak and pathos in our life!
Image Credit: CinematicExpress
Penned and helmed by Vineeth, he has carefully scripted what college life actually makes the later part of our life so memorable.
Touted to be a love story genre, Hridayam is based on various phases in Arun Neelakandan’s (Pranav Mohanlal) life that have profoundly influenced who he is today. Instead of relying on a great plotline, the script takes us on a journey through Arun’s life, probably starting from his exhilarating days in college and going all the way with his life as a married man.
Hridayam is praised for conveying its therapeutic aspect that helps you feel less embarrassed of the awkward things you’ve done in the past. It’s a film that does not believe in emphasising on past mistakes. It’s similar to when a friend gives you a slap on the back and says, “It’s fine, dude. Look at these characters. They have moved on. Nobody cares anymore about what happened a decade ago. You should move on man “And you acknowledge that to yourself. After all, it’s not the end of the world.
Image Credit: CinematicExpress
On the other hand, the way Hridayam developed its lead characters while utilising the acting talents of those who played them is its biggest strength. While the scripts and cast are etched well and have no complaints, the only question which popped in the writer’s mind was how did the director excel nor being way too perfect in having good flow of writing a screenplay?
With nearly 15 songs in this flick, the soul-stirring tunes weave gorgeously into a deep connection between the main characters. On the other hand, cinematographer Viswajith Odukkathil deserves commendation for superbly capturing each moment from the perspective of the character who is experiencing it.
Watch the full trailer below:

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Filed Under HridayamLove StoryVineethViswajith Odukkathil


Chennai Court Dismisses Plagiarism Charge Against Atlee In Vijay-starrer ‘Bigil’!

A Chennai city civil court has dismissed a petition filed by film director KP Selva accusing Atlee of plagiarising his story to make ‘Bigil’ starring actor Vijay. The court has also denied permission to KP Selva to file a fresh plea before the Madras High Court.

Bigil is actor Vijay’s 63rd movie and is about women’s football. Atlee, who has previously directed Vijay twice, is the director of this movie. Earlier this year, KP Selva, a member of the South Indian Film Writers’ Association, filed a plaint with the Chennai city civil court, alleging that Atlee’s Bigil is based on his story, which he had registered with the union. He sought an injunction against the filming and release of the movie.
When the case came up on Tuesday, the counsels for AGS Entertainment Private Limited (the producer of the movie) and director Atlee argued that the petitioner did not have any basis to file a plaint and sought the court to dismiss the plea.

“By the time the petitioner’s side was up to submit their arguments, his counsel backtracked and stated that they are withdrawing the plea and will move the Madras High Court in the matter. We had requested the court to not grant permission to the petitioner to move the High Court,”

Adding that the civil court agreed to their submissions and declined permission to Selva to file a fresh suit in the High Court, Sharada Vivek said that the case hence stands dismissed.
Bigil, expected to release for Diwali, stars Vijay in dual roles. While Nayanthara plays the leading lady, Jackie Shroff, Kathir, Vivek, Daniel Balaji etc are also part of the cast. The movie’s music has been composed by AR Rahman and is produced by AGS Entertainment.
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BGW ‘Sings’ Thalli Pogathey – Social Experiment or Publicity Stunt?

Actor and television host Bala Ganapathi William, better known as BGW has earned the wrath of netizens after posting a video of himself singing the popular Sid Sriram song, Thalli Pogathey on his YouTube channel a few days ago.

BGW is seen singing AR Rahman tune in his car without music. He appears to be experiencing every emotion splayed in the lyrics of the tune. The video has gained 2,700 views in 4 days.
Two days ago, BGW released another video claiming the Thalli Pogathey clip was a social experiment to talk about cyberbullying. “You have to be ashamed of yourself to bully someone like that. That’s why people are commit suicide-ing (sic),”

BGW says the 40-odd comments on his post amount to cyberbullying. There’s no denying that. It is important to remember that BGW is two things that most Malaysian Indian victims of cyberbullying are not.
Firstly, BGW is a known personality, the number of views on his posts are directly proportional to his popularity, and we all know there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Secondly, and most importantly, he is a MAN.
To compare the negative comments on his post, mostly dealing with defecation, to the cyberbullying that thousands of Malaysian Indian women face due to their choice of dressing, companionship and even type of alcohol consumed, is a stretch. To put it in perspective, nobody commented on what he was wearing, his appearance, his sex life, his private parts nor his family. BGW also didn’t have his picture circulated in various WhatsApp groups, captioned Kedah Vandi. For many Malaysian Indian women, however, this isn’t the case.
The negative comments faced by BGW is but the shiny, minuscule bit on the tip of the iceberg of cyber bullying. Most of us who have been on Malaysian Indian troll pages know what lies underneath, and how nasty people can get.
The negative comments faced by BGW is but the shiny, minuscule bit on the tip of the enormous iceberg of cyber bullying.
Interestingly, 4 years ago BGW posted a video of himself singing the same song, probably to the karaoke version of the same song. That video is also laden with negative comments from netizens. It did, however, fetch 26,000 views.
The bigger question is, does BGW’s posts have anything to do with cyberbullying or is it a mere publicity gimmick?
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Filed Under Bala Ganapathi William (BGW)cyberbullyingpublicitysocial experiment