“Sounds of the South”: SANA Gave Malaysia An Electrifying Night To Remember

Santosh Narayanan’s “Sounds of the South” which took place on March 18th, 2023, was undoubtedly one of the most energetic musical events of the year. With a massive crowd of 10,611 attendees, the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil was packed to capacity, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
The concert was a true celebration of South Indian music, showcasing the unique style and talent of SaNa and his team of exceptional artists. In this review, there are some highlights of the most memorable moments from the concert, giving you an inside look at what made it such a crazy night.
So, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to relive the magic of “Sounds of the South.”
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
SaNa’s Thenmozhi
Santosh Narayanan’s live performance of his recent hit song Thenmozhi, composed by Anirudh, was nothing short of perfection. The song has been on a constant loop and has become a favourite among many. During the live performance, audiences sang along with Santosh, and their voices even drowned out the singer at times.
The lines that went, “Nejama naa senja paavam, Muzhusa un mela vedhacha paasam, Nezhalum pinnaala kaanom, Adhukkum ammaadi pudhusa kovam,” were particularly well-received and had the crowd singing in unison.
Santosh’s rendition of Thenmozhi definitely would have been an unforgettable experience for everyone present that night.
Yogi B and Mista G
Yogi B and Mista G’s “Engeyum Eppothum ” from the movie Polladhavan at the concert was an absolute treat for the audience. The energy and passion of ‘Our Malaysian Legends’ had the entire crowd on their feet, cheering and clapping to the beat. It was a proud moment to see our Mannin Mainthans take on the Kollywood playlist with such finesse and command.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
The emotional father-daughter round
Father-daughter duo, Santosh Narayanan and Dhee, gave an emotional and healing feel that night. Santosh was on keys while Dhee sang her favourite and close-to-heart song, “Usuru Narambulay.” Dhee had previously expressed her love for this song during a meet and greet session with Varnam Malaysia, mentioning how it had remained special to her since she sang it at 16 years old. Performing this song alongside her father made it even more special.
I would also personally like to express how deeply moved she was when Dhee performed with intense emotions and sang the lines, “Yen sirippu odanji sethari kedakku, Eppo varuva eduthukka, Un nenappil manasu kadhari kedakku, Enna konjam sethukka.” These lyrics touched my heart and left a lasting impact, conveying a sense of profound emotions that were felt throughout the performance. Thank you Dhee for such blissful lines.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Also, Vijay Narain Ei Suzhali was euphoric and Ananthu thank you for transporting us to an emotional side with your soulful Kannamma.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
“Agayam Theepidicha” by Vijay Narain was so captivating that it left us in awe of his beautiful voice. The dreamy quality of the song added to the overall enchanting experience. We couldn’t help but admire his soulful singing throughout the entire performance. Meanwhile, Ananthu’s mellifluous melody had a mesmerizing effect on us. Like said, he had us all transported to the emotional side with his mellifluous voice.
At every concert, there is always a need for that one heartthrob, particularly the handsome ones who make girls scream their hearts out. At the Sounds of the South, there were not one, but two of these heartthrobs – Siddharth and Dhruv! Let’s start by highlighting the first one –
Paalpolae padhinaaril, Enakkoru girlfriend venum
Guessed it right- Siddharth it is.
Evergreen Munna’s entrance with his famous song “Paalpolae padhinaaril” filled the atmosphere with nostalgia. His charming smile captivated many, leaving them in a dream-like state. Not leaving out how every cute reaction and every line he sang had the arena admiring him with excitement. Not just the arena, but Siddharth was equally excited to perform that night.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Malaysians to be the first to hear Dhruv’s “Poomathiye”
Dhruv was that definition to ‘’put me in a fridge and I’d still sweat’. He performed an unreleased song exclusively for the audience that night. The song entitled “Poomathiye” was composed by the talented musician Santosh Narayanan. As Malaysians, it was a great privilege to witness such a special performance, as the song had not been released anywhere else to date.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Kanda Vara Sollunga was a dynamite
I personally feel ‘Kanda Vara Sollunga’ exudes a unique vibration that resonates deeply within. Meenakshi Elayaraja and the “Parai Isai” team definitely left the arena spellbound. Words fail to fully capture the magic and perfection of the performance, which touched the hearts and souls of everyone in the audience. Indeed a masterpiece of dynamic energy.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Maatna Gaali on 360
Santosh Narayanan’s performance of “Maatna Gaali” was an incredible sight to behold. With the 360-degree stage designed, SaNa’s decision to perform on a swivel chair only added to the visual spectacle. His performance was not only impressive but also adorable, as he brought a certain level of swag to his act. One cannot help but commend SaNa’s unique approach to performing his music, especially with the use of a swivel chair.
Related:  Santosh Narayanan on Vetrimaran's Rajan VaigayaraThe dancers deserve a huge shout-out here- Their ability to keep up with Santosh Narayanan’s seamless transitions was beyond impressive, and the combination of their movements with his music made for a truly dope experience.
Special thanks to Siddharth Nagarajan on drums
SVDP and Yanchan’s Electrifying Rap
The Sounds of the South concert was set ablaze by the electrifying rap performance by Shan Vincent de Paul, known to his fans as SVDP, and Yanchan. Their stunning entrance from beneath the stage added to the excitement, as they elevated the energy to an unprecedented level. SVDP was that brown Eminem that had set his rap on fire. Meanwhile, Yanchan’s beat on his mridangam left the audience’s mouths agape.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Starry Atmosphere
Haricharan and super singer junior fame, Priyanka NK, performed the song ‘Aval’ from the movie ‘Manithan’ in the starry arena. Haricharan shared his thoughts about the song, saying, “This beautiful melody is filled with hope and love. Let’s spread some love tonight.” In response, the audience waved their flashlights high, bringing the concert to life as they created a beautiful and unforgettable moment that night.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
DJ Battle
Sounds of the South had a special round that no other concerts have recently come up with – a DJ battle round and for this concert, it was between our local DJ, DJ Nexto, and Santosh Narayanan himself. This battle was an enthralling round that had the audience completely hyped up. Not leaving out, the neon dancers added an extra dimension to the DJ battle.
Rowdy Baby
The rowdy baby performance by Dhee and Gana Muthu during the Sounds of the South Concert was nothing short of amazing. The crowd was thrilled by their performance, and the energy in the arena was electric. Dhee’s ‘kuthu dance’ was fiery, and she brought a unique energy to the stage that left the audience wanting more. There was also this breakdance team that left everyone in awe.
Rakita
“Rakita Rakita” at the end created an explosive wrap to SaNa’s concert that night. The whole arena was seen jumping, dancing, and singing along. As the song reaches its climax, this song left the audience breathless. The finale was indeed an explosive one as the crowd sang along to “Rakita Rakita” repeated over and over, creating a powerful and unforgettable impactful energy to the concert. The beauty of this round was that the artist wrapped it up with a conga line dance.
Finally, I must acknowledge the incredible work of the dancers, band, and musicians. They were all integral to the success of the concert, and their contributions should not be overlooked.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
Reacch Productions
The Sounds of the South concert was a great success, thanks to the one and only Reacch Productions. Without their efforts, this incredible event would not have been possible. They were instrumental in bringing the vision of the concert to life, and their attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly. It is truly remarkable to see the level of skill and dedication that Reacch Productions brought to this project. Great job to the entire team and crew!
Here is one beautiful piece I would like to express about SaNa before wrapping up the review
The concert was not just a celebration of music but also the spirit of unity that SaNa instilled in his team.
It was clear that SaNa’s mission was to create an atmosphere where every artist felt valued and appreciated for their unique talents.
IMAGE CREDIT : KALAIALAGAAN RAJENDRAN
The way he gave his lineups the stage to perform their hit songs and share their love with the audience was a beautiful act that spoke volumes about his character as a person and as a musician. For instance- Dhee’s rowdy baby performance was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, Anirudh’s composed of Thenmozhi, Yogi B’s Engeyum Eppothum by G. V. Prakash and the list goes on.
As the concert drew to a close, it was clear that this was not just any ordinary concert but a celebration of the power of the Sounds of the South.
Varnam Malaysia is the Media Partner for “Sounds of the South” A Santosh Narayanan Tour
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Filed Under AnanthuDheeDheekshitha VenkadeshanDhruvdhruv vikramSaNa'Santosh NarayananSiddharthSounds of the South"Vijay Narain


WATCH: From Rajinikanth to Alia Bhatt, Indian Film Stars Unite Without Leaving Their Homes

Film stars from all over India including Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan have starred in a mini film, Family, that has an excellent message at the very end of it.
The clip, released on Sony TV earlier this week has now penetrated the many WhatsApp groups and has left many of us with smiles on our faces.
The film features Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Sonali Kulkarni, Shiv Raj Kumar and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Every actor shot their part of the film at their respective homes.
Multiple Indian languages were meshed together seamlessly in this video. The filming, done completely in black and white melds the various scenes together without needing much editing. This eliminated the concerns of differing backdrops, furniture and lighting.
We particularly enjoyed the simple script that doesn’t hammer the stay home, stay safe message, but is more about captivating the audience. Amitabh’s message at the very end tied the entire video together.
The film was directed virtually by Prasoon Pandey in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, Kalyan Jewellers and Amitabh Bachchan. A lot of thought has been put into this piece, and we absolutely love it.
Watch the short film here:

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Filed Under alia bhattAmitabh BachchanchiranjeeviDiljit DosanjhFamilyMammoottyMohanlalPrasoon PandeyPriyanka Chopra JonasRajinikanthRanbir KapoorShiv Raj Kumar and Prosenjit ChatterjeeSonali Kulkarni


EXCLUSIVE: Lakshman Balaji, The Man Who Draws Pun-ny Tamil-English Cartoons

When we see a vadai, which is sometimes called a medhuvada, our thoughts naturally drift to if there is a steaming hot cup of tea available to go with the delicacy. Cartoonist Lakshman Balaji has a different take on the humble treat.

Having 57,000 followers on his Facebook and a whopping 4 million views of his cartoons, Lakshman is a force to be reckoned with. The cartoonist talks to Varnam about his cartoons, his controversies and his trolls.
“I have always been drawing, most of my childhood photographs depict me drawing from a very young age,” Lakshman says that he cannot pin point an age when he began drawing, as a result of it.
Languages may just be his oxygen, while drawing, his skill. “I love word play, and i love languages, I even almost signed up for a Swahili class! It really was was a natural progression for an artist who loves word play to draw comics that portray Tamil puns,”

“They started off as witty observations. I then realized that there are so many words in Tamil that i kept misunderstanding, in spite of speaking Tamil at home” Lakshman began drawing these confusing incidents and to his surprise, it was a hit among his friends.
Most of his work are culture-related puns. Lakshman says that this makes it relatable, and he enjoys drawing these. “I usually make witty observations on what is going on in my household. While they sometimes come across as mokkai, people really do enjoy it!”

While he does consider himself apolitical, Lakshman has caused quite a furore on social media. A ‘controversial’ cartoon was removed by Facebook on the grounds of being racist. This propelled Lakshman’s Cartoons to an expeditious stardom. “It really was something that was spontaneously drawn, I did not intend to create a social change with it,” Lakshman admits.

The range of responses were shocking. “I get why Facebook had to remove it, I could have been a non-Indian poking fun at an entire race, and that’s not right,” The cartoon, however, was liked and even retweeted by Indian politician Shashi Tharoor.
Lakshman also received flak for making fun of actor Suriya’s height, which all began with the comic below.

Jute, pronounced joot is the Hindi word for lie. “What pissed me off was that Surya’s height wasn’t the punch line of this comic, it was merely the throwaway line,”
The backlash on Facebook was unmistakable. From accusations of body shaming to personal attacks on Lakshman, people were offended. This made Lakshman livid. “I was so angry that i made subsequent cartoons about Surya’s height, just to irk these ‘hardcore’ fans of his,” he laughs. “The following few comics were just bait to keep people wound up,”

“What people are seeing is literally FREE content, so they don’t get to tell me what they like or dislike,” He does try not to be provocative with his work, “The Surya cartoons were just a very visceral reaction to the vexed audience,”
Punching up is what Lakshman does. “I don’t target marginalized groups with my cartoons. In fact, I always do an internal check before uploading them, the arguments that are about to take place are already in my head,” While Lakshman does try hard not to offend people, he doesn’t let it stifle his creativity.

It is important to curate one’s comments, according to Lakshman. “The comments that are offensive, i usually delete or hide them. Ultimately, my page needs to be clean, some of my followers might be younger and I don’t want to expose them to unnecessary elements.”
The Chennai native cartoonist is a realist when it comes to dealing with internet trolls. “You really cannot win a war against an internet troll, both parties always feel like they have won!” Lakshman says that he has resorted to ignoring comments. “I am really not obligated to respond,” he says matter-of-factly.

Lakshman feels a responsibility to his followers. “When i started uploading my cartoons onto Facebook, I was doing it on my personal profile. I had 300-400 friends, most of whom knew me in person. I now have a following of 57,000 and I have to be a little more careful with what i put up. So I try to stay away from religious stuff. Hindu mythology is okay as long as it isn’t overly offensive. To be honest, i really don’t know enough about other religions to make cartoons on them.”

Lakshman also doesn’t see himself expanding his work to cater to a non-Indian audience. “There definitely is a ton of money and fame if I were to expand my material to non Indians. But you know, I enjoy this. I may not know where I am, or what category or cartoonists i fall into, but I am happy here. More importantly, there is no one else who is doing what I do, Tamil-English pun comics,”

Lakshman is a dentist who is currently based in New York, pursuing his higher studies. “I probably won’t switch to being a cartoonist full time. “I am the kind of person who is quelled by boredom if I were to do something full time. So I won’t be doing comics full time. But I do have plans of compiling all my work into a book. There certainly is an audience, and I have more than 300 cartoons thus far, it would be interesting to see where that goes,”

Off late, Lakshman has been uploading his material onto Instagram too. “All content creators on Facebook are constantly bombarded by advertisements every day on how to grow our followers and increase our reach. To be brutally honest, I got this far without money! I have spent zero rupees on advertising. And while the organic reach of Facebook is reducing, as in pages are less likely to show on an individual’s news feed, I have switched to other platforms like Instagram. This is all done so that the content creator will pay!”

“As much as i love drawing and putting out cartoons, the next few months are going to be a little quiet as I will be in my final semester,”
“I am looking at drawing more caricatures, though!” He is currently taking on commissions to draw real life people.

“Ultimately my goal when it comes to Lakshman’s Cartoons remains the same – to make every Tamil-English pun before anyone else does!”
All cartoons in this article are credits of Lakshman Balaji. Check out his Facebook page, Lakshmans Cartoons, or his Instagram account @lakshmanscartoons.
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Filed Under CartoonComicLakshman Balaji


Prabhu Deva Made Sai Pallavi’s Dream Come True

We are such huge fans of the bubbly, natural beauty and ridiculously talented Sai Pallavi. The story of her life makes us believe that dreams do come true, if you work hard at it.
10 years ago, a 16 year old Sai Pallavi, participated in Vijay TV’s popular dance reality show called Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Deva.
Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5RVUhjM62sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Deva Vijay Tv Shows 3 12 2009 Part 5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5RVUhjM62s)

Even though Sai Pallavi did not win the competition, the multi-award winning actress revealed in her recent Instagram post, that life always has mysterious ways of making your dreams come true.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sai Pallavi (@saipallavi.senthamarai)

Exactly 10 years after participating in Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Deva, Sai Pallavi has had the opportunity to work with Prabhu Deva himself. In Maari 2, the hit song ‘Rowdy Baby’ was choreographed by Prabhu Deva. The choreography was fun, catchy and even acrobatic, with Sai Pallavi doing jumps and flips with Dhanush.
Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Q7c9RyMzkVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Maari 2 – Rowdy Baby (Video Song) | Dhanush, Sai Pallavi | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Balaji Mohan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Q7c9RyMzk)

Moral of the story:
If you believe in your dreams and keep working hard at it, even Prabhu Deva will dance with you.
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Filed Under DhanushMaari 2Prabhu Devarowdy babysai pallavi


Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Hindu Traditions: Part 2

Well, in our previous article, we’ve already covered this topic and now it’s time for Part 2 of this thread. This time, the truths behind our rituals are all fresh and more interesting. Let’s get on with the list here;
1.Joining Both Palms Together to Greet
People greet each other in Hindu culture by joining their palms and saying “Vanakkam.” The general explanation behind this practise is that greeting implies respect by joining both palms. Scientifically speaking, however, joining both hands means that the tips of all the fingers are joined together; the pressure points of the eyes, ears, and mind are denoted.
It is said that pressing them together will trigger the pressure points that allow us to remember that person for a long time. And, there’s no germs because we make no physical contact. Hence, in this pandemic, this gesture comes in handy.
2.Why do Indian Women wear a Toe Ring

Signifying one’s marital status through the toe rings is perhaps the most obvious one among the Indian community. Yet, this simple practise has a theory behind it. Toe rings are normally worn on the second toes. The uterus is bound by a special nerve from the second toe and passes to the heart.
 On this finger, wearing a toe ring strengthens the uterus. By controlling the blood flow to it, it will keep it stable and the menstrual cycle will be periodised. It also absorbs polar energies from the earth and transfers them to the body, as silver is a strong conductor.
3.Applying Tilak on the Forehead

There is a spot on the forehead between the two eyebrows that has been known as a significant nerve point in the human body since the good old days. The tilak is believed to avoid the loss of ‘life’ and it is said that the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows preserves energy in the human body and regulates different concentration levels.
The points for the mid-brow area and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed when applying kumkum. This also makes the flow of blood to the muscles of the face smoother.
4.Start with Spices & End with Sweets

Our forefathers stressed that our servings should start with something spicy following sweet meals at the end. The purpose of this eating custom is that while spicy items stimulate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion cycle happens smoothly and efficiently, the digestive process is ripped down by sweets or carbohydrates. Therefore, it was often recommended that sweets be taken as a final item.
5.Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand
In response to adding colour to the hands, a very strong medicinal herb is mehendi. Weddings are stressful, and often causing headaches and fevers. The excitement combined with nervous anticipation will put a strain on the bride and groom as the wedding day approaches. The use of mehndi will avoid too much stress by calming the body and preventing the nerves from being stressed. This is why mehndi, which houses nerve endings in the body, is applied to the hands and feet.
6.Ear Piercing in Children

In the Hindu religion, piercing the ears is of great significance. Indian doctors and philosophers agree that piercing the ears helps to improve intelligence, thinking capacity, and decision-making skills.
For speech-restraint, ear piercing helps. It helps to decrease insolent behaviour, freeing the ear canals from disorders. This notion often applies to the western world, and then they have their ears pierced as a symbol of fashion to wear fancy earrings.
7.Why do we Fast
The fundamental theory behind fasting is rooted in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical philosophy that sees the true source of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system.
 Daily toxic material cleansing keeps one healthy. The digestive organs is well rested by fasting, and all body processes are cleansed and corrected. A full fast is good for health, and flatulence is avoided by the occasional consumption of warm lemon juice during the fasting time.
Because, as explained by Ayurveda, the human body is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the moon’s gravitational force influences the body’s fluid material. It causes the body to have emotional imbalances, making certain individuals nervous, irritable and assertive.
Fasting serves as an antidote, since it decreases the body’s acid content, which helps people maintain their health. Research shows that there are also important health benefits of caloric restriction.
8.Why do Indian Women wear Bangles

The wrist is usually continuously triggered by every human being. The pulse beat in this section is also mostly tested for all kinds of illnesses. Normally, the bangles used by women are at the wrist of one’s hand and their constant pressure increases the amount of blood circulation.
In addition, because of the circle-shaped bangles, which have no ends to transfer the energy outside but to give it back to the body, the electricity passing through the outer skin is again returned to one’s own body.
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Filed Under Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Hindu Traditions Part 2


International Carnatic Music Festival 2019 – The KL Katcheris You Cannot Miss!

The inaugural International Carnatic Music Festival 2019 (ICMF) will be taking place this month, organised by Sugam Culture & Heritage Foundation.
Held from the 17th to the 24th of November 2019, this music festival aims to unite artistes, practitioners, students and lovers of Carnatic music and dance together. Staying true to their mission of transforming communities through arts and culture, Sugam is hosting a slew of carnatic singers and dancers throughout the duration of the festival.
A total of seven events will take place across the nation’s capital during the ICMF, including performances by Padma Bhushan Sudha Ragunathan and the young man who made it viral, Rahul Vellal. Some of these events require tickets, while others are free.
These are the performances and events that will take place during the International Carnatic Music Festival 2019.
     Tickets for Sudha Ragunathan’s concert can be purchased here. Tickets for Rahul Vellal’s performances are available here.
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Filed Under icmfInternational Carnatic Music FestivalRahul Vellalsudha ragunathansugam


Malaysian International Carnatic Music Festival 2023: A Celebration of Melodies and Rhythms

The fifth edition of the much-anticipated Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival, to be held in Ipoh, Perak, from June 30 to July 2, is proudly presented by the Sugam Culture & Heritage Foundation. This distinguished concert is anticipated to be a celebration of Carnatic music’s illustrious history and captivating artistry.

Carnatic music has enthralled audiences with its beautiful melodies and complex rhythms because of its profound ties to Indian classical traditions. The Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival provides a platform for appreciating and promoting this extraordinary musical genre, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and bringing together musicians and music lovers.
With its captivating blend of classical compositions, soul-stirring vocal performances, and exquisite instrumental mastery, the festival aims to enchant attendees with a diverse range of melodic journeys. The event will feature acclaimed artists and maestros who will grace the stage, offering audiences an unforgettable experience of Carnatic music at its finest.
The festival will be held at MH Hotel in Ipoh, Perak. The serene city, known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of musical excellence.
Sugam Culture & Heritage Foundation is committed to promoting and preserving cultural heritage through music and the arts. The Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival 2023 exemplifies the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing talent, encouraging artistic exploration, and fostering unity through the universal language of music.
This occasion demonstrates Malaysia’s thriving multiculturalism and emphasises the nation’s dedication to intercultural understanding and appreciation. It brings together musicians, academics, and enthusiasts from various fields and locations, resulting in a genuinely unique and beautiful musical experience.
Related:  Super Singer Junior 9 Auditions Happening On 3rd June 2023 at Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala LumpurMusic lovers, connoisseurs, and enquiring minds are all invited to immerse themselves in the alluring realm of Carnatic music at the Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival in 2023.

For more information, including ticketing and artist line-up, please visit www.myicmf.org.
Head to HERE to confirm your tickets & passes.
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Filed Under 2023carnatic musicheritage foundationinternationalMalaysiamusic festivalsugam culture


YouTube Personality Dee Kosh Faces Seven Sexual Harassment Charges

Popular Singapore local DJ and YouTuber, Dee Kosh was convicted in court on Thursday (19 August) for soliciting money in exchange for sexual services from minors and secretly filming others.
Dee Kosh, whose real name is Darryl Ian Koshy faces seven charges, including one for sexual exploitation of a child or young person under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA), one for having obscene videos, two for creating obscene films, and one for commercial sex with a kid under the age of 18.
Image Credit: Dee Kosh Youtube
Despite the fact that the legal age of sexual consent in Singapore is 16, it is prohibited to pay someone under the age of 18 for sex. Following a spate of sexual harassment claims – primarily by young males – on Instagram and Twitter in August of last year, several police reports were lodged against Koshy.
The 32-year-old who is of Indian and Chinese descent has 188,000 Instagram followers and 367,000 YouTube subscribers, and has been accused of offering money in exchange for sexual services to minors between 2017 and 2020. Upon his arrest, he was found to be in possession of quite a number of pornographic movies,  including some involving his sexual acts with others, which he had surreptitiously taken.
According to Marketing interactive, the prominent YouTube star was also fired as a co-host from Night Owl Cinematics, took a hiatus from his part-time DJ job at radio station Power 98, and lost associates under his talent agency as things sadly unfolded over the months.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD_i94VnShE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
He rose to popularity as one of Singapore’s first YouTubers, among the rest of YouTubers like Noah Yap, who just spoke to the camera. While many other YouTubers faded away, Dee Kosh continued to produce videos on a regular basis, shifting his focus a few times.
Prior to the issue, Koshy made a public apology on his social media platforms, and confessed that he bears some responsibility for the incident but denied having sexual contact with anybody under the age of 18.
Source: CNA Lifestyle
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Filed Under Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA)Dee KoshNight Owl CinematicsRadio DJSeven chargesYouTube Personality


Malaysia’s Aanantha Shares His Thoughts On Performing On The Same Stage As Unnikrishnan And Unni Menon

Everybody knows THR Raaga’s Aanantha as the hilarious radio personality and emcee. But what many do not know is that the man can really sing, so much so that the Mojo Projects organizer, Mr Ratna called him “one of the best singers in Malaysia.”

This Saturday, for the first time ever, Aanantha will be sharing the stage with legendary Indian playback singers and musicians, Unnikrishnan and Unni Menon. Yesterday, I got the chance to ask Aanantha a question at the Mojo Projects Retro Rahman press conference. When asked how it feels like to share the stage with the legends, this is what he had to say:
These (Unni Menon and Unnikrishnan) are all singers that I listened to and admired for a very very long time. When I listen to them, I always wonder if it’s even possible to sing at such a level. They’re huge inspirations in my life and to perform on the same stage as them is a dream come true for me. So, I would like to thank Ratna and Mogi for this. It’s such a proud moment for me to perform with them. I’m definitely looking forward to this Saturday.
Aanantha will be performing on the same stage as the likes of Unnikrishnan and Unni Menon tomorrow (7th July 2018) at the Retro Rahman concert by Mojo Projects at Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur. See you guys there!
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Filed Under A.R. RahmanAananthaMojo Concert SeriesMojo Projects


Know Your Rights, If You’re Being Pulled Over At A Roadblock!

A female motorist shared her recent unpleasant encounter with a police officer at the Jalan Duta roadblock on 12th February.
“Lift your blouse or you’ll be fined”!
Since her tweet went viral, she has deleted her official Twitter account. However, prosecutors have found out that the policeman who allegedly accused her of not wearing a bra, threatened to summon her, and even insisted on sharing her phone number.
Federal Police Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) Director Comm Datuk Zamri Yahya, said that after the incident took place, the officer was relieved of roadblock duties.
Image Credit: MALAY MAIL/Farhan Najib
The viral case sparked nationwide controversy, especially about what rights we as civilians have if we come across the same alleged incidence. Often, in order to make a comprehensive police report, you have constitutional rights and are allowed to question them.
Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, a law lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) who also helms as Children’s Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) urged the public to learn about their rights as Malaysian citizens.
Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal. – Foto laman web UKM
Here’s what you ought to know if you are stopped and harassed at a police roadblock;
First thing’s first:

Mark down any untoward incident involving an officer, their name and identity number and then lodge a police report quickly. In whatever position they are in, women must show caution and note that sexual assault can happen to anyone anywhere at any given time of the day.
If any of your loved ones, someone you know or yourself who had been sexually harassed by enforcement officers, hesitate no more and lodge a police report immediately.
A warrant can be issued if a road user fails to show their drivers license. However, they will not be arrested though and does not require any detention or an officer in charge to seek your contact number.
The police will have to let you go if they do not possess defensible grounds to detain you.

If you have the time, the courage, and the confidence to verbally express your displeasure with being stopped unnecessarily at a roadblock, please do so. It’d be a good tempo shift!
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Ganesh Asirvatham Is The World’s No. 1 Scrabble Player

Ganesh Asirvatham from Klang is the world’s No 1 Scrabble Player.

In 2007, he was the second runner-up of the World Scrabble Championship 2007  and the former Guinness World Record holder in 2007 for the most Scrabble opponents played simultaneously by one challenger where he played against 25 people, and won 21 out of 25 games.

Ganesh was under the tutelage of Malaysian national Scrabble champion Raja Fuadin Abdullah at 16 and by the time he was 20, Ganesh represented Malaysia in the first ever World Scrabble Championship in Australia. After a ten year hiatus, he resumed playing in competitions and became an overall champion at a Scrabble tournament in Penang and scored his rank as World No.1 Scrabble Player.

Currently, Ganesh is preparing for the World English Language Scrabble Players Association in Goa, India.

Source: The Star

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Filed Under Ganesh Asirvathamscrabble


Sree Abiraame; Let’s Do Our Part By Contributing Towards Yayasan Sree Abiraame

Malaysian ice skater C. Sree Abiraame, is the country’s youngest athlete to win most medals in the year of 2019 and had successfully emerged in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR). She has been actively participating in figure and speed ice skating from the age of three.
Abiraame’s dream is to take part in the most prestigious competition, that is the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Korea, and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. However, her family is financially drained and are seeking donations to help fund for her training expenses which is currently taking place at the International Figure Skating Academy, Riga in Latvia.
The cost of leasing a rink, which was roughly EUR 10 (RM50) per hour, has escalated to EUR 120 (RM600) per hour, requiring four hours of preparation per day. She was formerly willing to share the rink with ten participants, but because of COVID-19, the young girl now has to practise alone.
Updates on Sree Abiraame’s donations & costing (07th February 2021):
Abiraame’s father Chendren Balakrishnan, an engineer who runs his own consulting company, had to sell a home, a car and tap into the savings of his Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to help fund the training of his daughter with his wife, Shyamala Ramachandran, in Latvia.
The Kingsley International School student has racked up over 40 medals throughout several championships. The family has initiated a crowdfunding campaign in the form of the Sree Abiraame Foundation to keep her in training.

Those who are keen to contribute a small amount of money, don’t hesitate to channel it via the CIMB bank account of the Yayasan Sree Abiraame at 80-1046165-0 or contact them at 016-248080808.
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Filed Under Chendren BalakrishnanFund raiseSree AbiraameYayasan Abiraame Foundation


Astro Vaanavil Launch ‘Ithu Namma Paattu La’ To Highlight Local Musicians

Malaysia has no dearth of talents when it comes to music.
Our local musicians have been relentless in paving the way to success. In fact, quite a number of them have even broken boundaries and made international headlines.
To acknowledge the growing number of local Tamil singers and musicians, Astro Vaanavil (CH 201) is set to premier a new show titled Ithu Namma Paattu La.

The show will feature homegrown talents and will highlight their individual story – their humble beginnings and their road to fame and success. Some of the local talents who will appear on the show are Ztish, Mugen Rao, Rabbit Mac, Punitha Raja, and many more.
The 13-episode series will debut on Sunday, 15 April at 8pm.
Aside from Astro Vaanavil CH 201, you can also catch Ithu Namma Paattu La on Astro Go and on demand.
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Filed Under Astro VaanavilIthu Namma Paattu La


Dr Vimala Perumal’s Vedigundu Pasangge Wins Best Tamil Film Diaspora at the Norway Tamil Film Festival 2019

Malaysian filmmaker Dr Vimala Perumal has set the bar for Malaysian filmmakers, by bagging yet another international award for her film, Vedigundu Pasangge. This time, the film has won Best Tamil Film – Diaspora at the Norway Tamil Film Festival 2019.
Dr Vimala and her husband, Denes Kumar, who is also the producer and lead actor of Vedigundu Pasangge, were present to receive the award.
The Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards is an annual film festival conducted in Oslo to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Tamil film industry, across the globe.
Dr Vimala was not the only Malaysian to win an award that night. Actor Sangeeta Krishnasamy also bagged the Best Actor Female – Diaspora at the film festival for her role in the same film, Vedigundu Pasangge.
The film also stars Thangamani Velayudan, David Anthony, Alvin Martin, Magen Vikadakavi, Kuben Mahadevan, Seelan Manoharan and Saran Kumar.
Vedigundu Pasangge is the highest grossing Malaysian Tamil film in history with a box office collection of a whopping RM 1.3 million. Produced and distributed by Dr Vimala and Denes’ production house, Veedu Productions, Vedigundu Pasangge has won numerous awards locally and internationally. The film clinched the Special Jury Award at the prestigious Festival Filem Malaysia. Within a short span of time, Dr Vimala won the Best Screenplay Award at the Barcelona Planet Film Festival.
Veedu Productions is currently working on their next project, the Malaysian Tamil film Gajen. The film stars Denes, Jasmin Michael and Abhirami Venkatachalam, and is currently being filmed in Malaysia.
Related:  Makkal Selvan, Vijay Sethupathi Arrives In Malaysia!Watch Dr Vimala and Denes receive the award for Best Tamil Film Diaspora at the Norway Film Festival 2019 here

https://youtu.be/JtcVrM9J7eAVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Vedigundu Pasanga | Best Tamil movie – Diaspora | VimalaPerumal | 10th NTFF – Tamilar Awards 2019 (https://youtu.be/JtcVrM9J7eA)

Team Varnam could not be more proud of Dr Vimala and this incredible international recognition for Malaysian movies. Onwards and upwards, Dr Vimala and team!
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Filed Under Alvin MartinDavid AnthonyDenes KumarDr Vimala PerumalKuben MahadevanMagen VikadakaviThangamani VelayudanVedigundu Pasangge


Is Actor Simbu Reuniting With Mani Ratnam For STR50?

Silambarasan who is popularly known as Simbu or STR is one of the prominent Indian film actor in Tamil cinema industry. Simbu origins from a film background where is father is T. Rajendar who plays role as a well known actor, director and music composer in the Tamil film industry. Simbu debuted as a child actor in his father’s film “Uravai Kaatha Kili” in 1984. He later appeared in multiple films as a young artist and received appreciation for his artwork. Simbu made his lead acting debut in “Kadhal Azhivathillai” directed by his father in 2002.
Simbu has appeared in numerous Tamil films over the years and has established himself as one of the industry’s noticeable actors. His notable filmography includes “Manmadhan,” “Vallavan,” “Silambattam,” “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa,” and “Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.” He is well-known for his versatility as an actor, having played a wide range of roles in his films. Recently, “Eesawaran” (2021), “Maanadu” (2021), “Venthu Thaninthathu Kaadu” (2022) and “Pathu Thala” which was released this year were massive come back movies of Simbu.  He was in a totally different look in “Eeswaran” that caught the attention of his fans as well. His fans were delighted to see the star back again on the track. The highlight in “Pathu Thala” was Simbu had to put on weight again for his character in this movie, after becoming thin for his previous movies which was after “Chekka Chivantha Vaanam”. But as a dedicated actor he did that for his film.
Image source: Times of India
Apart from acting, Simbu has also directed a few films. In 2006, he made his directorial debut with “Vallavan,” in which he also starred. Simbu is also a playback singer, lending his voice to various songs in his own films as well as those of other actors.
Simbu is well-known for his distinct style and captivating screen presence. He has garnered numerous honours and nominations for his film appearances. His contributions to the Tamil film industry have elevated him to a position of prominence in South Indian cinema. He is an acclaimed actor, director, and singer who has made a substantial contribution to the Tamil cinema industry. Despite his career’s ups and downs, he remains a skilled and influential figure in the industry. He has already regain his fame after giving films back to back in recent years.
Related:  “HIGH ON U1” Is Happening On 15th July 2023 At Axiata Arena, Will Be Different From The Previous OneAfter the success of “Pathu Thala” Simbu has committed in few films. Simbu has revealed his next project with filmmaker Desingh Periyasamy, temporarily titled ‘STR48,’ which has yet to be released. He is currently camping in London as he undergoes another big transformation for the recurring action drama ‘STR48,’ for which he is claimed to be learning new action strategies. The filming of ‘STR48’ will begin in August, and the lead actor is expected to return to India by the end of July. It is reported that, Gautham Vasudev Menon will be directing ‘STR49’.
Image source: ACTOR SIMBU Facebook
After that, he is expected to reunite with the legendary director Mani Ratnam to remark his 50th movie in his career which will be bankrolled by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal International. Previously, Simbu has worked with Mani Ratnam for “Chekka Chivantha Vaanam”. AR Rahman will be the music director for this movie as well. Adding anticipation to this buzz, reports are also saying that Kamal Haasan is the lead actor in this movie which is tentatively titled as ‘KH234’ and Simbu will be playing an important role in this movie. The collaboration of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam in happening after 35 years. Their previous movie from their combo  was ‘Naayagan’ which was a blockbuster hit and still sustaining as one of the evergreen movie list. However, we have to wait for the official announcement to get clarity on this matter.
Source: Indiaglitz , Times of India
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Filed Under Chekka Chivantha VaanamKamal HaasanKH234Mani RatnamNaayaganSilambarasanSimbuSTR50


Muthamizh Vizha 2021 Kicks Off With Extended Line Up

Muthamizh Vizha 2021 is back with a big bang guys! Yes, the wait is finally over.
Spearheaded by the Indian Cultural Society (ICS) of Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya will be organising one of its major events of the year, Muthamizh Vizha 2021. All Malaysian Tamil students who have the passion for our mother tongue are encouraged to take part in the competition.

So, what is Muthamizh Vizha all about?
Muthamizh Vizha is a cultural event which provides a platform for elementary and secondary students to display their potential in the Tamil language field. At the same time, the much-anticipated event is mainly organised to identify an individual’s level of understanding in various fields such as Tamil literature, literacy, and the diversity of the Tamil language.
When and where will the competition take place?
Muthamizh Vizha 2021 will take place on :
Date : 28th & 29th August 2021
Time: 9am to 5pm
Fees: Free of charge
Place: Streamyard & ICS MMU Cyberjaya Facebook
What competitions are awaiting you?

 Thirukkural
Singing
Storytelling
Roleplay
Short film
Katturai
Poem Recital
Public Speaking
 Debate
Drawing
Essay Writing

Excited to participate in the competition?
Yes! For those who are interested in the competition, kindly register yourself via the QR code and confirm it before the 7th of August. Potential participants will have to submit their work on google classroom before the 8th of August where the code will be shared via email.
Meanwhile, curious on how the finalist announcement would take place?
Worry not, the list of finalists will be announced on 26th August through social media platforms and gmail as well.
Related:  Literary Reflections on Tamil Life in Malaysia
Learning and gaining new input on something we don’t know is important, and only possible when you truly and deeply understand the mission of a competition. Hence, grab this opportunity and showcase your talents along with the rest of the participants.
Heads up to Muthamizh Vizha 2021’s latest on their Instagram and Facebook!
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Filed Under DebateDrawingEssay WritingKatturailiteracyMultimedia University (MMU) CyberjayaMuthamizh Vizha 2021Poem RecitalPublic SpeakingRoleplayshort filmSingingStorytellingTamil literatureThirukkural


KELING: Explorative Art That Aims To Challenge The Derogatory Term & Gender Stereotypes

“I am a Keling too”.
The word ‘Keling’ was earlier defined as reference to people who origin from the historic Kalinga Kingdom. In modern colloquial usage, the word is considered a derogatory term used in the Malay archipelago.
Perassath Servai Vedagiri is a Malaysian performing artist who has used the power of movement, music and emotions to challenge social constructs, stereotypes and biases. With an aim to desensitise the derogatory word used towards people of Indian origin, Perassath has created a 11-minute long video featuring Indian women and children. The video also shows him dressed in traditional Indian clothing such as sarees and salwar kameez to challenge gender stereotypes.
Perassath has been actively involved in the performing arts in Malaysia for many years nows, including the 2014 d’Next Artist Project (d’NA) Season Two. Some of his work include  Silk & Strings – the Truth of Bullying and PILLS, that also won 3rd place in Astro Vaanavil’s Short Film Contest.
Watch KELING right here:

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Filed Under kelingPerassath Servai Vedagiri


Part 2: Sacred Monday Mornings; Values Of Each Type Of Rudraksha Many Didn’t Know

When it comes to Hinduism, rudraksha is a very deep sacred bead, and that is all because of the specific value held by each type of rudraksha. On the last sacred Monday morning, we learned about the first seven types of rudraksha.
Now, let’s go for the next seven types of rudraksha, shall we?
Eight Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: Amazon.com
This rudraksha represents the eight directions and eight kinds of spiritual powers or siddhis. This is considered a very lucky one because it simply gives the wearer prosperity, fame, qualities of leadership, artistic abilities, and control over the senses and mind.
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: Snapdeal
This rudraksha is often said to be among the most rare beads. The wearer is set free and safeguarded from untimely passing and stress. It makes the user fearless, confident and courageous to easily face all life’s odds and emerge victorious.
Ten Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: Amazon.in
This type is unique because it brings the wearer many blessings, such as protection from the consequences of black magic, accidental deaths, and evil eyes, and perhaps rejoice the wearer with a child. The person can win cases to trial and argue in their pursuit. It can also be used by anyone with insomnia, restlessness, and hypertension.
Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: Worthpoint
In speech and developing great business, negotiation and intellectual skills, the wearer of this rudraksha can thrive. It heals blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and promotes life’s longevity and victory. It also improves the power of concentration and meditation.
Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: Carousell
As they attain the qualities of leadership, wealth and happiness, this rudraksha is ideal for politicians, administrators and leaders to wear. This bead also gives brilliance, allure and radiance to the wearer, apart from health therapeutics.
Thirteen Mukhi Rudraksha
Picture credit: IndiaMart
All desires are fulfilled by the strongly mystical thirteen mukhi rudraksha and make the wearer intelligent, fearless and highly confident. Those who are looking for a happy family will benefit from this rudraksha very much. This can be worn by people who are involved in alchemy, research work and medicine to excel in their careers.
Fourteen Mukhi  Rudraksha
Picture credit: Amazon.in
In thinking, one becomes sharp and grows strong to accomplish all of life’s cherished dreams. As shastras say that this particular type is generated directly from the third eye of Lord Shiva and is therefore very powerful, they get the power of judgement and develop a strong power of intuition.
Rudraksha is a bizarre tool because it releases your own energy for better well-being. But wait, there are seven more different types of rudraksha that we need to track on our next sacred Monday morning.
Happy Monday Folks!
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Filed Under rudrakshaSacred Monday Morningsspiritual beads in Hinduism


Soundarya And Aishwaryaa Watch ‘Darbar’ In Matching Hoodies!

Fan frenzy has gripped the world as Rajinikanth’s latest release Darbar opened in theatres. The star’s daughters Soundarya Rajinikanth and Aishwaryaa R Dhanush joined hordes of fans in watching the first day first show of the cop drama. They even wore Darbar hoodies to show their support to Rajinikanth’s film.

Such an amazing support system!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soundarya Rajinikanth (@soundaryaarajinikant)

Soundarya shared a picture of herself in the theatre and wrote, “And that’s how my day began. SUPERSTAR!!!!! #DarbarFDFS.” Meanwhile, Aishwaryaa shared a picture of the sisters twinning in Darbar hoodies and wrote, “We live you ….love you Appa ! #sistersquad #darbar.”

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A post shared by Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth (@aishwaryarajini)

Darbar released with a lot of pomp and splendour, with fans offering milk and garlands to life-size cutouts of Rajinikanth, playing the dhol, dancing and even doing fire stunts.
People are excited to see the star playing a cop on screen after more than two decades.
Rajinikanth is known for bringing his signature swag to his characters. At the trailer launch of Darbar, when he was asked how much of his inputs are incorporated into his characters, he said,
“Mera input bhi rehta hai, but director ka input bohot zyada rehta hai. Mujhe maalum nahi actually style kya hai, main jaise life mein har din rehta hoon, waise hi rehta hoon. (I give my inputs, but most of it is the director’s vision. I actually don’t know what style is, I’m the same on screen as I am in real life.)”
Thalaiva for a reason!
Produced by Lyca Productions and directed by AR Murugadoss, Darbar also stars Nayanthara, Suniel Shetty, Prateik Babbar, Nivetha Thomas and Yogi Babu in pivotal roles.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  The Ripple Effect 4.0 : Charity Movie Screening for Hospice Malaysia
Filed Under aishwaryaa R DhanushchennaidarbarkollywoodRajinikanthSoundarya RajinikanthTamil


Sonya Danita, The Vitiligo Model Who Champions Diverse Beauty Definitions

Popular Youtuber and beauty influencer, Khloe Dosh, said in her spoken word poetry about vitiligo,
“When you look in the mirror, you should see how special you are. God decided to paint you in his own special design. He couldn’t choose one shade, so he blessed you with both. You are beautiful, You are art”.
Sonya Danita by Barathan Amuthan
Sonya Danita is a dual-toned beauty who had to learn self-acceptance the hard way. She was teased and bullied for almost all her life because of the way she looked. Sonya even left Malaysia for a brief period of time due to the unbearable torment she faced from unkind people around her. It is true what they say, beauty does bloom in adversity, as did Sonya. Through the hurtful comments that she has endured since the age of 8, Sonya found herself and one day decided to stand up for herself and no longer succumb to any form of bullying or discrimination.
Sonya Danita for CLEO. Image courtesy of cleo.com.my
Today, Sonya can be seen on the covers of Harper’s BAZAAR and CLEO and in the campaign for Levi’s. We find out how she turned her reality around and became a highly sought-after model.
WATCH her full story here:

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Filed Under modelSonya danitavitiligoWOMEN OF IMPACT 2019


Ghibran Gets An International Recognition For ‘Ratsasan’!

Vishnu Vishal starrer Ratsasan, a crime-thriller which had hit the screens last year, was declared a blockbuster hit. It was directed by Ramkumar of Mundasupatti fame.
 The film was recently honoured with four awards at the Los Angeles Film Awards. It was felicitated with ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Thriller’, ‘Best Score (Feature)’ and ‘Best Actor’.
Music composer Ghibran, who has now won the Best Original Score award at the ‘East Europe International Film Festival 2019’ (which is part of Fusion International Film Festivals) that was held in Warsaw recently.
Ratsasan was a critically acclaimed film with a good box office collection speaking for its success. Produced by G Dilli Babu, the film also stars Radha Ravi, Kaali Venkat, Saravanan, Yasar, Abhirami, Ramdoss, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan and Usha those in the supporting roles.
Despite being a violent film about a police officer’s chase to catch a serial killer, the film has worked big time with multiplex audiences and is now all set to be remade in other languages.
The film was remade in Telugu under the title Rakshasudu. Bellamkonda Sreenivas played the lead role in this psychological thriller directed by Ramesh Varma. It had Anupama Parameswaran playing the female lead with Abhirami, Vinodhini, Suzane George, Kasi Viswanath and others in supporting roles. Ghibran had set the tunes for this flick with Venkat C. Dilip doing the cinematography and Amar Reddy handling the editing. The film was produced by Satyanarayana Koneru under his banner A Studio.
The film is all set to be remade in Hindi. Ayushmann Khurrana is to be the preferred choice to play the lead role in the remake but nothing has been finalised as yet.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. Related:  The Ripple Effect 4.0 : Charity Movie Screening for Hospice Malaysia
Filed Under east europeGhibranTamil


FMCO: List Of Economic And Social Sectors Not Allowed To Operate

In a move to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 and its variants across the country, the government has yet again enforced the daunting movement control order (FMCO) effective 1st June (tomorrow).
In light of FMCO, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has listed businesses that will not be allowed to operate during the lockdown.
The lockdown was announced on Friday, following a record high of 8,290 new infections in the country. However, Malaysia saw 9,020 new cases, breaking the previous day’s record.
Picture credit: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
The senior minister stated at a press conferences that the list of businesses allowed to operate must only do so from 8am to 8pm.
Here’s a list of economic and social activities that are strictly “not allowed” :

Dine-ins
Park
Dine concept
Photography
Cyber cafès
Horse racings
Casinos
Gaming and lottery companies.
Farmers’ markets (pasar tani)
Weekly markets
Night markets
Pasar tamu
Spa, reflexology and massage centres
Wellness centres
Beauty salons
Pedicure and manicure
Hair salons and barbershops
Furniture shops
Car wash
Jewellery stores
Stationery and book shops
Vehicle accessory shops
Clothes, fashion and accessory shops
Toy shops
Sporting goods stores
Flower shops
Nurseries

Meanwhile, its business as usual for wholesale markets that are allowed to open from 12am to 6am and from 11am to 4pm. Daily markets and wet markets, on the other hand, can be open from 6am to 2pm. Farmers’ markets (pasar tani kekal), MyFarm Outlets (MFO), and Kompleks Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) can be open from 6am to 4pm. Controlled fresh markets (pasar segar terkawal) are allowed operation from 7am to 12pm.
Source: New Straits Times
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Filed Under lockdownMao 4.0MCO 4.0: List Of Economic And Social Sector That Are Permitted By The Government


Mahadeva; An Evening of Endless Devotion

We have some wonderful news for music enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy Carnatic music.
A Carnatic vocal recital aptly titled Mahadeva, The Endless Devotion accompanied by eminent artists will be held on 14th May 2022, at Kanagasabai Hall, Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur at 7:01pm.  This recital is presented by Dhaatri Arts and Damaru Creations.

The endless devotion is a thematic Carnatic Vocal Concert in praise of Lord Shiva of the Hindu pantheon. The entire repertoire will consist of beautifully rare and unique songs depicting the different facets of the Lord, set to colourful raagas (melodic framework) and thalas (rhythmic cycle).
The aim of this concert is in hope of reviving and continuing the legacy of the Carnatic music scene in Malaysia. This the concert will highlight the Bhakti rasa or devotional atmosphere.
The entire act will be presented by “Gaanaamrutha Kuyilini” Bhavani Logeswaran on vocals and accompanied by homegrown esteemed artistes – “Vaadhya Ratnaa Kara” Achyuthan Sashidaran Nair on the violin, “Layaanjali” Muthuraman Ganesan on the mridangam and “Brahma Shri” Aravind Sharma on the Kanjira.
For more information, you may contact the person in charge below:
Shareena Roy: (017-499 1171 / 016-499 5711)
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Filed Under Achyuthan Sashidaran NairAravind SharmaBhavani LogeswaranBrahma ShriGaanaamrutha KuyiliniLayaanjaliMahadevMuthuraman GanesanThe Endless DevotionVaadhya Ratnaa Kara


Investing in my happiness did these 3 things for me!

I am sure this isn’t the first time you’ve come across an article online, written by someone you don’t know, talking about why you should prioritise your happiness. I have been in your exact position way too many times. For me, every time I read articles that validated the importance of having happiness in your life, the more I would get frustrated. I knew that I would be left with no choice other than to put myself first and say goodbye to many habits/people/choices that were bringing down my energy. But why was I there in the first place?

Codependcy.
According to this article on verywellmind.com, Codependency can come in all shapes and sizes and varying levels of severity. “Foundationally, it is due to poor concept of self and poor boundaries, including an inability to have an opinion or say no,”. Codependency can develop in all sorts of relationships, such as parent-child, partner-partner, spouse-spouse, and even coworker-boss.
With the inability to put myself first, I was definitely hurting myself in those many years. But it started to change slowly when I made a promise to myself that I MUST INVEST in my happiness.
Let me rephrase that. I did not voluntarily do it. My situation was staring me in the eyes and I could not ignore it anymore. I knew that I had to reset my time management
Gradually, I started doing so many activities that have completely transformed the way I feel, think and even look.
So these are 3 changes I noticed when I put myself first;

I started eating better
I worried LESSER
I attracted more honest conversations

What truly made it transformational was the powerful combination of the three above; done regularly. The results were astounding.

I started eating better
I’m a big-time foodie. I can talk about food for hours and I kid you not, boredom doesn’t even come close. I’m on the constant lookout for new recipes and dishes to try out in my kitchen. I make a list of dishes to try and restaurants to try (sorted by suburbs, and cuisine). I daydream about eating. You get the drift. 😂
You can eat anything you want, as long as you make it! – Micheal Pollan
But this wasn’t always the case. Take outs were my best friend for the longest time. No one has the mental energy to make food when they are so drained from  life and it’s unexpected turns.
This is what I learnt, life is always going to take unexpected turns and if we were to decide our food habits on this, it is going to potentially give us a disordered eating pattern or in worst case scenarios, an eating disorder.
The joy of a sandwich is so underrated.
When I started spending more time in the kitchen, it gave me this rich life experience. The ability to make a dish from ingredients that remotely doesn’t even look close to the final product gave a satisfaction that was unexplainable.
I decided to get into the habit of making breakfast; at least 3 to 4 times a week. With just simple ingredients in my kitchen, I managed to learn to make a decent spread for my family on random weekdays or weekends. Nothing starts the day like a good breakfast.
If this doesn’t convince you enough, may the photos of the food do 😂

I worried LESSER
As an over-thinker, it is almost pointless when you hear advice like,
Don’t think too much, it is going to be okay!
PC: memebase
I no longer get triggered by this advice because I do see the intention behind it, which is to assure a person that nothing is permanent in life. I can promise you at that point, it would go in my left ear and leave the body that very next second, cause I LITERALLY cannot stop worrying about it.
I knew that there had to be a remedy for this without denying my mind the right to think. As I started breathing and reading more, I caught myself worrying less. I did not use it as a distraction technique, although it has been proven to have worked. For me, until I get the worst thoughts out of my mind, I could never move past it.
My therapist has this amazing way to deal with this.
Ask yourself this, What is the worst case scenario in every situation?
The logic is very accurate, because one you do get the worst thoughts out of mind, the fear around it will lessen. Your mind will store those thoughts as a pre-warning and when it happens, you would feel a bit more empowered.
It is the inevitable! PC: FUNVIZEO
So once I write these thoughts down, I would then tell myself, okay when it happens, I will be ready to face it for what it is. 8/10 times this has worked for me. Of course, we are humans and no one is close to achieving a 10/10 times where we pick ourselves up, and listen to the thinking brain.
I will leave you with this, as I worried less, I slept better. But I guess you already knew that!
I attracted more honest conversations
PC: TENOR Aren’t we all trying?
In my previous article, I explored the power of an honest conversation and I stand by it everyday. Honesty is a much feared option for many people. I don’t blame them. Maybe when they tried to be honest, the people on the other side were not receptive. The brain then automatically perceives that it would happen again.
I would like to think that lying and being dishonest are two separate actions. Lying has malicious intent to manipulate, whereas I feel being dishonest is more of a deflection. However, do take note that there are levels and a variety of situations. Not all of it is applicable to the above statement.
The hypothesis of this whole experience is that,
Honesty in your communication to yourself will help you attract people who are also honest to themselves. Hence, when two people of this sort speak, the ego is contained and both parties get to learn.
How do I start this, you ask?
The next time you feel something is bothering you, instead of denying it, ask yourself this,
“Why am I not addressing this?”
It is truly the small steps that can show the biggest impact with the power of consistency and time.
Committing to oneself for a happier life isn’t an easy path. However it can be a simple one.Trust me, there are many things we can do which can make us happy. I’ve learned to do more of what makes me happy, along with doing things .
Remember, you are your most valuable asset!
References

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-codependency-5072124

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Filed Under codependcyhabit changeHappinessmental healthmindset shift


Kedah MP Asked To Apologise Over Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple Demolition

Malaysia is home to 523 Hindu temples but only 25 of them are situated on their own land. According to The Star report, the rest of the Hindu temples have been built without proper permission.
These temples may face the risk of being demolished sooner or later.
This information was shared by the Kedah Menteri Besar’s special officer during a Facebook interview. He also said that a new committee has been set up to resolve the issue.
Earlier this month, the Alor Setar City Council demolished the Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah, which is said to be over 50 years old.
It was reported that other temples were also built without the permission of the landowners.
SAYS
This was seen as very unethical on their side and caused great anger among the Hindu community nationwide, said Malaysia Hindu Unity Association President V Kandasamy.
“The Menteri Besar must apologise for the unethical remarks he made against the Indians and Chinese following the demolition issue of the temple,” he said at a press conference in Brickfields.
The alliance of Malaysian NGOs is demanding that Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor apologise to the Hindu community for the destruction of the temple in Kedah.
Free Malaysia Today
He also said they needed assurance that the demolished Raja Muniswarar Temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah, would be relocated to a new location agreed upon by the temple management and local leaders.
“As far as the Menteri Besar is concerned, he should have consulted the temple authorities and local leaders to avoid religiously sensitive demolition by local authorities,” he said.
He said that the action demonstrated how Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was less respectful of the Hindu sentiments. Kandasamy said that most of the temples were built before independence, and because of that, they should be regarded sensitively.
Kandasamy also claimed that they appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Kedah Sultan to take necessary action against Sanusi as an example that such an act against the Hindu community or any other minority groups in Malaysia will not be repeated by him or any other leaders.
However, after the demolition of the shrine in Kuala Kedah, Sanusi accused MIC and DAP for behaving like those “drunk on toddy.”
He suggested that Putrajaya set up a non-Muslim religious affairs department under the Prime Minister’s Department to resolve these problems.
Previously, Lawyers for Liberty had slammed Sanusi for his “heavy-handed” and “unacceptable” defense in regards to the demolition.
Malaysiakini
Sanusi in defense also stated that the houses of worship must be constructed with the consent of the local authority, adding that the MIC should be outlawed since it allows people to violate the law.
What are your thoughts on the matter folks? Do not hesitate to drop us a comment, we would love to hear your views.
Source: The Star & Malaysiakini & Free Malaysia Today
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Filed Under hindu templeHindu temple demolishedkedah hindu temple


Popular Malaysian Psychiatrist Who Allegedly Assaulted A Rape Victim Patient Finally Charged In Court

In July 2019, a Malaysian digital social news site broke the story about a popular Malaysian psychiatrist who sexually assaulted his rape victim patient after a reader decided to write in to the site about the assault.

Dr Gurdeep Singh was working a private hospital in Petaling Jaya and appeared on many TV and radio show to discuss mental health. The same medically licensed professional assaulted his patient who is a rape victim by sending explicit texts requesting for sexual favours and photos containing nudity.
The patient was referred to Dr Gurdeep earlier this year and has been seeking medical help from him before things took a wrong turn. Besides sending texts with sexual innuendos, Dr Gurdeep has also allegedly dialled his patient through video calls asking her to watch him perform a sexual act.
Earlier this month, the victim released an open system that questioned her faith and challenged the Malaysian jurisdiction system as Dr Gurdeep was allowed to continue practicing and there were no legal repercussions of his actions. Although he was fired from the hospital he was working in, The Malaysian Medical Council (MCC) did not discontinue his professional practising license. The victim said, “I am crippled with fear, anxiety, and a sense of betrayal by the justice system coupled with severe PTSD from the incident.I have even attempted suicide five times in the span of two months while suffering from sleepless nights and endless panic and anxiety attacks.”

The victim’s reports were initially dismissed by the police and Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), stating that there was “not enough evidence” to proceed with the case. Earlier this week, Dr Gurdeep was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code for the offence of insult of a person’s modesty, which is punishable by a jail term of up to five years or fine or both.
Magistrate Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir fixed bail at RM5,000 and instructed Dr Gurdeep to not disturb the sexual harassment victim and the victim’s family until the end of the case. The next hearing will be on 5 December.

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Filed Under dr gurdeepmental healthsexual harassment


Bigg Boss Vaishnavi Prasad Gets Married

Bigg Boss Tamil 2 contestant Vaishnavi Prasad has tied the knot with her partner, Anjan. The couple got married in a private traditional Hindu ceremony, in the presence of their family and close friends.

Vaishnavi took to social media to announce her nuptials. The former reality show contestant also captioned the image with a beautiful quote on how their love didn’t need a grand wedding.
The couple then threw a cocktail party and reception to celebrate their union. Vaishnavi looked stunning in her pink evening gown with a pink pixie cut to go with it.

Congratulations to the newlyweds from Team Varnam.
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Filed Under Bigg Boss 2MarriageVaishnavi Prasad


Priya Anand To Act In Web Series?

The actor was last seen in ‘LKG’, which was directed by KR Prabhu.
Priya Anand is now all set to widen her horizons by starring in a web series. She will be starring in a web series that will produced by Zee 5.
However, there is no official confirmation on this yet.
“Priya Anand has given her nod to be a part of a web series for Zee5. The actress wanted to venture into this platform too as fans are loving her on the big screen.”
Priya Anand was last in the political satire LKG, which was directed by KR Prabhu. The film had RJ Balaji and Priya Anand in the main lead roles with well-known politician Nanjil Sampath in a pivotal role.
Priya Anand has taken so many different type of roles. I wonder what is her role in this web series.
It may be noted here that Priya Anand had bagged a role in Dhruva Vikram’s upcoming film Adithya Varma, which is the remake of the hit Telugu movie Arjun Reddy.
Confirming that she is part of the project, Priya Anand tweeted: “Looking Forward To Working With Team #AdithyaVarma #DhruvVikram Directed by #Gireesaaya Ace Cinematographer @dop007 @e4echennai @BanitaSandhu @proyuvraaj My 2nd Project With @E4Emovies Can’t Wait!”

Looking Forward To Working With Team #AdithyaVarma#DhruvVikram Directed by #GireesaayaAce Cinematographer @dop007 @e4echennai @BanitaSandhu @proyuvraaj
My 2nd Project With @E4Emovies Can't Wait! ❤ pic.twitter.com/BRgbM6tAu1
— Priya Anand (@PriyaAnand) February 19, 2019

Earlier, the film was directed by Bala under the title Varma but the producer scrapped the entire project owing to creative differences.
Raiza Wilson had played the role in its previous version. This film, which is being directed by Girisayya, is set for release in June this year.
Related:  Sivakami; The Teacher who Self Taught to Become a Tamil TeacherMore updates to follow!
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Filed Under Priya AnandTamilVarmaweb series


Fashion Policing And It’s Brutality!

Condemned by the fashion police, our names become engraved into the social Death Note. Whether it is by dressing too conservatively or otherwise, when we seek to enforce our individualism through fashion, we tend to see reactions to our choices. Fashion police seems like a harmless term but it has dire consequences on a person’s mental health and reflects the ugly side of the human psyche, the aspect of judging others based on outward appearances.
Credit: Wix
What happens when we, as humans, start to police other people’s choices of clothing and fashion sense. It almost seems as a reactionary to how the older generation judges the younger generation for our more liberal choices in clothing that we, the younger generation, prove that we are part of the same coin and we divert this negative aspect of the human experience and we question, judge and condemn people that do not follow the trends that are dictated by the celebrities we worship at this present age.
The ideal view is that we should not judge someone based on their appearances of which fashion is one aspect. Our cultures teach us that one should learn to look beyond the material world and superficial things like appearances.
Credits: Unnati Silks

The need to follow the crowd is also the reason we have dress codes. We emphasise dress codes almost as if to send a message of what they represent. We all understand the necessities of a dress code and reminding a friend to follow a dress code is not the same as taunting someone for their choice of clothing, a very clear distinction needs to be made.

Fashion policing may also be our normalisation of television shows on entertainment channels such as “Fashion Police” that questions the clothing celebrities wear on the red carpet.
Related:  [Part 1] Let's Rock Our Indian Fashion; Get to Know The Textiles of IndiaCredit: The Daily Beast
Another part of fashion policing is when a person gets shamed for repeating outfits! This is one of the most silliest thing i have ever heard of. The need to constantly come up with a new look is exhausting when you don’t want to do it. In our community, if a wealthy women is seen repeating her sarees, it simply means that she is not “taking the effort” or just simply having an immature judgement. This is completely unnecessary!
Fashion policing is not right and no one should be taunted for the clothes they wear. When we engage in such frivolous activities, we only perpetuate our lack of maturity and ignorance without considering the lasting consequences it has on a person’s mental health such as causing body image issues.

Many people assume it is fun and the rise of the “political correctness” movement has seen the reactions by people to say whatever they want for the sake of saying without people actually understanding the consequences of it. To anyone who is currently going through this, I call to you to be empowered by your choices in clothing and simply be comfortable in who you are because you have already won.
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Filed Under clothingfashionfashion policingfeatures


Sughamaai Subbulaksmi: Saresh D7 Says Director Karthik Shamalan Is A Perfectionist

This year’s much talked-about movie Sughamaai Subbulakshmi will be hitting cinemas nationwide on Thursday, May 17.
The movie is directed by one of Malaysia’s most promising director, Karthik Shamalan, and it stars the likes of Saresh D7, Kuben Mahadevan, Punitha Shanmugam, and Bagya Arivuckarasu, among others.
According to the lead actor, or the hero, Saresh D7, Karthik Shamalan is a perfectionist who pays attention to every detail in the movie.

“He knows what he’s doing. The screenplay is great, the way he’s written my character is great. He did all the hard work. All I had to do was bring that character to life,” Saresh said during a press conference last week.
“If you think I did a great job in the movie, then all the credit goes to Karthik. He’s a brilliant director,” Saresh added.

Sughamaai Subbulakshmi revolves around a young boy who struggles to pursue his passion in life – while dealing with all that it entails. Can he strike a balance between what loves, what he wants, and what he needs?
Catch Sughamaai Subbulakshmi in any of these cinemas from May 17 onwards:

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Filed Under Karthik ShamalanSaresh D7Sughamaai Subbulakshmi


Kollywood Power Couple Suriya And Jyothika To Act Together After 14 Years?

Rumour has it that the powerful husband and wife duo, Suriya and Jyothika may join hands in a movie which has yet to be revealed to the public.
The son of veteran Tamil actor Sivakumar, Suriya is renowned for his thrilling and riveting roles, which have won him multiple accolades. The heartthrob of millions never had a string of lovers and only fell in love and dated one lady, Jyothika.
Suriya and Jyothika met for the first time in 1999 during the shooting of Poovellam Kettuppar, Suriya’s fifth feature, and Jyothika’s third. At that point in time, they weren’t major stars, but were passionate newbies in the Kollywood world. She was from Mumbai, seeking to make her mark in the vibrant Tamil cinematic .

Given the fact that she did not speak nor understand Tamil, Jyothika attempted to master the language and to produce her dialogs with utmost perfection. Suriya was attracted to her sincerity, dedication and immense humility.
Before marrying Suriya in 2006, Jyothika and Suriya had acted together in seven films – Poovellam Kettuppar, Uyirile Kalanthathu, Kaakha Kaakha, Perazhagan, Maayavi, June R and Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. The power couple were last seen together in a 2006 romantic drama, Sillunu Oru Kadhal.
The couple owned a private film production company, 2D Entertainment which produced many Tamil blockbuster movies including 36 Vayadhinile, 24, Pasanga 2, Magalir Mattum, Sillukarupatti, and many more.

Recently, a fan tweeted “I just had a thought. What if “@Suriya_offl – Jyothika” pair’s comeback is an @arrahman musical and a @halithashameem directorial
script could be a breezy one, something like Malayalam films Charlie, Kumbalangi nights etc glorifying human dynamics. #JustMyThought #Suriya.”
Related:  Vetrimaaran Came Up With "Vaadivaasal" Update And Something Exciting Is Brewinghttps://twitter.com/ahmedmeeranoffl/status/1283403751525478401?s=20
Director Halitha replied to that tweet post.

I will definitely pitch a script to them. ❤
— Halitha (@halithashameem) July 15, 2020

Fans are eagerly waiting to see the duo’s return to the big screens.
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Filed Under come backHalithaJyotikaloveSuriyaTamil moviestogether


Shah Rukh Khan To Play Villain In ‘Thalapathy 63’ Opposite Vijay

OMG OMG OMG!!! (hyperventilates)

There is so much buzz around Thalapathy 63, with word that Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan may also be involved in the film. the film’s director, Atlee, was seen hanging out with Shah Rukh Khan at an IPL match earlier this month and rumours spread like wildfire that the two will be working together on their upcoming projects.
Atlee at an IPL match with Shah Rukh Khan
Initially, it was reported that King Khan will appearing in a cameo in the film but his shooting schedule suggests otherwise. A source close to the production of the film said, “SRK has a prominent character that he’s playing in Thalapathy 63. It’s not like his other cameos. In fact, he is the main villain who comes in the picture only towards the climax. He has a good 15 minutes odd role, fighting Vijay. The makers wanted a leading face from the Hindi film industry to shoot for the role and when Atlee approached Shah Rukh for it, he agreed on principle to do it. It’s a four-five day shoot and the team is figuring whether to film the scenes in Chennai or in Mumbai itself.”

We will let your imaginations run wild till we get more news on the film.
Source: Filmfare
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Filed Under atleeShah Rukh KhanthalapathyThalapathy 63Vijay


Vicky Kaushal Talks About His Scariest Fan Encounter!

Vicky Kaushal, who has donned many roles, has spoken about his craziest fan experience. He saw a woman barge into his house, and claim that she’d been chatting to him online. Vicky later found out that the woman had been catfished.

The woman landed up at his apartment when he wasn’t there, and told his parents that she knew him through Facebook. At the time, Vicky said, his parents knew that he wasn’t on social media, so “they figured there’s something fishy.”
Vicky explained,
“What had happened was that there was a fake profile of mine on Facebook, with whom the girl had been chatting. And that’s a bit scary. So I had to really look into my social media accounts, pull down all [fake] pages, and do one verified account. She found it very difficult to believe that it wasn’t me that she had been talking to, all along.”
The actor said that besides this one incident, ‘the experiences have all been sweet.’
Vicky’s popularity as an actor reached unprecedented heights earlier this year. I mean who doesn’t like Vicky Kaushal!
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MDEC Presents The First SME Digital Summit To Empower Local SMEs

The reverberation of the pandemic has caused many local small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) to strive hard to continue functioning in the business market. It has been a neck tide for corporations to continue carrying out their business, often forcing most of them to close down their entities, especially so in the recent Covid-19 outbreak.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) builds a platform for all entities in Malaysia to venture in the digital economy, ensuring an equitable and gratifying effect. They are focused on enriching Malaysian corporations with digital skills, enabling better digitally powered businesses and driving them towards a digital sector investment.

 In conjunction to this, MDEC is inviting all genres of local entities from local businesses, digital solution providers and corporates to participate in curated online panels and workshops, featuring practical takeaways that enterprises need to thrive in the ever-changing business climate and economy.
MDEC is reinvigorating the nation’s push towards a digital-first future with the upcoming launch of its inaugural SME Digital Summit.

This exciting virtual platform will empower SMEs to take the digital leap by cultivating a digital transformation mindset among these businesses and enabling them to accelerate their digitalisation journey.
 SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and their digitalisation is forecasted to add US$19 billion to US$24 billion to the country’s GDP by 2024.
MDEC’s first digital summit will take place on 11th to 13th of August 2020. The Summit expects to host up to 100,000 digital participants who will join various digital panel discussions, conferences, workshops, and training clinics that are organised in collaboration with the event’s 60 partners.
Various multinational companies and local enterprises will be joining the Summit, including MAXIS, Digi, Amazon Web Services and DELL Technologies.
There will be a total of 12 panel sessions, featuring discussions on 10 areas of digitalisation and how they can be applied across 10 key business sectors, will be conducted throughout the event period.

MDEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Surina Shukri expressed her concerns on how COVID-19 has helped enlighten the community on the importance of digitalisation for Malaysian SMEs to operate in a technology- dependent environment.
Many business entities sustained their business during the pandemic, due to their strategic venture in different digital technologies to cope with their business.
Through the SME Digital Summit, it will drastically help accelerate Malaysia’s efforts in expanding its digital economy and ensure shared prosperity by proceeding in new market opportunities and engaging their business in the US$300 billion potential that the ASEAN Internet economy offers.
SME Digital Summit would also inaugurate MDEC’s #SayaDigital Month, to accelerate the growth of a digital society in Malaysia. The month-long campaign aims to expand and implement digital skills amongst Malaysians, enabling them to leverage the new standard of business operation within society and their respective industry.
The first two weeks of the month will focus on driving digital businesses, while the second half of the month will provide opportunities for Malaysians to learn and enhance their digital skills.
Part of MDEC’s 100 Go Digital campaign, the project seeks to strengthen digital literacy, encourage digital adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises and increase interaction among key players in the region.
100 Go Digital is an initiative to enable traditional Malaysian businesses in key sectors to move towards digitalisation, improving efficiency and customer experience.This would include opportunities for information-sharing, focused panel discussions, and platforms for business matching and networking.
In addition to that, MDEC, alongside Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and SME Bank, are urging organisations to digitalise by applying for the SME Business Digitalisation Grant, in which a company will be provided with a 50 per cent matching grant of up to to RM5,000 for the subscription of approved digital services.
Technology today has become the core of every business strategy.
Digital business, in terms of business technology, furnishes companies and individuals, revamped ways to communicate, cooperate, operates business and build bridges connecting people better. It shapes the basis of corporate strategies and dictates how businesses are run today.
Digital business is the key tool to enhance your business opportunity. Register now here to be part of the inaugural of MDEC’s first digital summit to hoist your business up!

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Filed Under #sayadigitalfirst digital summitMalaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)MDECMDEC's first digital summit


Magistrate’s Court Orders the Release of 5 Hospital Cleaners and Activists Protesting Alleged Ill Treatment by Edgenta UEMS

A Magistrate’s Court has ordered the police to release five hospital cleaners and activists arrested for holding a peaceful protest outside Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh. The Magistrate’s Court denied a request for a four-day remand.
The five were part of a protest by the National Union of Workers in Hospital Support and Allied Services (NUWHSAS) which represents cleaners in government hospitals in the northern states. They were held after protesting against what they claimed were union-busting tactics by their employer Edgenta UEMS.
Source: KesatuanPSHK Twitter
“This morning, police failed to obtain a remand order for the five unionists detained. The police requested a four-day remand, but lawyers representing the detainees informed the magistrate Azuratul Akmar that there is no need for further remand as all statements have been taken,” PSM secretary-general A Sivarajan told Malaysiakini yesterday.
“Thus the magistrate refused the remand request and ordered the police to release them as soon as fingerprints and other records are settled. The magistrate has ordered them to be released by 6pm today,” he said.

MAGISTRATE REFUSES FURTHER REMAND REQUEST,Police failed to obtain remand order of the 5 unionist detained. The police requested for a 4 day remand, however after our lawyers put up a fight Magistrate refused the remand request and ordered the police to release by 6pm today. pic.twitter.com/ajPbWUDMwP
— Sivarajan (@ASivarajan) June 3, 2020

He said PSM is still concerned that the five unionists, including NUWHSAS executive secretary M Saraswathy, could still be charged in the future.
“We demand the police to not charge them, as they complied with all movement control order SOP’s during their picket unlike the cramped lock-up conditions they were subjected to last night,” he added.
Sivarajan thanked concerned citizens and organisations who had voiced their opposition to what he called “blatant union-busting tactics affecting frontline hospital cleaning workers at a time when their services are needed most.”
The five are being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in discharge of his public functions as well as Section 269 of the Penal Code which covers unlawfully or negligently committing an act that is likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life.
The court’s decision came after a few Members of Parliament and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) decried the “cruel” detention of hospital cleaners, who are considered as frontliners as well
Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah said the arrest should not be taken lightly as, “Silencing the voices of frontliners is unfair and cruel, and shows the total lack of respect and care by employers towards those already risking their lives daily to protect the rest of us from COVID-19.”
Maria called out Edgenta UEMS for exploiting their employees, saying hospital cleaners employed by them were not adequately supplied with essential protective equipment while working in hospitals that dealt with COVID-19 cases.
Source: KesatuanPSHK Twitter
They are also being investigated under Regulation 7(1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, which prohibits gatherings for various purposes.
Their protest was to express concerns over what they claimed to be poor treatment received by hospital cleaners from Edgenta UEMS including not being given enough essential protective equipment, denying the union their rights, and forcing workers to change working hours and shifts.
Edgenta UEMS has allegedly not given hospital cleaners enough essential protective equipment, denying the union their rights, and forcing workers to change working hours and shifts.
In a statement made available to SAYS, UEM Edgenta assured that it has implemented actions and safety measures to safeguard the health and safety of its employees
The company denied the accusation that it did not provide sufficient protection to its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[Our] implementation of safety protocols are aligned with the strict standards set by the Ministry of Health for all hospitals and healthcare facilities in Malaysia treating COVID-19 patients,” it said.
UEM Edgenta added that it has various communication channels for employees to “promote effective communications” and stated that it is committed to resolving internal matters impacting its employees.
However, the brief statement did not mention nor deny allegations that it had deployed union-busting tactics to silence its employees.
News Credit: Malaysiakini
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Filed Under Azuratul AkmarFive UnionistsPSM secretary-general A SivarajanSet to be released 6pmWorkers in Hospital Support and Allied Services (NUWHSAS)


WATCH: Into the Unknown by Praseetha Pravin Saivi

Like father, like daughter!
Singaporean singer Pravin Saivi’s daughter Praseetha is following in her father’s musical footsteps. The young talent has come up with a cover of the Frozen 2 tune, Into the Unknown. This is the 5-year-old’s first public foray into music and we cannot get enough of her!
Praseetha also has her own Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Praseetha Pravin Saivi (@praseethapravinsaivi)

Crooner Pravin Saivi is now based in Chennai, India, where he works actively in the Tamil music fraternity. It is heartwarming to see his daughter step into the field he loves.
Check out the full video here:

Best wishes to you Praseetha!
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Filed Under Frozen 2 CoverInto the UnknownPraseethapravin saivi


Khushbu Joins The Cast Of ‘Thalaivar 168’!

Khushbu has joined the cast of Super Rajinikanth-starrer Thalaivar 168, marking the silver screen reunion of the veterans after 28 years.

Khushbu, making her appearance in a Tamil film after nearly 10 years, expressed joy over being offered a “different” role to essay.

#Khushbu about joining #Thalaivar168@rajinikanth @directorsiva pic.twitter.com/KIxVyZWOvX
— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) December 10, 2019

“The evergreen actress #Khushbu joins the cast of #Thalaivar168,” producer Sun Pictures tweeted. The two were teaming up after 28 long years, it added.

Khushbu, an actor-politician now, had paired opposite Rajinikanth in the blockbuster Annamalai, besides Pandian in the past.Responding to her starring along Rajinkanth, Khusbu said she was joining hands with him after 28 years and that the “joy (of it) is unique.”
“We have done many films, people accepted and liked us.. I had not been done Tamil films for 8-9 years and was waiting for a big” one, she said.
Director Siva and Sun Pictures offered the character and “it is a different” one, she said in a video shared by Sun Pictures on its Twitter handle. Rajinikanth’s next film is tentatively titled Thalaivar 168, suggesting it was his 168th flick.
He is addressed as ‘Thalaivar’ (Leader) by his fans. The film has already set off a buzz as Rajinikanth has teamed up with director Siva for the first time. The cast is a star-studded one, with the others being Prakashraj, Keerthi Suresh, Meena and Soori among others.
Siva, known for his successful collaborations with top actor Ajith Kumar, had earlier directed the blockbuster hit of the year Viswasam.

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Filed Under Director SivakhushbooRajnikanththalaivar 168


Bigg Boss 2: Nothing Justifies Your Usage Of Bad Words, Kamal Haasan Tells Bhalajie

Last week on Bigg Boss 2, the contestants were given another task by Bigg Boss in order to earn their luxury budget.
The task was that the boys had to be the ‘boss’, while the girls played their servants. After that, the same task was carried out again, but with roles reversed.
Incidentally, Nithya was paired with Bhalajie, and things did not go well. Nithya tried to ask Bhalajie if she can do him any favours, but he chased her away, using foul language that had to be bleeped. To make things worse, no one came to Nithya’s defence, they only told her to stay away from Bhalajie.
During the weekend discussion, Kamal Haasan confronted Bhalajie and asked him why he needed to use foul language.

“That’s because I was angry. Maybe if she didn’t make me angry, it wouldn’t have happened,” Bhalajie replied. Kamal Haasan replayed the scenes from the task, and there was really nothing Nithya did to spark that anger.
“Actually, it doesn’t matter what Nithya did. It doesn’t justify your foul language,” Kamal Haasan said. “You cannot just say you were angry so you said that. A lot of people have marital problems. You can live together, you can divorce, that’s none of my concern. But respect must always be there,” he added.
The following day, Bhalajie did mention that he will try to change himself, starting with controlling his temper.
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Filed Under BhalajieBigg BossKamal HaasanNithya