Glittering joy
‘Kabali’ actress wants to show respect to victims of Johor hospital fire
Dancer Kala Devi (centre) ushering in Deepavali with lit lamps alongside film stars (from left) Rubini Krishnan, Shaila Nair, T. Shanthi, G. Yamini and Vinita.
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer-actress Shaila Nair has many things to celebrate about this Deepavali, after she was featured in the blockbuster Tamil movie Kabali with Rajinikanth, earlier this year.
But the 37-year-old said this year’s festive celebration will be a small one for her and her family as a show of respect for the fire victims of the Hospital Sultanah Aminah – where she was born.
“It really makes me think and be thankful about all that God has given me, because it can be taken away just as easily,” she said during a festive photoshoot with The Star.
The actress, who also produced and starred in another film titled Mayangaathey this year, said her family’s celebration would include prayers for loved ones who have passed on and a low-key open house.
“This year, my family will also be visiting a few homes and give out clothes and food to the less fortunate. This is what we want to do this year.
“I am very thankful this year because I got to have my debut in my first Tamil movie, which sort of made me become known in circles outside of Malaysia. Next year I plan to release my own album, so I’m looking forward to a lot,” said Shaila, who is wife to MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari.
For former karate exponent G. Yamini, 35, this will be her first Deepavali with her family after years of competitive sports.
“Usually this time of year I would be competing overseas and last year also I was in Indonesia for a competition. Thankfully Sukma has finished and I can celebrate with my family,” she said.
The two-time Asian Championships gold medallist said she was also thankful for a successful 2016 for Malaysian sports in the Rio Olympics and Paralympics.
Yamini, who now coaches karate, said Malaysia is poised to turn in more medals in the next Olympics, now that karate has been officially recognised as a sport in the competition.
“I feel a bit sad that it didn’t happen during my time but I am happy because it is finally in. My students are still young and we are going to work very hard to get into the Olympics,” she said.
Having left the sport in 2013, Yamini has become an actress, lending her martial arts skills to three movies this year.
IPOH: Compared to the quiet atmosphere in Little India here several weeks ago, last-minute shoppers have been flocking to shops and stalls set up in the area.
Spotted with the most number of customers were those selling Indian snacks and sweets, Deepavali decorations and prayer items.
Even jewellery shops were packed with people.
Kedai Emas Zain Sdn Bhd owner Siti Zubaidah Varisai Mohd said there were many customers in the last few days.
To accommodate shoppers, especially the working group who can only visit after office hours, Siti Zubaidah said they extended trading hours to 7.30pm from the usual 6pm.
Kacang putih seller R. Jaya Parathi is delighted with the lastminute crowd.
“Thank goodness business is finally picking up. And the weather has been kind,” she said.
Spotted buying some Indian sweets from the Jalandar Punjab stall were mother and daughter, P. Kamalam and 21-year-old A. Rashmini.
“This is my third trip here. I’ve gotten mostly what I need except for some snacks and sweets, which I usually buy when it’s near the festival so that they remain fresh,” said Kamalam, 55, who also bought herself several blouses.
At the central market here, people were seen stocking up on raw food ingredients.
Businessman B. Deva, 33, was seen carting bags of fish, meat and vegetables, enough for 20 guests.
“No doubt prices of food have gone up but Deepavali only takes place once a year,” he said.
Hospital cleaner R. Seeniamah, 38, said her family would be feasting on mutton, chicken, vegetables and fish.
“Once a year, my siblings and I pool our money together to pay for the food,” she said.
Retiree S.M. Vishu, 68, said he would be cooking chicken now instead of prawns, which were more expensive.