10/05/2026

theSunday Special XII ON SUNDAY MAY 10, 2026

Finding life balance through yoga

BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Former jingle voice artiste behind iconic Malaysian campaigns now embraces slower lifestyle centred on discipline, wellness and mindfulness

T here are some voices that stay with you long after childhood fades and for many Malaysians, the voice of Atilia Haron is one of them. Long before she became a yoga teacher and wellness advocate, Atilia was the voice behind some of the country’s most memorable jingles. From the cheerful Paddlepop tune – “It’s super duper yummy”– to the globally recognised Malaysia Truly Asia campaign and catchy Pizza Hut commercials, her voice helped shape a generation’s soundscape. It was a voice that carried joy, nostalgia and familiarity. And yet, behind it was a woman still searching for balance, something she would only truly discover much later in life – on a yoga mat. I met Atilia not in a recording studio or on stage, but inside Prahara Studio, where she now teaches yoga and nurtures a community rooted in mindfulness and movement. A birthday gift that changed everything Atilia’s journey into yoga began unexpectedly at the age of 30, when she gifted herself a class for her birthday. “I went to my first lousy class,” she said with a laugh. “But I stayed.” At the time, she was already an established singer. Her voice was her profession, identity and craft. But physically, she wasn’t thriving. She described herself as being underweight, struggling to maintain balance, and even feeling constrained in what she could wear on stage. “I was afraid to do anything active because I thought I would lose more weight,” she said. Yoga initially seemed like a safe, gentle option, something easy. But she quickly realised it was anything but that. “It was not easy at all. But it brought me to my ideal weight. My breathing improved. My flexibility improved. I was less angry,” she said. What began as a simple experiment turned into a lifelong practice. More than two decades later, yoga remains a constant – less of a routine, more of a grounding force. The discipline behind stillness At one point, Atilia avoided most forms of exercise altogether. Running, in particular, was something she steered clear of. “So, I thought yoga would be easy... you just listen to music.” She paused, smiling at the memory. “I was so wrong.” What she found instead was a practice that transformed both her body and mind. Yoga helped her reach a healthier, more stable weight while improving her breathing, flexibility and emotional balance. “My weight finally became ideal for my height, and it has stayed that way because I’ve been consistent.” Today, she turns to Ashtanga yoga, a structured and physically demanding discipline, whenever she needs to reset. “It humbles me, it tires me, but in a good way.” Traditionally practised early in the day, Ashtanga is known for its discipline. Many practitioners wake as early as 4.30am to complete their practice before the day begins. “It doesn’t eat into your schedule. By 6.45am, you’re done. It’s very productive.” Still, she admits with a smile that discipline has its limits. “I love my Netflix at night. So, waking up that early isn’t always easy.” Breath, focus and the challenge of the mind For her, yoga is as much mental as it is physical.

“We just sing at home... no cameras, nothing. Just singing for ourselves.” It is in such quiet, unguarded moments away from the stage and spotlight that Atilia finds a different kind of fulfilment. “I love moments like that,” she said. From jingles to jazz festivals Atilia’s musical journey began early. At just 11 years old, she recorded her first jingle, eventually becoming one of the most recognisable voices in Malaysian advertising. “It was a different time. Everything had a jingle.” Despite her shift toward wellness, music remains central to her identity. Her style, rooted in jazzy pop, has stayed consistent. But her creative direction continues to evolve. “I’m thinking of creating music for yoga. No lyrics, just voices, chants and sound.” She is also set to perform at the Java Jazz Festival, continuing her presence on international stages while balancing corporate performances. Quiet pride in small moments When asked what she is most proud of, Atilia doesn’t point to awards or accolades. Instead, she reflects on small, meaningful moments, like teaching a yoga class and ending it with her own music playing softly in the background. “That was special. It wasn’t planned.” She also takes pride in her consistency, especially in teaching free yoga classes for over 11 years. “No matter how tired I am, I still go. Even if one false eyelash is still on my face.” What comes next At this stage in her life, Atilia is not slowing down, she is evolving. With a new album in the works, upcoming festival performances and plans to explore wellness-focused music, she continues to carve out space for both her artistry and her wellbeing. “I’m excited for what’s next. I still love performing, but I also want to create something more personal.” Yoga, music, home and stillness all continue to shape her rhythm. And perhaps that is what defines Atilia today – not just a singer, not just a yoga teacher, but someone who has learned to listen... to her breath, her body and the quiet in between. Because for her, wellness is not a trend or an aesthetic. It is simply a way of living. The meaning behind Prahara For Atilia, Prahara is more than just a name, it is deeply personal. Rooted in Sanskrit, “Prahara” refers to a segment of time, evoking rhythm, awareness and transition. In Indonesian, it can also suggest the force of the ocean or a storm, something powerful, fluid and alive. The name itself is also a reflection of her identity, formed from her own initials and transformed into something meaningful. “It’s my story. It’s like my child.” Founded over a decade ago, Prahara Studio has grown into a sanctuary for movement, healing and connection. Recently relocated to a new space, it continues to evolve alongside its community. “It’s shaped by the people who come here. Their energy, their commitment.” More than just a studio, Prahara stands as a reflection of her journey, one of growth, intention and quiet transformation.

Atilia during a yoga class at Prahara Studio, where she teaches yoga and builds a mindfulness community. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

come from doing too much, too soon. “Don’t go straight into a hard class. Start with beginner classes. And if you’re learning online, be careful, there’s no one to correct you if you’re doing it wrong.” More than anything, yoga requires the right mindset. “Come with an open heart. Don’t judge the class, the teacher or yourself. Leave your ego outside.” A life beyond the mat and the microphone Outside of yoga and music, Atilia lives a life that is refreshingly simple and deeply grounded. “I love sleeping. That’s my favourite thing,” she said with a laugh. A self-professed homebody, she finds joy in quiet moments – curating a warm, comfortable space and unwinding with her two cats Molly and Sava. For her, home is more than just a place, It is a sanctuary she has intentionally built. “I work very hard so I can have a nice home. I like making it feel warm.” That sense of grounding extends to the people closest to her. She shares a deep bond with her family, particularly her mother, her brother – who also manages her career – and his children. “I’m very close to my family. When I’m with them, I’m okay.” Her relationship with her brother, she added with a smile, is filled with equal parts affection and playful chaos. “We fight, but we love each other. Very manja fights.” Beyond family, she also cherishes time spent with her best friend, fellow singer Mimifly. Their time together is simple, unfiltered and free from performance.

“My mind is very noisy,” she said. Holding poses and staying still can sometimes be more challenging than movement itself. She recounted trying slower classes during which poses are held for extended periods. “I couldn’t do it. My mind just starts to wander.” That internal “noise” is precisely what yoga helps to manage. In Ashtanga, breath becomes the anchor, each movement guided by inhalation and exhalation. “It helps you stay focused. You just come back to your breathing.” Even in a busy environment, the practice draws her inward, a quiet return to self. For beginners: Let go of ‘not flexible enough’ Atilia believes one of the biggest misconceptions about yoga is that you need to be flexible to begin. “The more they think they’re not flexible, the more they should come,” she said. She has seen countless beginners hesitate, intimidated by the idea that yoga is only for the already fit or naturally flexible. But in reality, she insists, it is the opposite. “It’s not about your body type. I’ve seen people who think they can’t do it, and they end up doing better than me.” For beginners, she recommends starting simple. “Downward dog is my go-to pose. It stretches your back, your hamstrings... everything.” While advanced poses such as headstands may look impressive, she emphasises that the basics matter more. “The foundation is more important than the ‘circus’ poses. Those will come later.” She added that common mistakes often