12/07/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JULY 12, 2025

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Victim of domestic strife refuses to lie down

TV SHOW REVIEW

Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

A

STRO

continues

to

champion women empowerment with the launch of Aadhira , a

Vinmeen-exclusive drama that is as socially conscious as it is emotionally gripping. Adapted from the popular Malay series Syurga Itu Bukan Mudah , this 28-episode Tamil version is helmed by director R. Azizan and reimagined with urban polish and a bold message to speak out against abuse rather than suffer in silence. At the heart of it all is Aadhira, portrayed by beauty queen and actress Rubini Sambanthan in her first Tamil-language lead role. Her character, a woman who begins her journey as a sweet and traditional spouse eventually evolves into a symbol of inner strength and rebellion as she confronts an abusive marriage and the toxic masculinity that comes with it. Plot beginnings In a special screening attended by theSun , the first episode set the tone for what promises to be an

“Singgahsana Trilogy Tour is my effort to revive the spirit of family and affection through music. It is a chance for us to come together to celebrate love and spread positive vibes in an intimate setting,” he said at a press conference. Pot Amir said unlike large-scale concerts, the programme combines elements of live music, community feasting and interactive activities in a relaxed setting, limited to 90 guests per event. “Semoga PC will open the series with a shared platter feast with 40 selected orphans, followed by a classic film screening, prayer recitation, community activities and a charity (fund) collection,” he said. The second night, he said, features R&B Date Nite, offering married couples a chance to reflect on their relationship over a romantic dinner o Bold Tamil drama Aadhira to debut on Astro Vinmeen emotionally-charged series. It opens not with the titular character, but with her eventual husband Dharma played by Theebaan G. The scene introduces him as a charismatic yet reckless man, confidently striding into a club only to be swiftly arrested. His weaknesses are women and the nightlife. Enter Sumitra (Saarra Selva) as his frustrated sister, who bails him out of jail but not without delivering an ultimatum, which is to get married or you are on your own. Her choice for a potential bride is Aadhira, a polite and soft-spoken young woman who lives with her single mother. Sumitra’s close relationship with Aadhira’s mother makes the match seem ideal on paper, though Aadhira and Dharma initially resist. Dharma, clearly unwilling to give up his bachelor lifestyle, brushes off the idea of settling down. He simply does not agree to his sister’s suggestion that this proposal of matrimony might change him. Meanwhile, Aadhira, deeply respectful of her mother’s wishes, reluctantly agrees to meet him. The episode ends at this emotional crossroad, hinting at what is to come. Layers of abuse and strength The first episode only begins to scratch the surface of the show’s heavier themes, but the overall plot is clear. Aadhira will focus into how a seemingly ordinary marriage can spiral into a battleground of emotional and physical trauma. Dharma’s character, with links to a

Aadhira is a bold Tamil drama that explores trauma and the fight for freedom in the face of abuse. – PICS FROM ASTRO

toxic circle of men and unchecked rage, becomes a threat to Aadhira. What sets Aadhira apart from many female leads is her refusal to remain a victim. The show aims to portray a realistic and empowering arc of transformation from isolation and manipulation to strength, independence and action. Cast insights and on-set dynamics At a recent press conference, Azizan acknowledged the challenge of working with lead actresses for whom Tamil is not a first language. He said it was definitely something to work around, but Rubini and Saarra gave their best. Rubini, known more for her work in beauty and fashion, shared her excitement and gratitude. She explained this series is not about

trying to compete with the Malay version but more about telling this story with their own touch. Saarra admitted to some nerves stepping into a role previously portrayed so powerfully in the original version. She was worried if she could do justice to it but gave herself to the role completely and trusted the process. With just one episode, Aadhira has already introduced its major players and outlined the premise. There are more episodes to go. Viewers can expect a series that balances intense drama with social commentary. Aadhira premieres next Monday and airs every Monday to Thursday at 9pm on Astro Vinmeen (Channel 202). Viewers can also catch it via Astro Go, On Demand and Sooka.

Rubini has made her mark in Malaysia’s entertainment and fashion scene as a model, actress and beauty pageant winner.

Rubini (right) and Saarra take centre stage in Aadhira .

Pot Amir to organise love, family-themed event next month POPULAR singer and songwriter Pot Amir is organising a special three-day programme called Singgahsana Trilogy Tour to celebrate various forms of love in a creative and meaningful way. Highlighting the values of love and share the knowledge we have learned. accompanied by R&B music. The programme concludes with the Ratu Hi-Tea Show, a special afternoon tea session celebrating women and mothers in a relaxed yet meaningful way.

In addition to performing his own compositions, Pot Amir is also using the series as a platform to highlight the importance of copyright ownership among composers. “We have learnt from past experiences that if we create something, it is better for us to hold the copyright. Only then can we decide the direction of our work,” he said. The Singgahsana Trilogy Tour will also feature guest artistes such as Lah Ahmad, Zain Ruffedge, Sein Ruffedge, Azan Addin and Semoga Band, and is supported by the Gig Madani Music Performance Fund under the Creative Content Fund by MyCreative Ventures, Communications Ministry. – Bernama

affection, family and humanity, the programme will run from Aug 1 to 3 at Liberal Latte, Bukit Damansara. It will feature three events: Semoga PC (Pendoa Conference), R&B Date Nite and Ratu Hi-Tea Show. Pot Amir, whose real name is Saiful Amir Abdul Wahab, said the initiative is his personal effort as an independent musician to create an artistic space that is closer to the community. “If, as artistes, we just wait for people to call us, we will fall apart (lose our drive to create, our freedom to be creative and eventually get lost in the industry). I chose to organise this myself, and this is not just a performance but a way to celebrate

Pot Amir says the initiative is his personal effort as an independent musician to create an artistic space that is closer to the community. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @POTAMIR