08/12/2025

LYFE MONDAY | DEC 8, 2025

25

Rubini opens acting space to diverse Tamil speakers o Blues brings poetry, realism to Malaysian film noir, adding substance to flair

R UBINI SAMBANTHAN is emerging as a powerful new voice in Malaysian Tamil cinema, not only for her performances but for challenging long held ideas of what a Malaysian Indian actress should sound like. The actress and former beauty queen, who gained attention through Astro Vinmeen’s Aadhira , will next appear as Peggy in Blues , the sequel to the acclaimed film Jagat . The role, she said, became deeply personal because of her concerns about language. “I really thought I would not get the role. But when the offer came, I felt awakened. Someone like me who speaks Tamil differently also deserves space on screen,” she told Bernama. Rubini said the opportunity reflects the lived reality of many Malaysian Indians. “There are a lot of us out there and we deserve to be seen and taken seriously. Speaking differently does not make us any less Indian.” She described Peggy as “a beautiful chaos, flawed, honest and deeply human” and said the character allowed her to bring her own experiences into the performance. “People like me exist and our stories should be represented,” she said. Rubini, who began acting in the Malay film and television industry in 2019, made her Tamil industry debut in Aadhira , directed by R Azizan. The series deals with domestic abuse and she said the role required intense mental preparation. “For me, the mental preparation was the most crucial part. Some scenes cut very deep, so I constantly reminded myself that this is a role and not my reality,” she said. Filming the first physical abuse scene, she said, was the most overwhelming. “I felt the weight of every woman who’s been through that kind of pain, so I couldn’t stop shaking or crying.” She added that the director and crew helped her remain grounded. Working with Jagat ’s director Shanjhey Kumar Perumal on Blues was another milestone for her. “His passion is contagious. He touches reality but keeps it poetic,” she said. Rubini believes the shared universe of Jagat , Macai and Blues marks an important shift in Malaysian Tamil filmmaking. “It proves our voices are not small. Our stories deserve their own universe,” she said. Despite holding a degree in Finance and Accounting, Rubini said her creative path grew through modelling and pageantry. She represented Malaysia at Miss International 2014, placed first runner up at Miss Tourism Sri Lanka 2016 and was a finalist on Asia’s Next Top Model (Season 6). Born in Kajang, Selangor, she is the second of three siblings. “I started working at 15, selling ice cream in a supermarket. If a small town girl like me can do it, others can too,” she said. Blues , released last Thursday, carries strong emotional weight for her. “It mirrors lives that often go unnoticed. If people walk away feeling something, then we have done our job. Blues will always stay close to my heart,” she said.

Emerging as a powerful voice in Malaysian Tamil cinema, Rubini (right) challenges long held ideas of what a Malaysian Indian actress should sound like.

Rubini (left) and Karnan Gcrack in a scene from Blues , released last week. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @SKYZEN STUDIOS

The third installation in Shanjay’s filmverse, Blues is anticipated to mark an important shift in Malaysian Tamil filmmaking.

Lokaloko 2026 set to unite Indonesia, Malaysia through KL concert

PRIMED to start the new year with new music, Lokaloko 2026 is set to kick off on Jan 24, 2026 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur by bringing together the vibrant sounds of Malaysia and Indonesia on one stage. More than just a concert, it is set to be a shared musical experience that brings people together. The concert will run in two sessions, each with its own energy and character. Lokaloko 2026’s first segment begins at 3pm and will feature Butterfingers, the grunge-driven band that needs no introduction, now returning to rock the stage once again. Known for tracks such as The Chemistry (Between Us) and Faculties of the Mind , the band remains a symbol of the golden era of Malaysia’s 90s alternative music scene. The concert will showcase a special performance by the talented singer-songwriter Amir Jahari, a Kuching-born artiste known for his soulful voice and emotionally driven songs, such as Hasrat and Tanpamu (Re-Imagine feat Nana Sheme) . This fusion of two generations is expected to deliver an extraordinary musical experience, where the rock spirit of Butterfingers blends with the acoustic soul of Amir to take the audience on

Indonesia’s The Lantis is set to rock the stage during the second half of Lokaloko.

Butterfingers from Malaysia will be taking the stage during the first half of Lokaloko concert.

Lokaloko aims to be more than a concert. Positioning itself as one of 2026’s earliest concerts, it seeks to be a platform where established musicians and rising talents can come together to create new memories for an audience of all ages. Tickets are priced from RM148.

into modern pop. Sharing the stage with the band is Malaysia’s own Fugo. Known for its nu-vintage identity and artistic creativity, the band’s music, such as Pentas Sandiwara and 99, have showcased its international sound and musical direction.

a journey filled with nostalgia and emotion. From 8pm onwards, the evening will bring a fresh, upbeat vibe with Indonesia’s retro-pop sensation The Lantis. Captivating listeners with viral hits such as Lampu Merah and Bunga Maaf , the band is known for its infusion of the 70s to 80s