The movie named 'Miss India", starring Keerthy Suresh, is about a woman who chases her dream of becoming a succcesfull entrepreneur by starting a "chai" (tea) business.
It would not be a stretch to call Kalaasari the Malaysian version of "Miss India", albeit a saree-wearing one.
The woman has been selling piping hot masala tea off the back of her bicycle around Seremban town in Negeri Sembilan the past few months, and business is booming.
Free Malaysia Today (FMT) spoke to the woman, fondly known to many as Miss Seremban Masala Tea, or even Tea Mami, to find out what motivated her to venture into such a bold venture.
According to her, she had already been planning to run her own business for some time, before financial woes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic hit her.
"I thought it was the right time to start this business.
"It was my own decision, preparation, initiative and idea," Kalaasari, who previously worked for a local law firm for 20 years, told the portal.
As for why she decided to sell tea, Kalaasari said it is because she loves the beverage, and her recipe even incorporates Indian herbs, fresh cow's milk, and jaggery - a traditional Indian palm sugar, as an alternative to white sugar.
Despite the healthy ingredients that go into making the tea, the beverage is sold at only RM1 a cup.
Kalaasari sells an average of 100 cups a day and she also recently began selling vadai for 50 sen each.
Her day typically starts at 4am, as the tea takes two hours to boil, to bring out its flavours. Once it's brewed, Kalaasari starts peddling her trade outside the Seremban market from 7am to 10am, before quickly returning home for lunch and replenish her tea stock.
She then heads outside the Church of the Visitation in town, to hawk tea from 4pm to 6.30pm.
As for why she is clad in a saree, Kalaasari said she has always loved the traditional Indian attire - having worn it throughout her office life, and she has no plans to give in on the habit yet.
According to her further, she also prefers to move around on a bicycle, instead of doing business from a fixed location (shop), as the former option allows her to remain mobile and sell her tea, instead of burdening her customers with the chores of looking for a parking.
"I like to meet people. In one day, I can meet all kinds of people. I like to mingle around and I enjoy what I'm doing," she said.
Kalaasari's advise for aspiring entrepreneurs is "be brave, don't be shy about anything."
Source: FMT
Photo source: FMT
Shuman
Sat Feb 25 2023

Pasanga 2 | Episode 100 [Preview]
Sarasu’s constant lies are spiraling out of control, putting everyone in danger!
Binge-watch all 100 episodes of Pasanga 2 now on Astro On Demand!
Binge-watch all 100 episodes of Pasanga 2 now on Astro On Demand!
Astro Thaipusam Live Coverage 2025 | Malaysia
ASTRO is all set to bring you LIVE coverage of Thaipusam 2025! From 9 February, 8PM to 11 February, 10PM, tune in to Astro Vinmeen (Ch 202) and get ready to be swept away by the spiritual energy of this sacred celebration.
#Thaipusam2025 #MalaysiaThaipusam #AstroThaipusamLiveCoverage #NandriKantha #astroulagam
#Thaipusam2025 #MalaysiaThaipusam #AstroThaipusamLiveCoverage #NandriKantha #astroulagam
Pasanga 2 | Episode 99 [Preview]
Ranjini loses her cool after discovering Raja met Priya—even if it was just a coincidence! A heated argument erupts between them.
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Pasanga 2 | Episode 98 [Preview]
Diya finally learns the truth about Yoges—but is it too late? Is she in danger now?
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Pasanga 2 | Episode 97 [Preview]
When Yoges visits Anand and Deepa at their home, emotions run high. Unable to hold back, Anand demands Yoges to stay away from his daughter Diya, igniting unexpected chaos.
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Don’t miss the gripping Pasanga 2 finale episodes, airing until 6th February at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Pasanga 2 | Episode 96 [Preview]
Priya confronts Vikram for calling Raja through her phone and invading her privacy! What will happen next?
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
#astroulagam #pasanga2
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
#astroulagam #pasanga2
Pasanga 2 | Episode 95 [Preview]
Lakshmi loses patience as Priya’s father and Vikram keep blaming Priya for the argument—she finally decides to stand up for her!
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
Pasanga 2 | Episode 94 [Preview]
Deepa grows frustrated with Anand as Geetha’s presence makes her feel insecure. What does fate have in store for them?
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
#astroulagam #pasanga2
Catch Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand!
#astroulagam #pasanga2
Pasanga 2 | Episode 93 [Preview]
Vithya stumbles upon an unexpected truth—one that leaves her completely shattered.
Don’t miss Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
#Pasanga2 #AstroUlagam
Don’t miss Pasanga 2, every Monday to Thursday at 9 PM on Vinmeen. Also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
#Pasanga2 #AstroUlagam
The Champion of Aattam, Hyperflex DC, opens up about the challenges they faced throughout their journey!
The Champion of Aattam, Hyperflex DC, opens up about the challenges they faced throughout their journey! Catch their full interview now on Astro On Demand!