RAAGA listeners usually start their day with the banter of Suresh and Ahila on the Kalakkal Kaalai show.
The reason both announcers sound so comfortable with each other is because they have been good friends, on and off-air, since both became RAAGA announcers 10 years ago!
Astro recently spoke to the announcers, whose friendship has come a long way since they were introduced to each other at the car park of the Astro headquarters, 10 years ago.
Here's their journey, their own words.
Q: How would you describe your relationship?
Ahila: I would say we are like family, as I'm also close to his parents.
Suresh: Our friendship is easygoing. We share both personal and work-related matters with each other.
Q: Has the friendship changed much after one of you got married?
Ahila: We have both started focusing more on our personal lives, and that naturally reduces the time we hang out with each other - not specifically because Suresh got married. However, since we get to meet daily at work, we still have good times hanging out.
Suresh: No, I would say it still remains the same.
Like any good friends, both Suresh and Ahila have been there to help each other out through thick and thin.
This includes when Ahila met with a car accident, and when Suresh lost his car, the latter recalled.
Asked about what she is most thankful for, Ahila said she appreciates Suresh's ability to keep her secrets as his own, and his non-judgmental attitude towards her.
As for Suresh, he likes being able to share both his joys and problems with Ahila.
As the saying goes "opposites attract", it is not any different for Suresh and Ahila.
Ahila said she is a very punctual person who always follows the rules and regulations, whereas Suresh is a carefree and playful character. It is this mixture of attitudes that make both of them complement each other and get along well.
Besides similar taste in food, Suresh and Ahila both said they are also similar in a fact that they will defend their opinions, come what may.
At a time where having friends from the opposite gender is often frowned upon, both Suresh and Ahila are totally for it. Here's why, in their own words:
Ahila: I would say it is a blessing to have a friend from an opposite gender as he/she would help us to evaluate things from a different point of view. I have never encountered any challenges for having a male friend as my best friend. Maybe because I don't let people's opinions affect me.
When certain people think that a male and female can’t be best friends, I'll just brush it off by telling myself that they might not experience such a meaningful relationship like me. Thus, I shouldn’t expect them to understand my friendship with Suresh. I think it is important for my family members to understand my friendship with him and bless us. I’m glad that both of our families blessed our friendship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Kuna, Suresh’s wife for being an extremely understanding person and prove that men and women can be best friends even after marriage.
Suresh: I think having a best friend from the opposite gender is not a problem especially if it helps in understanding them. I would say everyone should have an opposite gender friend as it is very fun!
Catch Suresh and Ahila on RAAGA’s Kalakkal Kaalai show, Mondays to Fridays, 6am to 10am on-air or stream via the SYOK app.
Fri Aug 07 2020


Seven Selfies you Should Never Share Online!
Taking a selfie has become a norm nowadays. But steer clear of posting these types of selfies which may cost you your reputation, or even life...

Heal Your Body Using Powerful Yoga Mudras
Mudras are hand gestures that guide the energy flow to specific areas of the brain. Here are five of the most common mudras, and their benefits.

Research: Your Phone Color Reveals your Personality
Does the color of your mobile phone reveal your personality? This research thinks so.

Protein and Calcium Packed, This is Why We Should Add Paneer into Our Daily Diet
There are numerous health benefits associated with consuming the protein-powerhouse Paneer.

Knowing Patanjali, The 'Utmost Guru' Of Yoga
Yoga Sutra, authored by Sage Patanjali, is the first-ever yoga scripture that forms the basis of 'Raja Yoga.' Learn more about the yoga guru here...
.png?ext=.png)
Tasty Maracurry Mess Recipes Fresh from The Pot!
Maracurry Mess is a show airing on Astro Vaanavil (Ch201), featuring renowned local chef Rajesh Subramaniam whipping up delicious vegetarian dishes.

Six Most Luxurious Prisons Around the World
Cramped conditions, poor lighting, and inhumane boarding facilities are among the thing that come to our mind when prison is mentioned. However, it is not the case with these six 'luxurious' prisons around the world...

Five Tips to Prevent Water Heater-Related Deaths
People getting electrocuted by water heaters have become a common occurrence in Malaysia. Here are five tips that may prevent you from becoming a statistic.

Standing on One Leg for 10 Seconds Could Tell your Health Condition: Study
The ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds could indicate your risk of dying in the next decade, a new study has shown.

OMG: 10 Unusual Laws Around the World
Every country has its own set of rules and laws. Below are 10 of the weirdest laws around the world, that would make you go "What?"

Six Kollywood Actresses Who Played Iconic Dual Roles
Let's take a look at six memorable dual-role performances by female actors!

Actor Suriya Was Not the First Choice for 'Rolex' in 'Vikram'
Guess who was the first choice to play 'Rolex' in Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram'...
.png?ext=.png)
Top South Indian Actresses Who Made it Big in Bollywood
Let's take a look at eight South Indian female actors that have made it big in Bollywood!

Seven Selfies you Should Never Share Online!
Taking a selfie has become a norm nowadays. But steer clear of posting these types of selfies which may cost you your reputation, or even life...

Boy, 6, Sets Record by Identifying 190 Car Logos in Five Minutes!
Most adults would face issues in identifying car models, let alone recognizing vehicles from their logos. But little L. Raguram is just six, but he has created a national record by identifying a whopping 190 car logos in just five minutes.

Actress Meena's Husband Dies From Alleged Lung Infection
It has been reported that actress Meena's husband died from a lung infection on Monday. Our deepest condolences to the actress and her family.

Six Times Vijay Sethupathi Proved He's a Versatile Actor
Vijay Sethupathi is one of the most talented actors in today's Kollywood industry. Here are six movies that he especially made lasting impact with...

N. Elanghovan Creates History & Record as the Oldest Malaysian to Summit Everest
N. Elanghovan, 64, has created history by becoming the oldest Malaysian to summit Mount Everest on May 12. He is also set to be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for his impressive feat.

Catch the Antics of the Chidambaram Family on 'Uppuroti Chidambaram', Premiering July 4
Astro customers can look forward to the premiere of Uppuroti Chidambaram, a heart-warming local Tamil family drama series available from 4 July on Astro Vaanavil (Ch 201), Astro GO and On Demand.

Squash Ace Sivasangari Injured in Car Crash; Out of Commonwealth Games
National No 1 squash player S. Sivasangari has been hospitalized following a car accident at the Maju Expressway yesterday. She reportedly suffered serious head injuries and has awakened after a surgery.