SHALINI Devi Ganeson, who has risen to fame through her YouTube cooking channel ‘Shalini Views’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, welcomed us with a big smile at her aunt's home as if we were old friends that had not seen each other for a decade.
The first thing she uttered was; “Come in; come come, makan (eat) first.”
The 22-year-old, from Bagan Serai, Perak explained that her cooking channel was more of a family project-in-the-making, compared to most other cooking channels.
According to Shalini, apart from the menu being discussed together as a family, 23-year-old elder brother Devagovinthan Ganesan was the cameraman, 16-year-old sister Arinisha Ganesan was the visual editor, 44-year-old mother Sathiya Anandthy Palani assists with the cooking, while her youngest sister is the food critic; not to mention her father, who is the show’s biggest fan.
“We have our very own production team,” Shalini giggled, further explaining that her elder brother was the one to push the idea of a cooking channel.
According to her, about a year ago, her brother gave her the courage to start a YouTube channel by reminding her that their mom was a good cook with great recipes and could assist Shalini.
She emphasised that the reason she decided to pursue the YouTube channel was to prove to herself that she could do just about anything she put her mind to.
Shalini has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder characterised by weakness and a wasting in the muscles used for movement, caused by a loss of specialised nerve cells called motor neurons that control muscle movement.
Right after sitting for the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), she could not pursue higher education and her condition had left her focusing on how to make ends meet.
“After my SPM, I could not further my studies. Since then, I have been thinking of what to do for my income and this (YouTube) has given me the motivation,” she said.
Apart from that, Shalini recently started vocal classes, in which she trains once a week as it has been one of her dreams since adolescence.
Asked whether she will be opening another YouTube channel for her music aspirations, Shalini shyly said, “Not as yet. Perhaps in the future.”
For the near-term she will focus on improving her cooking channel first, as she needs to change the kitchen set-up and as well as improve her speaking skills.
'My younger sister is gifted'
Within the family, Shalini is not the only one with SMA; her younger sister Arinisha also suffers from the same condition, however, hers appears to be in a more complex phase.
When asked how it came to be that Arinisha assumed the position of ‘visual editor’, Shalini explained that initially they were looking for an editor.
But at the same time they knew Arinisha was keen on editing as the family knew that she was always on her smartphone trying out new applications for video editing.
“She is always on the hunt for new apps, fiddling video applications and learning on her own.
“After shooting the videos, we asked her whether she wanted to try, and she said ‘yes’.
“Upon completing, we were very impressed when we saw the video, it was really good, and that was the end of it,” Shalini said.
In life, never think that you cannot do anything. When you want to do something, go for it. It does not matter whether you fail or succeed.
‘Failure is a stepping stone to success’ and that is how you gain experience; Shalini reiterated.
Mom’s endless love
Shalini’s mother, 44-year-old Sathiya Anandthy Palani explained it is vital for parents to understand and accept each of their child’s unique talents.
As a parent of two disabled children, Sathiya advised that parents in her position must give their children endless encouragement because they should be treated just like any other children.
Have a strong two-way communication with them, never ignore them, she urged.
Commenting on Shalini’s rise in fame, she admitted that initially she was nervous about the whole situation as she deeply felt that people would judge her as exploiting both her daughters.
“I was not comfortable with this whole idea at the beginning. My son managed to encourage me that I should not think of others and that I should think about what makes Shalini happy,” she said.
The response by viewers has been generally extremely positive, but there have been times when the family stumbled upon vicious comments.
However, according to Sathiya, when such comments did occur, other viewers would come to the rescue.
“These people who stand-up for my daughter (Shalini) bring tears of joy to me.
“It makes me feel very moved and inspired,” she said, adding that of late, many viewers had requested Shalini to cook several dishes.
“The list (menu) is piling up by the day and she (Shalini) is compiling them before she fulfils their requests.
“I’m proud of her (Shalini), I’m proud of Arinisha, I’m proud of my son and I’m proud of the youngest one. I am proud of all my children.
“It is important for us as parents to give them (our children) the space and understand them,” said the proud mother of four.
As of now, ‘Shalini Views’ has garnered over 11,600 subscribers. – The Vibes, January 9, 2021
