Latest news with #Issac
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The inspiring story of Tamil rapper Vengayo whose single ‘Chikkama' is gory yet wildly entertaining
It was 2004 when eight-year-old Issac Naveen was first transplanted from the streets of Worli, Mumbai to Otteri, Chennai to live a vastly different life. Over there, he would go out fishing and lounge with at least 10 other children who would tackle and terrorise the streets of Mumbai. 'It is in Bombay that I learnt hip hop, rap and dancing. This massive gang would all gather to watch videos of dance-offs from across the world on YouTube. My aspiration was to join a dance crew and be cool. The dream stayed on even when I arrived in this city,' he says. As a youngling without any serious knowledge of Tamil and only a crude Bombay Hindi, Issac says that he found Chennai alien. Yet, it was during the early days where he got two opportunities to meet his idol — Vengayam Perumal. 'My grandfather was a thug, a benevolent one. Everyone knew him on the streets of Otteri. He'd stop at a shop and eat whatever he pleased. He'd give away all the money in his pocket to anyone who asked. He'd wear thick gold chains and several rings. He'd also drink a lot which is why he died when I was young. When there was a need to christen a stage name, I wanted it to be rooted in something meaningful but also keep it fun. That is how I arrived at Vengayo,' he says. Issac's homage to his grandfather's name is now echoing in many corners of the internet and across the world. His latest single 'Chikkama' directed by his friend and popular Tamil rapper Paal Dabba released in June is now charting at a million views. The video, based on a gangster and his trigger-happy gang of friends taking over a red carpet, is absurd, gory and wildly entertaining. The visual language, style and the influence of old school hip hop (he used the beat from 50 Cent's 'In Da Club') and gaana is suave, telling us a story full of blood, death, caution and revenge. While it is hard to catch it all in one viewing, the hook line with the word 'Chikkama' tends to loop in one's head. What does 'Chikkama' mean? ''Chikkama' can be used to denote many things. Chikkama iruke could mean both 'I'm sorted' or 'I'm in trouble'. My mother, who works in a marriage catering service unit, was recently telling her co-worker 'edhukku ivlo chikkama iruku'. It was the first time I heard her use the line and I was thrilled,' he says. 'Chikkama's visual language developed when Paal Dabba randomly heard the song at a music producer's house. 'He was in Paris when he said that he'd like to direct the video. He said he really liked the song and was showing me around the city on one of our video calls. I was happy he was getting to visit these places. We had only seen such sights on Grand Theft Auto [videogame] before this,' he says. The two struck a friendship back in 2015 when they started dancing for Bfab, a dance crew in Chennai. They have been tight ever since, with Issac choreographing many of Paal Dabba's dance videos. The two even collaborated for Vengayo's first single 'Ai' in 2022. Since Chikkama's release, Vengayo has been receiving support and appreciation from several members of the film industry including Aishwarya Lekshmi and Sid Sriram. He is intent on quickly moving to the next project with Think label that released his previous single. 'Money is important for me because my father is a Dunzo driver, mother works in the catering industry and brother works at the harbour. However, I really do not want to chase wealth. Let it take its time and find its way to me,' he says. For inspiration, he often watches videos and reels on Instagram. But this year, Vengayo wants to read about BR Ambedkar and Pablo Escobar. 'In Otteri, Ambedkar is everywhere — in our houses, on the streets. I have heard so much about him. I want to read him,' he says. 'I am not much of a reader though. If this interview comes out, it will be the first time I read a paper,' he says, breaking into a laugh.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pets on parade at bazaar
A tail-wagging good time: Issac with his mongrels Max and Jack at the Popipop Market at Maritime Automall in Karpal Singh Drive in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Pets are often barred from public places and events, so when an open-air bazaar was held for people to bring their pets, it became a joy for them to walk, shop and let their furry companions socialise. The four-day Popipop Market at Maritime Automall in Karpal Singh Drive turned the waterfront strip into a lively pet haven. 'I usually take my dogs out once a week, but there aren't many places we can go to,' said Issac Lim, 28, who brought his two mongrels, Max and Jack. 'Here, they could walk freely in the crowd, and people were comfortable around them. It feels good to see so many other pet lovers too. Events like this help us bond, and strangers even came up to say hi to the dogs.' While Issac came as a visitor, clothing vendor Michelle Si, 30, was grateful she didn't have to leave her Bichon-Pomeranian mix, Hamisu, at home. 'She's like my child. I bring her to my shop daily, and we're hardly apart. 'Some bazaars don't allow pets, so I have to find someone to look after her. This bazaar lets me run my stall and still have her with me,' she said. Si was joined by her friend, Ooi Eufey, 25, who brought along her two energetic Chihuahuas, Fubao and Nina. The bazaar was organised with support from Stark Tower, a nearby project that aims to promote pet-friendly living. Sales project director Ronaldo Lim said it was part of a push to foster broader inclusivity. 'Pets in public spaces can be a touchy subject. But more people are adopting animals and showing civic awareness. 'We believe coexisting with pets is not just possible – it's becoming normal. This is about building understanding between pet owners and the wider community,' he said. Local pet care brand founder Gary Chin, who took part in the bazaar, said pets today are treated like family and their health matters more to people these days. 'We're here to help owners understand the importance of good food and care,' he said. Chin organised a round of musical chairs for dogs and their humans — a crowd favourite that drew cheers and laughter. The event also welcomed exotic animals, giving visitors a chance to meet creatures like a bearded dragon and a milk snake up close. College student Lee Wan Ning, 21, was among those who stepped forward. 'People are scared of exotic animals, but they're really gentle and even adorable,' she said. 'It's not every day you get to touch something like that. I'm glad I attended the bazaar.' Lee was accompanied by her friend Chin Xuan Rou, also 21, who agreed that seeing exotic pets was a rare experience.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Dad dies a year after freak accident while riding his daughter's e-scooter
Isaac Craig was involved in a serious collision while riding his daughter's e-scooter. He was hit by a driver who ran a stop sign while testing out a new tyre on his daughter's e-scooter A dad has tragically died one year after a freak accident involving his daughter's e-scooter. In March 2024 Isaac Craig was involved in a serious collision while riding his daughter's e-scooter. He was hit by a driver who ran a stop sign while testing out a new tyre on his daughter's e-scooter near his home in Townsville, Queensland. He was rushed to hospital and as a result of his injuries he was left almost completly bedridden and struggled to perform everyday tasks. In a heartbreaking message his stepson, Callum Albert wrote online: "He spent most of his days alone in his room... the smallest things would bring him joy like hearing the kids come and go or having conversations that he never wanted to end. It was his way of holding on to normalcy." Callum said that it had been heartbreaking to watch him slowly deteriorate both mentally and physically and explained that on his stepfather's worst days, he would lock himself inside his bedroom and was "slipping further into depression". But tragically, Issac suffered a heart attack last month, not a direct complication linked to the accident. He was without a flow of oxygen to his brain for 24 minutes before he was revived and rushed to Townsville Hospital, MailOnline reports. He was placed in ICU where doctors found he had little to no brain activity and a week later Issac's wife Lisa was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support. His grieving family initially faced the possibility of losing their family home but mortgage payments have been paused while the family comes up with a solution. Callum started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for house expenses, cremation expenses, daily expenses of Issac's wife and daughter and future bills has raised over $3,000. Th page said: "If donations do come, all of it will be given to his widowed wife and she will use it to best herself and their daughter Rebecca's current financial situation. "She has no idea about any of this (now she does) but I do know this will make her happy cry and to be relieved that even though it's not all the pressure, at least some is taken off her shoulders." In an update on Friday June 20, Callum said his mother had been aware of the campaign and that she had received his stepfather's ashes. He wrote: "Hey guys it's been a few days, not much has changed, mum has received Isaac's ashes back so he's finally back home with her." He added: "The support has been overwhelmingly substantial! Thank you to everyone who has helped so far."
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Who was Issac Paul Olakkengil, the Indian engineer who died in scuba diving incident in Dubai
Issac Paul Olakkengil was a skilled civil engineer specializing in Building Information Modelling, working in the UAE since 2019 Issac Paul Olakkengil, a 29-year-old civil engineer from Kerala, India, died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a scuba diving training session at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach on Friday, June 6. The tragic incident unfolded while Issac was on vacation with his wife and younger brother, partaking in the Eid Al Adha holidays. The news of his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian expatriate community in the UAE, where Issac had built a thriving professional life. A life built on precision, passion, and progress Issac hailed from Naduvilangadi in Thrissur, Kerala. A driven and accomplished engineer, he specialized in Building Information Modelling (BIM), a sophisticated digital process essential in modern construction. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Calicut University in 2016, he steadily climbed the professional ladder. He first gained experience in India, including a stint with Indian Railways, before moving to the UAE in 2019. There, he worked with prominent firms such as Omnix International, Aspen Creations, and most recently as a BIM Coordinator at PNC Architects in Dubai, a role he held since May 2022. Issac's expertise spanned tools like Revit Architecture, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and Enscape, and he was certified in BIM Technology and BIM Coordination. He was fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, and his colleagues and peers admired his methodical nature and professional diligence. A family of engineers, bound by love and shared ambitions Engineering ran in the family. Issac's wife, Reshma Olakkengil, is also an engineer based in Dubai. His younger brother, Ivin Olakkengil, lives and works as an engineer in Abu Dhabi. The three shared a close bond, not only familial but also intellectual and professional. All three were part of the same scuba diving training session at Jumeirah Beach when the incident occurred. According to David Pyarilos, Issac's uncle, who is currently supporting the family with legal procedures and the repatriation of the body to India, 'It seems they were getting trained for scuba diving, and apparently, he [Issac] couldn't breathe properly and moved away from the pack.' 'So, everyone panicked and was impacted underwater. I was told Reshma was rescued to the shore first, followed by the other two,' Mr Pyarilos told the press. Issac was rushed to the hospital, but despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved. His brother Ivin collapsed upon reaching the hospital, overwhelmed by the event. He was placed under observation and later declared out of danger. Mr Pyarilos added, 'Ivin's friends just told me they are concerned about breaking this heart-wrenching news to him, as the brothers shared a strong bond.' According to Khaleej Times, Ivin was only informed of his brother's death on Saturday, June 7. An ongoing investigation Dubai police have since launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities have seized the scuba diving equipment used during the session for analysis, as part of standard safety and procedural checks. The training was conducted in a designated diving area at Jumeirah Beach, popular among beginners and tourists. The family is now focused on completing the necessary legal formalities for the repatriation of Issac's body to India, a process being handled with the assistance of Mr Pyarilos. The UAE's Indian community, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has expressed condolences, remembering Issac as a hardworking, soft-spoken professional who had earned respect in his field and among his peers. While the incident has been reported widely, it is the story of the man behind the headlines, a committed husband, brother, and engineer, that resonates most.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Indian engineer dies due to cardiac arrest during scuba training at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach
A 29-year-old Indian expat lost his life during a scuba diving session at Jumeirah Beach on Friday — while spending the Eid Al Adha holidays with his family in Dubai, as per a report by The Khaleej Times. The deceased, identified as Issac Paul Olakkengil , was an engineer based in the UAE. His relative told The Khaleej Times, Issac suffered a cardiac arrest after experiencing difficulty breathing underwater. David Pyarilos, Issac's uncle who is assisting the family with the legal procedures, told the media house that the incident happened during a training session at a designated scuba diving area in Dubai on Friday. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Conheça o Alarme que afasta os Ladrões Verisure Leia mais Undo 'They were participating in a beginners' training session when Issac began to struggle with his breathing and drifted away from the rest of the group,' said Pyarilos. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) He was immediately pulled out of the water and transported to a nearby hospital but could not be revived. Live Events ALSO READ: Dubai's new airport promises shorter queues, quicker check-ins & immigration procedures 'We are currently coordinating with the relevant authorities to complete the documentation needed for the repatriation of his body,' added Pyarilos. Advice for divers Filipino instructor Bimbo Calitis, founder and CEO of Amphibious Swim School in Jumeirah, told Khaleej Times: 'Those who want to learn diving must first check the background and credentials of the diving school.' ALSO READ: No more wait at the airport: Dubai to launch direct baggage delivery to your stay 'Once you sign a waiver, technically you are voluntarily relinquishing or surrendering some of your rights and, in the process, exonerate the diving school of legal responsibilities,' he added.
