ENTREPRENEUR, actress and model Bkay Nair says having to juggle her business affairs within Bkay Nair Resources, the company she founded 12 years ago, has kept her away from the spotlight.
The 42-year-old says overseeing the company, which has grown significantly by diversifying into corporate training and event management services, has been a busy endeavour.
But, she adds, being away from the entertainment scene for some time makes her miss what she used to do before.
"I've been there, and had my fair share of sweet moments soaking in that glamorous life," says Bkay when met recently.
The erstwhile actress, whose screen credits include playing the role of Shireen in the 2011 film 'Ratu The Movie', adds: "I wouldn't mind accepting acting offers, provided that it doesn't take up so much of my time, away from my other commitments."
"If I get an ideal offer, which can be fulfilled in between running my business, and if I can plan my schedule, why not?" says the piquant personality who was crowned Miss India Tourism 2007/2008.
An in-depth look at batik
The artiste, whose full name is Tryambikay Vengades Nair, reveals that she has not been away from the entertainment scene altogether, having recently been involved in the production of a web series.
The law graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia hopes to produce a documentary on batik production in Malaysia.
She wants to document not just the traditional batik producers from the east coast, but also those involved in the production all over Malaysia, including Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara students and prison inmates.
"Seeing that this is a big project that needs careful planning, research and documentation, a lot of production time will be required before it can be completed.
"So that, coupled with my packed schedule, has work dragging on for a while now," Bkay says, though she is hopeful the project will be done in the near future.
Celebrating the batik-saree
Bkay also has her eyes on another project featuring a marriage of two cultures — batik and saree.
"It is a known fact that the saree comes in various types of fabrics, from silk to cotton, and from plain cloth to fully embroidered ones.
"I do not see why we can't turn our beautiful Malaysian batik into one (a saree)," she says enthusiastically.
While the batik cloth normally needed for a baju kurung, for example, is four metres, it can be about 5.5m or approximately six yards for a saree, she says.
Bkay is currently working on the Malaysian Heritage Showcase 2024, set to take place at Toffee Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23.
"This showcase is a celebration of Malaysia's rich textile traditions, with a focus on also promoting local batik.
"As a significant part of Malaysia's cultural heritage, batik represents the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans.
"Each piece carries its own story, with unique patterns and motifs inspired by nature, mythology and Malaysian life.
"One of the highlights of this year's event is the introduction of '6 Yards of Beauty', which presents batik-saree creations," she says.
Through such a sartorial fashion fusion, Bkay adds, the initiative not only celebrates the two cultures but also allows traditional textiles to be adapted for modern, global fashion trends.
"The '6 Yards of Beauty' feature will showcase the adaptability of batik beyond its traditional
uses.
"By incorporating batik and saree, the showcase aims to introduce this texetile to new audiences and inspire designers to explore its potential in contemporary fashion," she says.