Early this month, something spectacular went online and made tonnes of people happy. This video is special because like many things worth doing, it was done with NO profit to be made. In this day and age, life gains so much more meaning when it is not hinged upon what we have or what we can own. Check out the KL HAPPY video below.

To capture the untold stories behind the video, we got in contact with some of the dancers involved in the video and asked them about the rhythms, moves, and grooves of life, and finding happiness in the midst of the hustle and bustle. After all, who better to ask than those who don’t just walk the talk, they dance it.

Ahmad Dimi is one of those people who you either like or don’t the first time you meet him. Fortunately the former happens more often than the latter because of his “true to self” outlook on life. His passion for yoyos has literally taken him “around the world” and back.

Firdaus Al-Asedi, is a self-professed Cumberbabe who has not stopped swooning over the fact that Benedict Cumberbatch is coming to Kuala Lumpur March 26th. That aside, her other addictions include Rainbows, Good Company and Mathematics.

Kang Zarul Irwan has a slightly lopsided dimple on his cheek that makes him ever so charming especially in a nicely pressed suit. But when it comes to football, no amount of Armani can supress this fanatic as he cheers at his favourite Football viewing mamak. 

The KL is Happy Video is such an amazing video! It’s now got 100k plus viewers in just a couple of weeks. What do you think makes it so popular?

 Dimi: I reckon it’s because we as Malaysians inherently go viral on anything Malaysian and it’s such a catchy song. It could also be due to the fact that seeing all those people dance made all the other people [watching] smile a little.

Firdaus: I think there are two elements that makes this video so popular. One, is the fact that it’s a local initiative. It’s something to be proud of, that is locally made, right here in KL! And when someone originating from KL sees that tag, something inside them gets excited. It’s like that theory of association; everyone likes being associated to something fun/cool/nicely done/etc. In this case, the association factor comes from the KL tag. We’re all actually very proud to be KL-ites, even though sometimes people don’t admit it. Two, the social media factor. You know how fast information spreads in this day and age? One click of a button and you can send that same video to 10 other people, and then these 10 other people watches it and shares it on their Facebook wall or on Twitter and another 100 people sees, and the numbers just multiply! All it takes is for just one person to share it and to say that it’s a really cool video, and the whole chain reaction starts.

 Kang: With all the adversities going on in this country, people are looking for something positive and inspirational. And I think this Happy in KL video gives them a moment of encouragement that isn’t’ all bad.

What made you want to be a part of something like this?

Dimi: The guys who made the video are friends of mine and they were asking me if I wanted to volunteer for a video they are making and I said yes! I didn’t know at the time it was for Pharrel’s Happy and that they were all dancing in the original video.

Firdaus: I’m very much a spontaneous person who loves trying out new things. If I could, I’d do almost EVERYTHING. So when the opportunity came up to be a part of a dancing video in the middle of popular KL spots, I thought to myself, “Hey that actually sounds like a lot of fun. Let’s do it!”, and I immediately volunteered. That’s it. Life is about experiences and to me, this was definitely an experience to add on to my journey in life. Here’s to many more!

Kang: I’ve always wanted to do something like this. Having fun dancing with two good friends in front of the camera. Also it is an opportunity to share this energy with other Malaysians.

What was it like dancing in the middle of the streets? 

Dimi: Lucky me, I could yo-yo and just yo-yoed all the way but I shimmied a little bit but it wasn’t shown. They do have a copy of my full take though.

Firdaus: It was actually not too bad. I’ll admit, in the final hour before the shooting happened, I actually did feel a little nervous especially because I was stationed SMACK in the middle of Central Market. On a Sunday afternoon! Crowded does not even BEGIN to describe the amount of people who were in Central Market at that time of the day. Not to mention in the scorching heat! But when it came down to actually dancing, we just did it. Yes, there were stares, but none long enough to dissuade you from finishing what you started. And besides, once that Pharell’s Happy song started playing, you could not stop dancing!

Kang: It was quite awkward at first, but once we got in the mood we just let it loose! It was funny too because during our dance I heard someone in a restaurant saying “Huh? What the hell?!”

What makes you happy as a person living in KL?

Dimi: The fact that we can get food at any time of day makes me happy enough! Hahaha. I’m happy just because no matter what ever happens in KL, bad or good, it’s home you know. I don’t know if it makes any sense to you but yeah.

Firdaus: It has got to be the cultural aspect of KL. How there are so many different races and cultures in one area and how over the years, these cultures intertwine and mesh into each other. Though not many people may agree with me on my point of meshing cultures, but I find it to be a very beautiful process. Not many cities or even countries have this many different types cultures, food, and even languages to share with each other.

Kang: Meeting all kinds of people with different backgrounds gives me a chance to understand what makes them happy. Knowing that happiness exists in this concrete jungle makes me happy.

What makes KL such a special city to you?

Dimi: KL oh KL, where else can you buy fresh vegetables and fruits at 3am and then head over for food after that? Where else can you be stuck in traffic just because there’s an accident on the opposite side of the road. KL will always have a special spot in my heart even though I’m actually a PJ kid!

Kang: It is a city that never runs out of places to lepak, anytime anywhere.

Firdaus: When I think of KL, I think of all the things that unite us all as Malaysians. Like how only we Malaysians, and no one else from any other country, can understand the jokes by our local comedians. That understanding, in itself, gives me that sense of belonging. Ultimately, KL is — home.

Do you think Malaysians should learn how to dance more? Why?

Dimi: We should, just because. We should let loose a little bit to de-stress ourselves. You know how stressful driving in KL is right?

Firdaus: Learn HOW to dance? Noooo. There is no right way of dancing, after all. What we Malaysians should really learn how to do is how to let loose sometimes. Dancing is after all about allowing your body to move and groove to the music. I think many times, we Malaysians are so caught up with what people may or may not think of us. When at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people think. What really matters is what you think of yourself. So if you feel happy enough to start dancing in the middle of the train on the way to work tomorrow morning, go right ahead! The stares of the grumpy people fixed in your direction shouldn’t dilute your sunshine.

Kang: Of course! It is good exercise and you get to have fun at the same time.

Many cities are famous for something. Paris for love. Tokyo for Technology and New York for its Lifestyle. What is or should KL be famous for?

Dimi: I use to remember that KL being the city of light or something right? I think KL should be the city of culture or KL should be the city of “little towns/countries/cities”.

Firdaus: I think what KL is already famous for, without a doubt, is the food. The variety and diversity of food and tastes, hands down, is what people come to Malaysia for. It’s no wonder so many KL-ites are foodies! 🙂

Kang: The food!

We the new generation of Malaysians live in very fast changing and challenging times. How does one be happy in these times?

Dimi: One can only be happy if one is happy with him or herself. We should all try to loosen up a little bit after work and do something we love. Living in KL is stressful, we all know that but having a glass of Teh Tarik by the side of the road with good company always seems to take the edge off you know?

Firdaus: In my honest opinion, there is no ONE magic advice that would immediately make someone happy for the rest of their life. It is an entire journey; a very personal one that could even take years. But what I can say is this, no matter how fast changing and challenging times can get, I think what is most important is to not lose sight of yourself and what you want from life. Don’t get swept away by the currents and tides of temporary ideals. Know what makes you truly happy as well as what makes you unhappy as a person, because both aspects go hand-in-hand to help you understand true happiness.

Kang: I think it is important to be appreciative of what we have and look forward to positive things. And don’t harp too much on the negative stuff.

Check out what Happy means in some other cities around the world.

 Written by Tan Kee Aun