SBS Spice

It’s International Mother Language Day on Feb 21, and Suhayla Sharif and Jasmeet Kaur must explore what their mother tongues—Fiji Hindi and Punjabi—mean to them as second-generation Australians. Jasmeet is fluent in Punjabi, while Suhayla is looking to reconnect with Fiji Hindi. They reflect on the challenges and joys of staying connected to their languages and also dive into teaching each other some Desi slang. The question is: With English often seen as the dominant language in the West, how do we keep our mother tongues alive? Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Love can be the answer to many of our world's conundrums but also the root of many contradictions. For South Asians, it can often come at a cost. Whilst it is widely believed that love is unconditional, barriers like race, religion, caste and culture often draw a fine line between acceptance and rejection. SBS Spice loves love, so this episode celebrates the journeys of three Australian couples who together foster the connection that unites them rather than the obstacles that divide them.

Why launch an Indian film festival in Australia? Filmmaker Anupam Sharma wants us to think beyond Bollywood. Having spent decades bringing Indian stories to Australian screens—including directing 'UnIndian' starring Brett Lee and Tannishtha Chatterjee—he’s now launching the National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA). As India and Australia’s ties grow across trade, politics, and culture, NIFFA adds a new dimension—one told through film. Debuting Feb 13 – Mar 2 with partners like Dendy and NDTV, NIFFA is Australia’s first national Indian film festival. Dilpreet Taggar invites Sharma to the studio to dive deeper. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

At 19, Kushi Venkatesh has already earned the title of South Australia's funniest teenager—but her journey into comedy wasn’t exactly planned. Recorded live at the OzAsia Festival in Adelaide, SBS Spice chats with Kushi about how an unexpected accident brought her to the stage, her decision to stick to clean comedy in a world of expletives, and the balancing act of making people laugh while keeping the peace at home. SBS Spice attended the OzAsia Festival, thanks to the festival organisers.

Love is not in the air anymore; it’s on the apps. In this episode, we dive into the modern quest for connection through online dating. Hear from those who’ve found love, others who’ve been burned and sworn off swiping, and some who wrestle with stereotypes yet persist. How long should you wait to respond? What warrants an unmatch? Who deserves a second chance? The rules shift every day. So, with plenty of fish in the sea, why are Australians struggling to swim?

Is 30 too late for therapy? Are vapes cancelled? Even Watermelon Strawberry Ice? In this groundbreaking episode of SBS Spice, with investigative journalism at its heart, Dilpreet Kaur Taggar and Suhayla Sharif analyse their personal ins and outs for 2025 – along with some unsolicited advice for people. All of them.

How do Indians prepare for the epic clash between India and Australia? The tricolour turban, the face paint, the roar of the anthem—every gesture is more than just a show of support; it's an expression of identity, unity, and an unbreakable connection to the homeland. This conversation delves into what it truly means to 'get ready' for a match—not just for the game, but for the emotions, the history, and the collective heartbeat that pulses through millions as they unite to cheer for their team. Bhanuraj Kashyap sits down with Gurnam Singh and Angadh Oberoi to explore the passion and pride that come alive when these traditions meet the thrill of competition.

A Chicken Tikka Burger at the MCG? Unimaginable a few years ago, but now it’s a crowd favourite. As India and Australia prepare to face off in the Boxing Day Test, the cultural exchange isn’t just happening on the pitch—it’s on the menu too. Today, we’re joined by Chef Dylan Sanding, Executive Chef at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to explore how Indian flavours like buttery chicken burgers and samosas are spicing up the fan experience. From re-imagined Aussie classics to Indian street food staples, this culinary shift is celebrating the vibrant connection between the two cricket-loving nations. Brought to you by Kayo.

Australia’s favourite brown guy – and no, he’s not Indian (we've double-checked), Nazeem Hussain has spent over 15 years turning life’s everyday chaos into comedy gold, going from a regular day job to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, from London to Edinburgh, while selling out shows right here at home in Australia. In this episode of SBS Spice, Dilpreet and Nazeem talk about the world of comedy, cancel culture, the jokes he loves, and the ones he’d never touch. Plus, he drops a solid piece of advice for the hustlers out there.

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? Vivie, a 2024 short film by Malaysian-born, New Zealand-based director Hweiling Ow, imagines just that. Featuring an all-South Asian cast, this New Zealand production takes a witty yet heartfelt look at one woman’s journey of self-discovery as she confronts her outspoken vagina, Vivie. Vivie had its international premiere at SXSW Sydney 2024 — so SBS Spice’s Suhayla Sharif spoke with the cast and crew while they were Down Under.