Unfiltered with Sandy and Ruzbeh

Amaal Mallik is back on Unfiltered Drive and he's holding nothing back!

From the phenomenal global success of the Awarapan title track to his Bigg Boss experience, Bollywood's industry politics and his decision to take control of his musical journey, Amaal Mallik opens up like never before.

He also gets candid about Bollywood's politics, professional boundaries, creators not receiving their due credit, health struggles, label dynamics and the importance of protecting his work. From his Bigg Boss experience to leaked recordings, media narratives and the challenges of being an independent artist, nothing is off the table.

Watch till the end for an honest, unfiltered conversation about music, ambition, setbacks and finding your own path in an industry full of rules.

 

From a kid experimenting with his dad’s Roland D-10 in New Zealand to creating music for Bollywood alongside legendary composer Pritam ,Cymbol (Shiv) is proof that big dreams can take you places you never imagined.

On this episode of Unfiltered with Sandy & Ruzbeh, the Fiji-born, New Zealand-raised music producer and DJ opens up about his bold leap to Mumbai, breaking into Bollywood, navigating industry politics, and surviving the fast-paced world of Indian music.

Cymbol gets real about the evolution of EDM in Bollywood, the rise of India’s independent music scene, his million-stream Spotify hit Best Friends, his latest release Awaaz Hai with Brij Parashar, and working on the background score for Cocktail 2. He also shares why owning your masters matters, how social media has become part of a producer’s job, and why sometimes you need to ditch perfection to keep moving forward.

What does it take to make it in an industry where talent alone isn’t always enough? And can music become the bridge between New Zealand and India?

 

In this candid and revealing conversation, Shirley opens up about her journey from New Zealand to India, the realities of navigating the entertainment industry as an outsider, and the challenges that come with trying to find your place in an industry where connections, expectations and perceptions can play a huge role.

We talk about the good, the bad and the brutally honest side of the industry from the pressures of being an artist and dealing with public opinion, to the struggles of being an outsider and building a career on your own terms.

 

How do you build an audience while helping your community thrive? Creator Abhi joins us to talk about his path to becoming one of NZ's recognizable voices for South Asian Community, his special love Fiji-Indian community.

We discuss the realities of moving to a new country, how he uses comedy and practical tips to guide others, and why content creation is evolving into a powerful business model for the future.

How did the Punjabi community help shape the fabric of modern New Zealand over the last century?

In this episode, we sit down with Harjot Singh (Presenter/Researcher) and Gagan Sandhu (Director)—the creators behind the groundbreaking documentary Punjab to Aotearoa. They share the untold stories of courage, sacrifice, and belonging from generations of Punjabis who carried their dreams across oceans and rebuilt their lives in NZ from the ground up.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 100-year history of Punjabi migration to New Zealand and the pioneers who paved the way.

• The research and passion behind bringing these untold personal stories to the screen.

• Why embracing your new home's culture while honoring your roots creates true belonging.

• The power of giving back, inclusivity, and community support in building a thriving diaspora.

Produced by the New Zealand Punjabi Multimedia Trust.Here is the full documentary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwQetC2xZsc

 

Many people assume their partner or family can "just sort things out" if something happens to them. The truth? Under New Zealand law, dying without a will means the state decides how your assets are distributed.

We're joined by Tanya Pinto, Senior Trustee at Public Trust, to debunk common estate planning myths and explain how a simple plan can save your family immense stress.

From Classroom to Company: The Young Entrepreneurs Exploring New Zealand

What happens when a group of secondary school students decide to turn an idea into a real business?

In this episode of Unfiltered with Sandy & Ruzbeh, we meet Youvraj Singh, a member of eXplore, a student-run business taking part in New Zealand’s Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).

eXplore has created an innovative card game designed to encourage tourists and locals to discover New Zealand’s hidden gems and lesser-known destinations. Through the game, players learn about the stories, culture and attractions that make these places unique ,while being encouraged to explore and support destinations beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

From coming up with the idea to understanding customers, building a product and competing in YES, this episode explores the entrepreneurial journey of a new generation of Kiwi business minds and proves that you don't have to wait until you're an adult to start building something meaningful.

Think carrom is just a casual board game played at family gatherings? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with Pankaj Monga, President and Founder of the New Zealand Carrom Association (NZCA), to unpack his immense passion for the sport and how he’s building a thriving carrom community in Aotearoa.

We dive deep into Pankaj’s journey, debunk common myths surrounding the game, and discuss why national tournaments are essential for keeping this classic sport alive. Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner who has barely touched a striker, learn why this game is for everyone and how you can get involved.

Event Details:

• What: 4th New Zealand National Carrom Tournament

• When: 22 & 23 August

• Where: Birkenhead Scouts Hall

• Who: Open to players of all skill levels!

How to Register & Contact:

• Facebook: Search "New Zealand Carrom Association"

• Phone/Message: NZCA President Pankaj Monga at 021 090 85067

Meet four Year 13 students from Ormiston Senior College who have turned a school business project into a real venture - Money Mayhem.

Inspired by the fun and competitiveness of games like Monopoly, Money Mayhem is designed for kids aged 9–15 and introduces them to the realities of money and financial decision-making through gameplay.

But how did four teenagers come up with the idea? What does it take to actually build and market a product while still at school? And can a board game really teach kids how to make smarter money decisions?

We sat down with the team behind Money Mayhem to find out  from the idea and the YES programme to the challenges of starting their first business.

This is a conversation about money, entrepreneurship, teenagers and an idea that started in a classroom but could go much further.

Ever wondered what actually happens when an employer crosses the line in New Zealand? Or what rights you’re genuinely entitled to when signing a job contract?

In this episode, we sit down with Abhay Kolhe, Principal Advisor in Employment System Guidance & Engagement at Employment New Zealand (MBIE). Abhay pulls back the curtain on the rules that govern the Kiwi workplace and what happens when businesses get it wrong.

We cover:

• Contracts & Leaves: The fundamental rights every employee in NZ must have in writing.

• High-Profile Busts: Real-world cases of non-compliance and the staggering fines dished out to rogue employers.

• Rights at Work: How to spot exploitation, unfair terms, or missing entitlements before it’s too late.

• Free Support & Services: How Employment New Zealand can help resolve disputes, advise workers, and level the playing field.

Whether you're an employee wanting to protect your rights, a new migrant navigating the NZ system, or a business owner staying compliant, this conversation is essential listening.