The Rhythm of Belonging: How Desi Entertainment is Transforming the Australian Diaspora Experience

By Jitendra Deo
Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia

In recent years, a massive wave of live concerts, plays, and cultural festivals has swept across Australian cities. Far from just musical performances, these events act as vital cultural anchors, offering the South Asian diaspora a powerful sense of home in an adopted country.For anyone who has migrated thousands of kilometres, the initial feeling of dislocation can be sharp. There is an unspoken grief that comes with leaving behind the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply familiar rhythms of the subcontinent. While Australia offers incredible opportunities, safety, and natural beauty, it is perfectly natural to crave the comfort of your roots. For the ever-growing Indian, Fijian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan communities here, desi entertainment has become that much-needed bridge across the ocean.

Whether you reside in Sydney’s cultural hubs like Parramatta, inner-city Melbourne, or right here in the suburbs of Brisbane, the live entertainment landscape is booming. Today, diasporas don’t have to settle for nostalgic DVD viewings or waiting years for a trip back home. Top-tier performers regularly headline sold-out arena tours right in our backyard.

Consider the sheer variety filling event calendars. If you want a taste of Punjabi energy, artists the calibre of Babbu Maan and Karan Aujla sell out huge venues across the country. Classical and cinematic maestros, such as playback singer Sonu Nigam and the renowned Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who bring generations of musical nostalgia to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

But it isn’t just massive concerts that cultivate this feeling of home. Stand-up comedians like Kanan Gill, Harsh Gujral, and Jaspreet Singh travel across Australian venues, offering biting, relatable humour about immigrant quirks and the desi experience. These comedy sets provide a shared, collective catharsis. To laugh alongside hundreds of other expats at the everyday absurdities of living abroad is profoundly comforting.

Furthermore, community-driven cultural events are thriving. The seasonal, high-energy celebrations of Garba with artists like Aditya Gadhavi or Geeta Rabari bring a vibrant slice of Navratri to Australian shores. Meanwhile, local theatre groups like Nautanki Theatre continue to weave semi-autobiographical, South Asian-infused stories into the Australian performing arts scene, proving that diasporic identity can be beautifully preserved and expressed on stage.

What makes these events so profoundly important is their dual nature. Yes, they provide a space to speak in mother tongues, eat street food, and sing along to regional folk songs. But more importantly, they are vital spaces where the diaspora comes together to build localized social networks. They offer safe, energetic environments where second-generation kids can engage with their heritage, and where newly arrived students can find a welcoming community to lean on when homesickness hits.

Entertainment in Australia has evolved to reflect its beautifully rich, multicultural identity. By embracing desi concerts, plays, and festivals, the diaspora isn’t just living in Australia, they are successfully carving out a vibrant, home-like corner of the subcontinent under the Southern Cross. To find upcoming cultural celebrations near you, check out local platforms like Indian Events in Australia or the Australian Indian Times for community gathering.

Queensland at Heart: Sport, Community and Mental Wellbeing

By Xavier Hernandez

How good does it feel to be a Queenslander! Like many of you, I’ll be cheering on the mighty Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin decider. I also want to congratulate the Australian soccer team on their outstanding World Cup campaign. There’s nothing quite like watching the game with family and friends, and I wish both teams the very best. It has been wonderful to see how far they have progressed, and we are all proud to support them.

While we enjoy life here in our beautiful state, my thoughts are also with those overseas who have recently experienced hardship, including communities affected by the devastating heatwave across Europe and the tragic earthquake in Venezuela. On behalf of the Australian Indian Times family, we send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted.

In my previous column, I shared part two of my interview with Cr Nathan St Ledger, Councillor for Division 4 at the City of Logan. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read it and send your encouraging feedback. It is clear that these conversations are making a positive difference, and I hope they continue to encourage people to seek support when they need it. Enjoy the third part of the interview below.

Part Three:

Xavier: In your opinion do family structures influence young people’s wellbeing?
Cr St Ledger: They have their effects because young people need their mum, young people need their dad, or they need those positive male and female influences in their lives to help show them and lead by example what it means to be a good person. Speaking from my perspective as a guy, my role is to show my daughter how she should be treated and what her expectations, as a minimum, should be. I should be modelling solutions and modelling how you treat people with love and respect. That is where that comes from. Sometimes, when things happen in different families, young people do not get that connection or cannot find that positive role model, and sometimes they find it in the wrong place. That is why we are putting things in place for young people to be able to have those positive influences in their life.

Xavier: Are you able to share some words of wisdom about how to face challenges these days?

Cr St Ledger: I think it is hard. I had kids really young with my wife, and it was tough. Nothing that is worth fighting for is easy. Sometimes you have to take a breath, step back, look at what you can control, and control what you can control. Put one foot in front of the other. Do not look for a quantum leap or something massive, like winning the Lotto, to fix everything. It is a matter of deciding what is important to you, and hopefully it is not too many materialistic things. Concentrate on the things that are important to you, and the other stuff will follow. It is easy to sit and say that, but surround yourself with good people. Hurdles come along, and when they do, look for support and get that support to help you through it.

End of Interview

I look forward to sharing more from my conversations with Cr Nathan St Ledger in future editions as we continue raising awareness around mental health and highlighting the people making a positive difference in our communities.

One event I am particularly looking forward to is the Iconic India Day Fair 2026, proudly presented by GOPIO Queensland. To be held on Saturday, 15 August, at Roma Street Parkland, the event promises a fantastic celebration of India’s Independence Day through culture, food, music, dance, entertainment and community spirit. I was delighted to attend the official poster launch, and this year I will be volunteering at the GOPIO Queensland stall throughout the day. If you are attending, please come over and say hello.

Another wonderful community celebration was the Parkinson Multicultural and Dragon Boat Festival at Ken Fletcher Park, Tennyson. Thousands of people attended to celebrate diversity, friendship and teamwork.

Congratulations to the Multicultural Vietnamese Community United team, made up of many members from Forest Lake, Inala and surrounding suburbs, who secured an outstanding second-place finish in the community division after a thrilling day of racing. The team won its opening three races before narrowly missing first place in the grand final by only milliseconds.

Hosted by the Hakka Association of Queensland and powered by the Brisbane Typhoon Crew, the festival showcased the very best of Queensland’s multicultural community. A special thank you goes to Brisbane Typhoon Crew for generously training and mentoring the Vietnamese Community United team in the lead-up to the event. Their commitment and expertise played a significant role in the team’s success. Congratulations also to Khue Oanh Do, President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Queensland Chapter, who coordinated the team while also taking on the demanding role of drummer throughout the competition. Events like these remind us that success comes through teamwork, trust and supporting one another.

Congratulations are also in order for the Lions Club of Inala, which recently held its 2026–2027 Changeover Dinner. It was an honour to see Nayda Hernandez inducted as President alongside an experienced and passionate executive team committed to serving the community. With members bringing decades of volunteer, professional and leadership experience, the club is well positioned for another successful year of community service.

There has also been plenty of discussion surrounding Queensland’s new personal mobility device laws, which commence on 1 July. Many parents and residents have welcomed the changes, saying they will help improve safety for everyone using our roads and pathways.

For more information: https://www.streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/
Across the community, I have also been speaking with residents about the Queensland Government’s 2026–27 Budget. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly around initiatives such as permanent 50-cent public transport fares, the Back to School Boost, Play On! sports vouchers, investment in schools and hospitals, and increased funding for housing and community infrastructure. For more information: https://budget.qld.gov.au

Finally, I want to end on a more serious note. Recently, a disturbing incident occurred in my local community of Forest Lake involving a 12-year-old boy who was thrown into the lake in the Lake Parklands by older youths. Watching the footage was heartbreaking. Bullying has no place in our schools, workplaces or communities. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and we all have a responsibility to stand against it. I have grown watching people in high levels of government, business and community bully. It doesn’t discriminate.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying or struggling with their mental health, please speak to someone you trust or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You are also welcome to reach out to me or the Australian Indian Times family, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

Night of Pure Magic: Shreya Ghoshal Captivates Sydney with “The Unstoppable Tour”

By Entertainment Desk

SYDNEY — The iconic and timeless voice of contemporary Indian music, Shreya Ghoshal, left an indelible mark on the Emerald City last weekend, delivering a spellbinding, sold-out performance at the ICC Sydney (TikTok Entertainment Centre) on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
As part of the highly anticipated Australia and New Zealand leg of “The Unstoppable Tour,” the night proved exactly why Ghoshal remains an unmatched force in the global music industry, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans from across the Indian diaspora and beyond.

An Unforgettable, Immersive Entrance

Breaking the traditional barrier between artist and audience, Shreya Ghoshal surprised the Sydney crowd by making her grand entrance directly through the audience before stepping onto the main stage. The venue erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause as fans caught a close-up glimpse of the melody queen.
Spanning a spectacular career of over two decades, her setlist was a masterclass in musical versatility. From soulful, classical-infused masterpieces to high-octane Bollywood chartbusters, Ghoshal effortlessly cruised through multiple Indian languages.
Fans were treated to breathtaking live renditions of iconic tracks like:
• Deewani Mastani and Pinga (from Bajirao Mastani)
• Ghar More Pardesiya
• Raabta
• Silsila Ye Chahat Ka

Celebrating Local Talent and “Female Power”

A defining highlight of the Sydney concert was Ghoshal’s commitment to collaborating with local artists. During a high-energy performance of the hit song Nagada Sang Dhol, a talented local Sydney dancer joined her on stage, sending the energy in the arena through the roof.

Reflecting on the magical evening and her broader four-city tour—which also saw a female dhol player join her in Melbourne—Shreya Ghoshal shared her immense gratitude:
“Every city was filled with incredible energy, love, warmth, laughter, and celebration… One of the best parts was the surprises in every city. In Sydney, we had a fabulous dancer perform during Nagada Sang Dhol… There was a lot of female power joining us. Those moments made the performances even more magical. I truly feel that my tribe is growing with every show.”

A Growing Cultural Phenomenon

With over 23,000 fans attending the tour across Auckland, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, the massive turnout highlights the sustained, booming demand for large-scale live performances by premium Indian artists in Australia.

For the community gathered in Sydney, the evening was more than just a concert; it was a vibrant celebration of shared heritage, nostalgia, and world-class artistry. As Shreya Ghoshal moves forward with the global leg of her tour, Sydney fans are left with the lingering echoes of a truly unstoppable night.
By Sashi Lal-Sydney

A Journey to Remember: GIRMIT at MIFF 2026

As MIFF 2026 comes to a close, I look back with immense gratitude, pride, and unforgettable memories.

The journey of GIRMIT: The Fields of Sadness to the International Competition Section of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival was much more than a film screening. It was an emotional journey of sharing the story of the Girmitiyas on one of the world’s most respected documentary film platforms.Watching our film on the big screen, alongside my crew, and engaging with filmmakers, critics, students, and audiences from around the world was a truly humbling experience. The conversations, appreciation, and emotional responses to the film reminded us why these stories must continue to be told.

My sincere thanks to MIFF 2026, NFDC India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the festival team, fellow filmmakers, delegates, critics, and audiences who made this experience so special.

Most importantly, I wish to thank our producers Rajendra Prasad, Aruna Prasad, Shavleen and Michael Heath. My dedicated crew Arunabha Mukherjee, Umakant Jagtap, Kisaloy Roy, Shamin Kulkarni, and Prakash Palav. our supporters and promoters worldwide; and the global Fiji-Indian community. This film is a reflection of your trust, support, and shared commitment to keeping the story of the Girmitiyas alive for future generations.
These photographs capture moments that we will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you, MIFF 2026.

Sunny Bank Ramayan Mandali Supports New Hindu Temple Project with Generous Donation

Members of the Sunny Bank Ramayan Mandali in Brisbane gathered last night to extend their support for the proposed $5 million Hindu temple project at Bracken Ridge, Queensland. During a special presentation, the Mandali proudly donated $10,000 to the Hindu Society of Queensland. The cheque was formally handed over by representatives of the Mandali in the presence of community members and executives of the Hindu Society.

The occasion was marked with warmth, devotion, and a shared vision for strengthening Hindu culture and spiritual life in Queensland.

The donation reflects the Mandali’s ongoing commitment to supporting religious, cultural, and community initiatives that benefit the wider Hindu diaspora in Australia. Members expressed their hope that the new temple will become a significant spiritual and cultural landmark for future generations.

Photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion, capturing the spirit of unity and generosity between the Sunny Bank Ramayan Mandali and the Hindu Society of Queensland.

Historic Shift: India Overtakes England as Australia’s Largest Migrant Demographic

In a monumental milestone that marks a permanent shift in the nation’s multicultural fabric, India has officially overtaken England to become the largest source country for residents born overseas living in Australia.

The historic announcement comes courtesy of the latest demographic update released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The data confirms that the Indian-born population in Australia has surged to nearly 971,000 residents, edging past the UK-born demographic for the first time since European settlement. For a country whose modern migration history was structurally anchored toward Europe for centuries, the numbers represent an extraordinary, era-defining transition.

A Young, Vibrant, and Dynamic Demographic

Beyond the raw numbers, the ABS data reveals a stark and fascinating contrast between Australia’s traditional migrant cohorts and the rapidly expanding Indian diaspora.
While older, traditional European migrant groups are largely reaching retirement age, the Indian-Australian community stands out as an overwhelmingly young, aspirational, and economically active powerhouse. The median age of Indian-born residents in Australia sits at just 36 years, compared to a much older median age among UK-born residents.

This youthful profile means the diaspora is heavily concentrated within the prime working-age bracket, directly feeding vital skills into the Australian economy. From engineering and information technology to healthcare, education, and hospitality, Indian professionals are filling critical labour gaps and fuelling the nation’s post-pandemic productivity.

Education and Suburbs Fuelling the Boom

The growth trajectory has been largely sustained by two main pathways: the thriving international student sector and Australia’s permanent skilled migration program. Tens of thousands of Indian students who arrived over the last decade have successfully transitioned into permanent residency, establishing deep roots across metropolitan Australia.

Geographically, this historic surge is transforming local landscapes. Victoria and New South Wales remain the primary destinations, with western suburbs in Melbourne (such as Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, and Truganina) and Sydney (such as Harris Park and Blacktown) evolving into major cultural, commercial, and political hubs for the community. The rise of these vibrant “Little Indias” reflects a diaspora that is not just growing in size but deeply embedding itself into the local civic identity.

Re-shaping Australia’s Future

Community leaders and sociologists view this shift as a natural evolution of Australia’s geopolitical alignment with the Indo-Pacific. Speaking on the milestone, migration experts emphasize that the Indian diaspora represents a “living bridge” that is completely redefining bilateral relations, trade, and mutual cultural respect between New Delhi and Canberra.

With the population rapidly approaching the one-million mark, the Indian community’s influence on Australian politics, business, cuisine, and sports is undeniable. As India takes the top spot in Australia’s migrant hierarchy, it marks the definitive beginning of a new chapter, one where the subcontinental diaspora is firmly steering the future of modern, multicultural Australia.

BAPS Charities Brisbane Walkathon brings community together

BAPS Charities organised its “In the Joy of Others” Walk and Run at New Farm Park, Brisbane, on Sunday 31 May 2026. Around 210 participants joined the event, including families, children, youth, volunteers and community members.The walkathon started near the New Farm Park Ferry Terminal and followed the scenic pathway along the Brisbane River. Participants enjoyed a peaceful morning walk while supporting the spirit of community service, unity and care for others.

The program included registration, welcome address, guest addresses, announcements, a group photo, the walkathon and light refreshments. Sandy Landers, Brisbane City Councillor, attended as a guest speaker and appreciated the efforts of BAPS Charities and the volunteers for bringing the community together for a meaningful cause.

The event was inspired by the life and message of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who taught, “In the joy of others lies our own.” This message continues to guide BAPS Charities in serving the wider community through compassion, humility and selfless service.

BAPS Charities thanked all participants, volunteers and community members who helped make the walkathon a successful and uplifting event.

In the coming months, BAPS Charities will continue its community service activities, including a blanket drive and hot food drive to support people facing hardship.
The walkathon was a wonderful example of people coming together with one heart and one purpose, to serve others and spread kindness in the community.