Shamita Sivabalan refuses to dial it down

Shamita Sivabalan has always been a force in the spotlight—dancer, choreographer, actor. In TV series 'Good Cop/Bad Cop', they break away from typical roles, playing Sarika Ray, a Marine-turned-cop. Shamita talks with SBS Spice’s Suhayla Sharif about casting challenges in Australia, addressing labels like “too brown” and “too queer,” and what it means for South Asian Australian visibility. Listen now on SBS Spice, wherever you get your podcasts.

From choreographer to TV cop, SBS Spice walks through Shamita Sivabalan's journeyso far in the Australian performing arts landscape.

My refusal to dial back who I am as a person can sometimes be the biggest hurdle. I shouldn't have to reign my entire personality in just to satisfy what the Australian industry is not ready for.

Shamita Sivabalan, Actor

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