Sharon Johal: A Career in Resistance

Sharon Johal didn’t just want to act. She wanted to be seen. The Punjabi-Australian actor left behind a career in law to fill a gap she’d long noticed on Australian screens: someone who looked like her. First seen on SBS’ Bollywood Star, Sharon has gone on to appear in the cult-classic Neighbours, The Block, and more — becoming both a familiar face and a vocal force for change. But visibility has come at a cost, with Sharon facing racial abuse off-screen and online. In this conversation with Suhayla Sharif at SBS Sydney, she reflects on 15 years in front of the camera and what it really means to take up space. Listen now on SBS Spice, wherever you get your podcasts.

Punjabi-Australian actor Sharon Johal unpacks the ups and downs of her Australian media career. Tap the audio player to listen.

We have a right to pursue our dreams, and luckily, off the shoulders of our parents, who did that hard yards as immigrants, they've given us the ability and dare to dream.

Sharon Johal on using her voice in Australian media

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the SBS Audio app. Or tap the audio player to listen to the full episode.

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