Brown Queen Diaries

What happens when a young South Asian woman decides to challenge colorism, feminism, and mental health stigma head-on? In this powerful episode of Brown Queen Diaries, we sit down with Devni Vihara, the lawyer-turned-activist whose voice is reshaping conversations about beauty standards and gender equality in our community.
Devni's journey spans three countries - Born in England, raised in Sri Lanka, and finding her independence in Melbourne, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her advocacy work. Her pivot from biomedicine to social justice wasn't just a career change—it was an awakening. "I realized I had a passion for social justice. I really cared about these things, but I didn't have the language to articulate it," she reveals, explaining how university studies gave her the vocabulary to name the injustices she'd witnessed throughout her life.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Devni shares her childhood struggles with colorism: "I used to stand in front of the mirror as a child and be like, 'Where else am I pretty? Because my skin is too dark.'" Her raw honesty about battling beauty standards that elevate fair skin while belittling darker tones reflects experiences shared by countless South Asian women. Today, she celebrates her complexion and advocates for representation that embraces our diversity.
"We're all silently suffering and silently navigating these things, and if we just talked about it, we would feel less alone," she shares, challenging the silence that often surrounds mental health in South Asian communities.
Whether she's defining feminism in accessible terms, breaking down the difference between tokenistic representation and genuine inclusion, or teaching us Gen Z slang, Devni brings warmth, wisdom, and wit to difficult conversations. Her parting message resonates deeply: "You have a calling for a reason... Speak your truth, but be powerful, because we have so much power. We don't need to be empowered—it's there, we just need to do it."
Listen now to this inspiring conversation that will leave you questioning beauty standards, understanding feminism more clearly, and feeling empowered to embrace your authentic self.

Brown Queen Diaries by Priyanka Nomula

Send us a text

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE

Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula
Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj
Presented by: Aussie Talkies
Guest: Anita Prasad
Join us for an inspiring story of resilience and ambition with Anita Prasad, a woman who transformed her life from beauty pageants to the vibrant world of music and production. Anita's journey began in Fiji and took her to New Zealand, where she represented her new homeland in international beauty competitions. A chance encounter in Miami ignited her musical passion, leading her to overcome visa restrictions and criticism as she pursued her dreams. Her persistence paid off with her music finally hitting the airwaves on Kiss FM, showcasing the power of tenacity and courage.
Anita's story doesn't stop there. She took a bold step by leaving a secure accounting career in New Zealand to start fresh in Melbourne, founding her production company, the House of Entertainment. Despite the financial and emotional sacrifices, Anita's 14-year journey is a testament to her determination and the challenges she faced in an industry riddled with gender and racial biases. Through candid insights, she shares the importance of equality and the reality of starting anew in a foreign land, offering hope to aspiring creators everywhere.
Balancing work, health, and success is no small feat, yet Anita manages to do so with strategic planning and a supportive network. She opens up about the importance of genuine communication and building meaningful relationships, especially in an industry that often undervalues women. Her advice extends beyond her personal experiences, encouraging women to seize opportunities in leadership roles and break through barriers. Anita's journey reminds us all of the power of persistence and the human spirit's capacity to overcome life's challenges with purpose and determination.

Send us a text

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE

Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula
Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj
Presented by: Aussie Talkies
Guest: Hima Naidu
Hima Naidu shares her captivating journey as a model and mother, exploring the intricate balance between career ambitions and familial responsibilities. She emphasises the importance of self-kindness and support systems while breaking stereotypes in both fashion and motherhood, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique journeys.
• Hima Naidu's background and transition from recruitment to modelling
• Influence of motherhood on her modelling career
• The evolution of inclusivity in the modelling industry
• Navigating unsolicited opinions from society
• Importance of fitness and self-care routines
• Balancing personal life, passion, and profession
• The role of a strong support system in her life
• Insights into domestic life and sharing chores with her partner
• Advice for women juggling motherhood and professional aspirations

Send us a text

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE

Episode 1: Strength in Independence
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula
Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj
Presented by: Aussie Talkies
Guest Name: Ruchi Arora

Welcome to the very first episode of Brown Queen Diaries! In this episode, we dive into the empowering theme of "Strength in Independence" with our remarkable guest, Ruchi.

Join us as Ruchi shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges after moving from India to Australia. From navigating a new culture and language to tackling feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, Ruchi’s story is one of resilience and growth.

She reflects on her milestones, including landing her first corporate job, transitioning to independent living, and even buying her own home as a single woman. Ruchi’s experiences highlight the unique struggles and triumphs women face, especially when forging their own paths in unfamiliar environments.

As we wrap up the episode, Ruchi offers invaluable advice on building confidence and the importance of a strong support system. Tune in to hear her wise words and get inspired to embrace your own journey!

Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Stay tuned for more empowering stories in our upcoming episodes!

Send us a text

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE

Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula
Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj
Presented by: Aussie Talkies
Guest: Bhanu Sree
Can mental health challenges be more than just a personal struggle? Bhanu, a vibrant Aussie Indian with deep roots in Vijayawada, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional extremes. Her story takes a dramatic turn when a chilling experience on tram tracks prompts her to seek the professional help that changed her life. As Bhanu bravely recounts the strain her struggles placed on her family and how her husband's unwavering support became a lifeline, listeners are invited to reflect on the power of empathy and understanding. With candid honesty, she explores the triggers that may have contributed to her mental health battles, including a painful friendship breakup and her mother's own mental health challenges.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness in the face of mental health issues. We discuss viewing mental health as a medical condition, not just a personal choice, and the importance of being compassionate and avoiding harmful judgments. By sharing her personal recovery journey, Bhanu hopes to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and seek help when needed. Let her story remind us all that it's perfectly okay not to be okay, and that compassion can be a powerful catalyst for healing and understanding. Join us for this deeply moving conversation, and discover how fostering kindness and support can make all the difference for those navigating their mental health journeys.

Send us a text

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE