A Taste Of India

Love, family feuds and friendships: the cast of reality show Family Karma are on a mission to break stereotypes and carve their own paths as first-generation Indian-Americans.

- Ipeleng Rakgantsho

Family Karma

Season 1 Fridays SABC3 (*193) 17:30

In the past, Southeast Asians have been subjected to misleading tropes in Hollywood movies and TV shows. If the character isn’t a cab driver or a corner-store owner whose accent is used as a punchline for jokes, they are the quintessential nerd with a miserable love life. In essence, the community is under-represented, which is the reason behind reality series Family Karma (2019-now): the cast are trying to dismantle preconceived notions and stereotypes of the Indian-American experience by offering a varied range of real perspectives.

Season 1 follows a group of seven childhood friends as they navigate and balance their heritage, complicated romances and thriving careers in the heart of Miami, Florida. “We’re the first reality show in the US to feature an all Indian-American cast. That on its own is a big deal,” explains cast member Bali Chainani. “I believe that viewers are ready to embrace our culture. We are lifting the curtain on our lives. There are so many ups and downs, twists and turns. Family Karma is an entertaining watch,” she reveals.