Perth Desi Scene Surges: Film Council Launch, Indian Restaurant Excellence, and Big Bash Goes to India
Western Australia's ties with India are tightening on multiple fronts, from the official launch of a dedicated film council bridging Perth and India's screen industry, to glowing recognition for a modern Indian restaurant redefining what dining out can look like, and a landmark plan by the Perth Scorchers to take the Big Bash League to Indian soil for the very first time.
🎬 West Australian Indian Film Council Launches to Bridge Perth and India's Screen Industries
The West Australian Indian Film Council (WAIFC) has been officially launched in Perth, with Premier Roger Cook MLA presiding over the inaugural event. Established as an independent not-for-profit organisation, the WAIFC is dedicated to building long-term connections between Western Australia and India across film, television, streaming, digital media and the broader creative industries. WAIFC Chair and Director Nilesh Makwana leads the Council, which seeks to convert WA's unique geographic and cultural position into practical opportunities for collaboration and industry development. The launch event brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, screen industry professionals, business leaders and community representatives, underscoring the breadth of interest in the Council's mission. The founding of the WAIFC carries clear historical resonance: Fearless Nadia, one of the pioneering stars of Indian cinema, was born Mary Ann Evans in Perth in 1908 before moving to India as a child, where she became an iconic figure in the country's film history. More than a century after that remarkable origin story, the WAIFC aims to honour and build on that extraordinary thread connecting Perth to Indian cinema. With India's screen industry producing enormous volumes of content for global audiences, the Council positions Western Australia as a natural partner for cross-cultural storytelling, creative collaboration and industry exchange. [1]
🍛 Sauma Sets a Bold New Standard for Modern Indian Dining in Perth
A modern Indian bar and restaurant in Perth is drawing significant attention for its approach to Indian cuisine that ventures well beyond familiar menu staples. Sauma has been reviewed in WAtoday, with the reviewer describing it as approachable and adventurous, fun yet focused — a restaurant that feels firmly grounded in the present moment. Among the highlights noted in the review are tandoor-roasted chicken thighs served in a sauce of mint and green chilli, a preparation the reviewer suggests may restore diners' faith in chicken tikka. The kitchen's commitment to regional and less-familiar Indian cooking techniques sets Sauma apart from the majority of Indian dining establishments in the city. Sauma's emergence reflects a growing confidence within Perth's Indian dining scene to move beyond the Anglicised interpretations that have historically dominated Australian menus. Positioning itself as a modern Indian bar alongside a full restaurant offering, Sauma signals that Indian cuisine can occupy the same contemporary, sophisticated space as any other culinary tradition. For Perth's South Asian community, the restaurant represents a form of cultural recognition — a venue where the full depth and variety of Indian cookery is taken seriously and presented with genuine ambition. The combination of a well-considered food menu with bar programming suggests an aspiration to make Sauma a regular destination for the city. [5]
🎉 Perth Scorchers Set to Make Big Bash League History with First-Ever Match in India
The Perth Scorchers are preparing to make Big Bash League history by participating in the first-ever BBL match to be played outside Australia, with the fixture set to take place in India. As reported by The Australia Today, the landmark game reflects the deepening commercial and cultural relationship between Australian and Indian cricket. The Big Bash League has built a substantial international following since its establishment, and India — with its vast cricket-following population and powerful cricket administration — represents a natural and significant destination for this milestone overseas fixture. For Perth's Indian diaspora community, the prospective match carries particular meaning. Western Australia's connections with India have grown measurably in recent years, spanning sport, culture, education and trade, and the Scorchers' decision to carry the Big Bash banner to Indian soil adds another meaningful dimension to that relationship. The fixture also opens possibilities for greater fan engagement across both countries, potential talent pathways and commercial partnerships that acknowledge India's central place in global cricket. The Big Bash League's willingness to stage a game in India signals confidence in the Australia-India sporting bond and an understanding that the league's long-term growth is tied to how strongly it resonates in the world's most cricket-passionate nation. [3]
Sources: [1] FilmInk · [5] WAtoday · [3] The Australia Today