UNAPOLOGETIC

SilverJay

UNAPOLOGETIC, a podcast by SilverJay, explores contemporary grievances through the lens of an Indian woman navigating a postcolonial world. Grounded in feminist thought and a critical reading of our colonial past, the podcast centres women of colour as thinkers, disruptors, and cultural authors of the future. Unapologetic challenges dominant narratives, brings academic critique into popular culture, and insists on making space for voices that have long been dismissed, softened, or silenced.

  1. 13. JAN.

    Luxury Was Never Neutral: Power, Performance & the South Asian Wedding Industry

    In this episode, SilverJay breaks boundaries in a powerful and necessary conversation with Raj Somaiya of Silverfox Events, exploring the South Asian diaspora wedding market through a critical, sociological lens. Raj Somaiya, founder and CEO of Silverfox Events, is one of the most influential voices in the wedding industry, with over 30 years of experience planning events for ultra-high-net-worth clients across the globe. Known for his appearances as a judge on BBC’s Ultimate Wedding Planner and Channel 4's My Big Fat Asian Wedding, Raj is not shy to openly talk about his experience the industry often avoids.   Whilst taking an intergenerational deep dive into the ultra-luxury market we discuss how luxury has historically functioned as a code for white bourgeois standards. Reiterating that Luxury Was Never Neutral, we controversially challenge the idea that the term 'luxury' is not a harmless aspiration, but a performance of wealth, class and love. This episode explores: How the Somaiya's have broken boundaries as a brown creative familyThe importance of individuality and authenticity in creative industriesHow colonisation impacted how we see and experience luxuryWhy the concept of 'old money' is code for white elitism compared to 'new money'The rise of the social media brideHow the pressure to perform class and love is damaging weddingsWhy brides are burdened with unattainable standards to create the perfect day Why this conversation is so important  Thank you for all your support!   Please don't forget to like, share and comment if you liked this podcast. Follow SilverJay on Instagram and TikTok.   Any questions? Send them to silverjay.pod@gmail.com   Lots of love, The SilverJay

    56 Min.
  2. 23.12.2025

    Faith Was Never Straight: Queer Hinduism & Decolonial Thinking

    Faith Was Never Straight: Queer Hinduism & Decolonial Thinking is a bold exploration of queerness, spirituality, and resistance through a Hindu lens. In this episode, SilverJay tackles one of today’s most polarised conversations - LGBTQ+ theory - by tracing the spiritual and historical roots of queerness within Hinduism. Moving beyond Western frameworks, the discussion highlights how gender fluidity, individuality, and feminism have long existed within Hindu scripture and ancient storytelling. Joined by the brilliant guest Hiren Patel, SilverJay explores how faith and queerness not only coexist, but enrich one another. Hiren shares his journey of navigating sexual identity through Hinduism, revealing how the religion encourages self-realisation rather than conformity. Together, they examine how colonialism reshaped South Asian understandings of gender and sexuality, and why reclaiming indigenous spiritual knowledge matters today. From controversial practices like Sati (widow burning) to conversations around masculinity and femininity in South Asian men, this episode invites listeners to rethink what they’ve been taught about faith, identity, and queerness. They discuss: How queerness and Hinduism coexist and deepen one anotherThe colonial roots of modern gender and sexuality norms in South AsiaIndividualism as a core Hindu philosophySpirituality’s role in personal identityWhat Hinduism can teach us about gender todayWhy South Asian men should not shy away from femininityIf you liked this episode, please don't forget to like, share and comment! Follow SilverJay on TikTok and Instagram. Any questions? Send them to silverjay.pod@gmail.com

    1 Std. 8 Min.
  3. Correcting the Narrative: A Brown Girl's Guide to Challenging the System with Shilpa Sajan

    16.12.2025

    Correcting the Narrative: A Brown Girl's Guide to Challenging the System with Shilpa Sajan

    This podcast leans into the discourse surrounding South Asian representation, Diwali parties and influencer culture. In discussing the role influencers play as role models versus advertisers, they analyse whether brown creators play a role in shaping society's perception of South Asians. The 2025 Diwali parties sparked a controversial debate amongst the Brown Girl community in the UK and US due to the contested narratives on whether the influx of parties are representation or commodification. Overall, this podcast unapologetically analyses the discourse paying particular attention to what it means to advocate for the South Asian voice. SilverJay and Shilpa discuss: How representation is more than just visibility; it's about meaningful inclusionWhether influencers have a significant impact on cultural perceptions and consumer behaviourThe commercialisation of cultural celebrations can dilute their traditional significanceWhy critical thinking is essential in evaluating the narratives presented by media and influencersWhy influencers should be aware of their role in shaping young minds and cultural normsThe balance between materialism and advocacy is a complex but necessary conversationHow understanding the historical and political context of cultural identities is importantIf you liked this podcast, please don't forget to like, share and subscribe! Follow Silver Jay on TikTok and Instagram. Any questions? Email them to silverjay.pod@gmail.com.

    49 Min.
  4. 10.09.2024

    Swipe Right on Masculinity: Dating, Identity & Modern Manhood with Uncle Pri

    This Week on UNAPOLOGETIC: Dating, Identity & Modern Manhood with Uncle Pri from the Unfltered Podcast In this powerful episode, SilverJay sits down with Uncle Pri from the Unfltered Podcast for an eye-opening discussion on modern masculinity. Together, they tackle tough questions from a feminist perspective, aiming to bridge the gap between straight men and feminists, especially for listeners from diverse backgrounds, including South Asian women and young men navigating today’s world. How Toxic Masculinity Shapes Our Lives We’ve all seen how toxic masculinity distorts perceptions of men. It doesn’t just harm women—it affects the way men see themselves and how they relate to others. This episode explores how rigid ideas of what it means to "be a man" have fractured the natural balance between masculine and feminine energies, all while often side lining the LGBTQ+ community in these conversations. A New Approach to Understanding Masculinity This isn’t about attacking men—it’s about fostering real, honest conversations. SilverJay dives deep into reshaping our understanding of masculinity in a way that empowers both men and women. The goal? To dismantle harmful stereotypes and create space for new perspectives, free from judgment. Let’s Talk Dating With over 366 million people using dating apps like Hinge, the dating landscape has never been more complex. But what does this mean for men and their sense of identity? Are modern dating apps contributing to a crisis of masculinity, leaving many young men feeling broke, loveless, and isolated? SilverJay and Uncle Pri discuss the real impact of dating apps on how we connect and the larger implications for society’s perception of manhood. Please don't forget to like, share & subscribe! Follow SilverJay on Instagram & TikTok. Any questions? Send them to silverjay.pod@gmail.com

    1 Std. 4 Min.

Info

UNAPOLOGETIC, a podcast by SilverJay, explores contemporary grievances through the lens of an Indian woman navigating a postcolonial world. Grounded in feminist thought and a critical reading of our colonial past, the podcast centres women of colour as thinkers, disruptors, and cultural authors of the future. Unapologetic challenges dominant narratives, brings academic critique into popular culture, and insists on making space for voices that have long been dismissed, softened, or silenced.