Nineteen-year-old Kushi Venkatesh believes that everyone – no matter their age or skin colour – should have a voice. That’s why South Australia’s Funniest Teen of 2023 is a stand-up comedian and reporter – on top of being a university student and tennis coach.
Kushi was on track for college tennis when a bad shoulder dislocation meant she had to turn down a scholarship. The competitive Kushi turned to her other love, comedy, starring in the ‘Brown Women Comedy’ tour and amassing a following on social media for her relatable, hilarious and inspiring storytelling.
As the youngest reporter with ABC’s Behind the News, Kushi’s stories make complex topics accessible for children, turning the news into engaging and educational content.
Kushi’s talent has been widely recognised – she was the winner of the Australian EdStart Achievement Award for Performing and Visual Arts in 2023 and was a Raw Comedy State Finalist in 2023 and 2024.