Who is Kushi Venkatesh?
I’m currently a university student who loves doing stand-up comedy and creating content. Growing up, my mum and I were obsessed with comedy. But personally, I couldn’t think of anything worse than doing comedy myself. In Year 11, my drama teacher encouraged me to give stand-up a shot, and I’ve loved it ever since.
I used to play a lot of tennis up until year 11. While I don’t compete anymore, I still enjoy playing and coaching, it’s my way of switching off from everything else. In my free time, I’m usually rewatching Friends (to the point where I can finish most lines), or hanging out with friends. Ten times out of ten, that means getting Yo-Chi, Messina, or hotpot. Yes, it’s always food related.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change much. I really enjoy my current balance between university, comedy, and work, it keeps me busy, and I like always having something to do. If I had to do something differently though, I’d like to stop procrastinating my homework and start watching my lectures on time, so I don’t stress the week before exams.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents are huge inspirations to me. They’ve both worked so hard to give my sister and I the life we have today. It makes me want to do better and make them proud. Serena and Venus Williams are also big inspirations to me. They overcame a challenging childhood and fought to succeed in a time when it was especially difficult for women of colour to excel, let alone in a sport often seen as reserved for the wealthy. Despite all that adversity, they became two of the greatest athletes of all time. It’s truly groundbreaking.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d love to spread more joy through comedy, especially in a time when the world can feel so gloomy. I really believe live entertainment has a special way of bringing people together.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday destination so far has been Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I was quite young when we last visited, but I still remember the safaris, Ferrari World, and looking down from the Burj Khalifa, it was unforgettable.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Henley Beach is always a must. The walk from Henley to Grange, whether along the sand or on the footpath, is one of my favourites. It’s peaceful but still so lively. After that, coffee from Yolk is non-negotiable. My friend Michelle introduced me to it, and its hands down some of the best coffee you’ll ever have. And, of course, we’d have to finish with Frankly Bagels. Perfect combo.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Standstill by Sashi Perera, it’s a memoir about her road to self-discovery and it’s such a funny, emotional and easy read. It’s the first book I’ve read in forever because I don’t usually read. My parents aren’t too happy about that. I prefer films and shows over books. Right now, I’ve been keeping up with the weekly episodes of the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, which has completely taken over my For You Page on TikTok.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to Tate McRae lately. Revolving Door and Just Keep Watching have been on repeat quite a bit.
Happiness is?
For me, happiness is being around people who make you forget all the negative things that are happening around you. It’s funny because my parents named me Kushi which actually translates to happiness. Sometimes I think that’s why I love doing stand-up comedy so much because making other people happy makes me very happy. Oh, and food. Happiness is also definitely eating food.
What does the future hold for you?
Next year I’m hoping to tour my debut stand-up show around Australia, so I’m really excited for that. After that I’m not too sure yet. My life looks completely different to what I had pictured three years ago, so I don’t want to look too far into the future, I’m just going to keep doing the things that I enjoy and go with the flow.
Kushi can be seen in The Special Comedy Comedy Special: Greatest Debate – which will be presented at Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday 8 November 2025, as part of the OzAsia Festival.
Image: Kushi Venkatesh (supplied)