Guy Sebastian has uncovered emotional details about his family history in the latest episode of Who Do You Think You Are?
The Aussie singer traced his roots through India and Sri Lanka in the personal journey, in the episode that aired on SBS on Tuesday night.
The episode, followed Sebastian as he searched for answers about his mother Nellie’s ancestry and reconnected with his father Ivan’s Tamil heritage.
Born in Malaysia before migrating to Australia at age six, Sebastian explained there had long been uncertainty surrounding his mother’s ethnicity.
His search led him to India, where he visited his grandmother’s grave and met relatives he had never known before, including an aunt and uncle.
The emotional meeting saw the family embrace before Sebastian video-called his mother so she could witness the reunion.
“This is a big moment for me. Being here in India and learning about my family, I feel really connected to it in a way I never have before. It’s been a very spiritual experience, and I’ve learned so much about where I come from. I can’t wait to take that back and share it with my family,” Sebastian said.
The former Australian Idol winner also travelled to Sri Lanka, where he explored his father’s side of the family and uncovered the story behind his own name.
During a video call home, Sebastian asked his father why he had been named after his late grandfather, a question he realised he had never previously asked.
Ivan Sebastian explained he had been extremely close to his father, who worked for St John Ambulance.
“He was always very encouraging, always had the nicest things to say,” Ivan recalled.
“Dad was always encouraging me to study, to further our education. Whilst I was studying geology in my second year, Dad met with an accident and he passed away.”
Ivan said he was away studying at the time and did not immediately learn of his father’s death.
“Because I was undertaking my exams at the time, the family did not disclose [his death].”
“It was about three months after he passed away that I found out. It was quite devastating – but they were nervous that it might destroy my studies and stop me from completing my education, which is what dad wanted.”
“That’s pretty rough,” Guy responded.
“I realised, Dad, I’ve never asked you – why did you name me after your dad?”
“Because I was so proud of my dad, of his achievements and his contribution to the community at large,” Ivan said, while holding back tears.
“I wanted you to have his name – I was proud of him and I’m proud of you too.”
Who Do You Think You Are? airs Tuesdays at 7.30pm on SBS and streams on SBS On Demand. Upcoming guests this season include Chrissie Swan, Curtis Stone and Rosie Batty.
Image: SBS
