What first inspired you to become an actress, and when did you realise this was the path you wanted to follow?
I was about 14 when acting first clicked for me. Growing up, I didn’t really have a space to express myself, and as a Pisces I’ve always felt things very deeply. I’m a creative person at heart, so not having an outlet was tough. Then I was encouraged to audition for a musical theatre production with no experience, no idea what I was doing. But I love pushing myself into things that scare me, so I went for it. I still remember the energy in that room: creative people bouncing off one another, the buzz of landing the role. It was addictive. Soon after, I discovered screen acting and instantly felt at home. I loved the intimacy of it, how close you can get to emotion. It never felt like work – it felt like freedom. That’s when I knew this was a lifelong thing for me.
Growing up in Bedford with Indian-Punjabi heritage, how has your background influenced your approach to acting or the kinds of roles you pursue?
Even though Bedford is multicultural, I still felt a lack of Indian Punjabi representation in mainstream TV, especially in leading roles. No one around me was doing anything close to acting, so I had no roadmap – I figured everything out step by step. But I did have the freedom to build my own career. My family isn’t traditional in that sense, so there was no pushback or friction. That freedom, plus the desire to see people like me portrayed with complexity, shaped the roles I’ve been drawn to.
You’ve played diverse characters – Selina in Wolfblood, Habiba Ahmed in EastEnders, Asha Kaur in Hollyoaks. How does your preparation differ for soaps versus dramatic series or films?
The approach is very different. With soaps like EastEnders or Hollyoaks, it’s all about subtlety and continuity. You live with a character for so long that you build them through small, consistent choices. You’re constantly adapting, but you’re also maintaining a clear emotional through-line. For something like Wolfblood, the prep was much more intense – I was playing a young girl who was also a wolf, so I did a lot of research. I had to incorporate animalistic movement and a more physical, playful quality. Because it was a fantasy aimed at younger audiences, I had freedom to make bolder choices while still grounding the character emotionally.
Have you felt pressure or opportunity to break stereotypes?
Definitely. As a South Asian actress, you’re often expected to fit certain stereotypes, and that can be limiting. I’m proud of my heritage, but I don’t want to be boxed in. I want to show the full complexity of who we are. The real opportunity lies in expanding what representation looks like – choosing roles that aren’t one-dimensional, roles that push past the familiar archetypes.
Are there any directors or actors who’ve shaped your craft or who you’d love to collaborate with?
Viola Davis is my favourite actress, her performances are just unmatched. She reminds me of the level of truth I want to bring to my work. I’d also love to work with Gurinder Chadha. Her storytelling – especially around South Asian life in the UK, blends humour, identity, emotion, and culture in a way that feels very authentic to me. And then there are the actors and creators breaking stereotypes and expanding what British-Asian representation can be. My journey from Wolfblood to EastEnders showed me how powerful representation is, and I want to work with people who push those boundaries. On a personal dream level: I’d love to step into action roles. I’ve always had a bit of a Tomb Raider fantasy – a strong, capable heroine.
Which role has challenged you the most so far?
Habiba Ahmed on EastEnders was probably my biggest challenge. The pace is relentless – early starts, late finishes, constant line-learning. Emotionally, her storylines demanded a lot, and I had to dig deep to make her reactions feel honest. It really tested my resilience and adaptability. Physically, I’ve been pushed in other roles. Training in taekwondo for Wolfblood and playing a boxer in The Good Karma Hospital showed me how much I enjoy the discipline of martial arts. Those roles gave me a new confidence – that I can handle emotional depth, physical prep, fast turnarounds, all of it.
When you’re not on set, what keeps you creatively inspired?
My loved ones. My family is incredibly creative, especially my brothers , and there’s always an energy in our home that sparks ideas. Music is a big inspiration too; I switch genres depending on my mood because it shifts my energy. Travel, even short trips, resets my mind. And physical training keeps me grounded. I love setting goals, getting stronger, and feeling the discipline of movement. The gym has become a huge part of my routine. It’s really a mix of people, creativity, music, movement, and new experiences.
What would you like your next chapter to look like – more TV, more film, or even writing and producing?
Ideally, all of it. I want to take on roles that challenge me, across genres, while also creating my own stories – producing and writing things that feel true to the characters and narratives I care about. On a personal level, I want more time with the people I love… and with my Frenchie! I never had a pet growing up, so having him makes our home feel so full. Ultimately, I just want to keep evolving – as an actor, a storyteller, and a human being.
What might audiences be surprised to learn about you?
People see me now as someone who’s focused and driven, but growing up I was honestly a total tomboy. Because I had brothers, I spent my childhood climbing roofs, jumping out of windows, playing Power Rangers – always outdoors, always scrappy. I didn’t start embracing more traditionally “girly” things until I was about 15 or 16. Even now, once you know me, you see the playful side. I’m still very much a kid at heart.
If you could write your own character — someone who truly reflects the stories you want to see — what would she be like?
I’m drawn to people who are unapologetically themselves – grounded, loving, bold, a little quirky. So my character would be someone like that. Not necessarily liked by everyone, but deeply loved by the people who truly know her. Someone adventurous, flawed, and full of heart. She’d have layers: a tough exterior with softness underneath, shaped by hardship but learning, healing, and growing through it. A fighter in every sense, navigating life through mistakes and self-discovery. That’s the kind of depth and relatability I’d love to see more of on screen.
Creative Direction And Styling – Anisha Vasani (@anishavasanicreates)
Photography – Shakeel Bin Afzal (@shakeelbinafzal)
Make Up – Ambreen – (@ambreenmakeup)
Hair – Sophia Aafreen Yaqub – (@sophia_aafreen)
Outfits – Nikaza Asian Couture – (@nikazaasiancouture)
Jewellery – Eminence Jewels – (@eminencejewels)
Kay Beauty By Katrina – (@kaybykatrina) / (kaybeauty.com)
