Rakhee Thakrar
| Rakhee Thakrar | |
| |
| Born
Nationality Occupation Spouce Year-Active |
England
Indian Actress Vikash Bhai (m 2017) 2004-present |
Rakhee Thakrar[1] (born c. 1984) is an English actress recognized for her versatile performances in television, film, and stage productions. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Shabnam Masood in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders (2014–2016) and Emily Sands in the Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education (2019–2023). Additionally, she is known for her voice role as Bliss, the Eighth Doctor's companion, in Big Finish's *Doctor Who: The Time War* audio dramas.[2]
Early Life and Education
Rakhee Thakrar was born around 1984 and spent her formative years in the St Matthew's area of Leicester, England. She comes from an Indian background, with both her parents employed in factory jobs. Thakrar attended Taylor Primary School and later Soar Valley College. Her interest in acting ignited during her teenage years when she participated in drama activities and productions at Hathi Productions, a theater club in Leicester led by Jez Simons, her drama teacher. Despite initially considering textile design, Thakrar's passion for acting led her to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry.[3][4][5]
Career
Thakrar's acting career commenced in 2004 with the role of Roopa Chauhan in the BBC Asian Network radio drama Silver Street, a role she portrayed until the show's conclusion in 2010. She made her television debut in 2006 with the BBC drama Banglatown Banquet and subsequently appeared in various television series, including Doctors, Holby City, and Peep Show. Thakrar garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of Shabnam Masood in EastEnders, particularly for her compelling performance during the character's emotional storyline. She embarked on a new venture in 2019 with her role as Emily Sands in the Netflix series Sex Education, earning further praise for her versatility and depth as an actress. Thakrar's contribution to the *Doctor Who* franchise extends to her voice role as Bliss in Big Finish's audio dramas, showcasing her talent across different mediums.[6]
Journalism
Beyond her acting pursuits, Thakrar has displayed her versatility by delving into journalism. In 2004, she participated in the Leicester Mercury's Pathfinder scheme, contributing articles on various topics, including the influence of Bollywood in Leicester and unique experiences like being born on February 29th.[7][8]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Tourettes Haiku | Sunny | Short film |
| 2007 | Circle | Tina Parekh | |
| 2012 | TYU's Company | GGS Voice | |
| 2016 | Juliet Remembered | Deena | |
| 2018 | Love, Sex and side effects | Rosie | |
| 2019 | Running Naked | Jade | |
| Those Four Walls | Neha | ||
| End-O | Dr. Woman | Short film | |
| 2020 | 23 Walks | Registrar | |
| 2023 | Wonka | Lottie Bell |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | TV Choice Awards | Best Soap Newcomer | Nominated | [9] |
| 2015 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [10] |
| 2015 | Asian Media Awards | Best TV Character | Won | [11] |
| 2015 | Digital Spy Reader Awards | Best Actor | Third | [12] |
| 2016 | 21st National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Shortlisted | [13] |
| 2016 | 2016 British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Shortlisted | [14] |
References
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20150402192642/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/St-Matthew-s-Mitchells/story-20459595-detail/story.html
- ↑ https://www.hinckleytimes.net/news/local-news/soap-star-latest-support-rainbows-10213009
- ↑ https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-06-05/eastenders-star-rakhee-thakrar-announced-as-doctor-whos-new-companion-in-paul-mcgann-audio-play/amp/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35366702
- ↑ https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/THERE-OR-HERE-Starring-Rakhee-Thakrar-Comes-to-Park-Theatre-20171130
- ↑ https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a795808/british-soap-awards-2016-full-winners-list-revealed/
- ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a658118/inside-soap-awards-2015-longlist-revealed-whos-in-line-for-best-actor-actress-and-newcomer.html
- ↑ https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/THERE-OR-HERE-Starring-Rakhee-Thakrar-Comes-to-Park-Theatre-20171130
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/sep/25/karen-pirie-review-this-female-led-drama-absolutely-sings
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0b8zxn6
- ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a535048/eastenders-shabnam-masood-returning-to-soap-role-recast.html
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2022/08/20/1118640447/dan-levy-sex-education-cast-season-4
- ↑ https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-06-05/eastenders-star-rakhee-thakrar-announced-as-doctor-whos-new-companion-in-paul-mcgann-audio-play/amp/
- ↑ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a535048/eastenders-shabnam-masood-returning-to-soap-role-recast.html