Ravi Gulati | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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EastEnders character | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | Aaron Thiara | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2022–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | Episode 6515 4 July 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Chris Clenshaw | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ravi Gulati is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and is portrayed by Aaron Thiara. Ravi made his first appearance in episode 6515, originally broadcast on 4 July 2022. [1] Ravi was introduced as a fellow prisoner of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and a former associate of Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol), though later revealed as the illegitimate son of Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) however viewers did not originally know this beforehand as there was no announcement prior to the plot-twist. [2] [3] [4]
Since the characters first appearance, Ravi has been involved in with some of the serial's key storylines including being in multiple feuds with Kheerat, Nish, Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), Teddy (Roland Manookian) and Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway); reuniting with his estranged son Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), murdering his adoptive father Ranveer Gulati (Anil Goutam) and letting his stepmother Suki believe that she killed him, seducing a married Denise and using her daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) to make her jealous, and discovering that he has another child, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James).
"My heart is filled with immense gratitude to be joining such an iconic show, working alongside a stellar cast and a remarkable production team. It's a very proud moment for me and my family. This is a wondrous opportunity to approach as an actor, and I can't wait for people to meet Ravi on-screen and witness his roller-coaster of a journey!" [5]
–Thiara upon his casting (2022)
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw also added: "Ravi is captivating, cunning and dangerous, and can go from pleasant to menacing with very little warning – unlike Aaron who's a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast. We're all excited to see Aaron bring the character to life and there's plenty of drama and shocking twists in store – wherever Ravi goes, trouble follows". [6] Thiara's casting and character were also announced on the same day as his debut aired. [1] [5] Shaun Wren of Digital Spy described the character as "charming and charismatic" and "ruthless and unpredictable", while show bosses have also teased that Ravi is "willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants with no fear of the consequences". [5] It was later revealed that Ravi is in fact the son of Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) – he had an affair with Ranveer Gulati's (Anil Goutam) wife Haspira and Ravi is then conceived. [2] [3] [4] It is initially believed by viewers Ranveer was Ravi's father but this is revealed to be a lie. He also has an affair with Nina Gupta (Hersha Verity), Ranveer's wife, and this is unbeknownst to him. [7] [8] [9]
The storyline's build up to the affair is scenes where viewers can see Ravi and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) drinking together in Peggy's wine bar. [10] He insists on walking her home but once they make it to the square, he attempts to make an advance. [11] Denise quickly shuts Ravi down after much temptation because she realises how much she values her husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen). [10] Ravi then deliberately starts to follow Denise around, even ending back up at her house. [12] They start passionately kissing after Ravi reminds her of her current marital issues. [13] After chemistry is developed between Ravi and Denise, she cannot help herself but entertain Ravi's attention as he is her only source at that time as the family are also struggling with Amy Mitchell's (Ellie Dadd) self-harm and Ricky Mitchell's (Frankie Day) teenage pregnancy with Lily Slater (Lillia Turner). [14] [15] In the light of recent events, Denise begins to struggle in her marriage and begins contracting feelings for Ravi. [16] He invites Denise to a hotel, to which after much consideration she accepts. [17] They meet in the hotel and begin again passionately kissing however Denise realises she can no longer go through with it. [18] [19] She is caught on CCTV at the hotel as Jack and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) are working on a case against Ravi. [20] [21] Denise then tells Ravi about the case and how Callum is aware of where she was, he begins to blackmail Denise. [22] [23] When she does not succumb to his demands, he begins dating her daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). [24] [25] After Denise's continuous meddling and discouragement, Chelsea begins a relationship for Ravi and provides him with a false alibi. [26] [27] The romance later ends after Denise steals Ravi's laptop and finds a CCTV recording of Ravi murdering Ranveer despite Ravi destroying the evidence. [28] The affair is later revealed to Jack; [29] the pair start publicly brawling outside the Walford East restaurant that Ravi owns. [30] [31] Ravi then puts himself on Jack's radar as Jack claims he will get him by the book. [32]
On 21 September 2023, it was announced that Ravi and his son Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) would appear in a storyline central to their family that would lead to the introduction of his former lover and Nugget's mother, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy). [33] Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) was also announced as a new character, and was introduced as Ravi and Priya's secret daughter, and Nugget's sister. [34] [35] The characters and both James' and Khan Levy's casting details were announced on the same day. [35] In the character's backstory, Priya became pregnant with Avani after the end of her relationship with Ravi, so he does not know about her existence upon her introduction. [35] It was also revealed by Priya that Ranveer sexually assaulted her and paid her off to leave Ravi, Nugget and their family whilst she was pregnant with Avani. [36] Nugget runs away to his mother after Suki reveals to him that Ravi murdered Ranveer. [37] [38] Nugget is found staying with Priya. [39] Nugget is returned to Albert Square by Jack, Nish, Suki and Ravi. The next day, Priya, along with Avani, arrive in Walford. [40] Scenes earlier showed Priya and Avani being evicted from their home, and so they scheme until Nish allows them stay.
Ravi is the son of Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) — he had an affair with Ranveer Gulati's (Anil Goutam) wife Haspira and Ravi is then conceived. [2] [3] [4] Ranveer raises Ravi as his own though the childhood is not happy as in an argument with Ranveer as a teenager, he reveals that he is in fact not biologically his. His mother died during his adolescence. Due to his deranged childhood, Ravi ends up becoming a drug dealer and a teenage father to Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) with later established character Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy). Soon after Nugget's birth, Priya is paid off by Ranveer after he attempts to rape her and she leaves pregnant with Ravi's second child, Avani (Aaliyah James). Ravi ends up in prison, leaving Ranveer to raise Nugget.
Ravi is first seen as an associate of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who is trying to purchase a phone from him. After the phone is purchased and both Phil and Ravi are released from prison, Ravi is seen making an appearance in Albert Square and he is instantly recognised by Phil and former acquaintances Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) and his brother Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota). It was then revealed that he was also their half-brother as Nish had an affair with his mother that ended up in his conception. Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) is initially very hostile towards Ravi and his son Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) as she struggles to accept Nish's illegitimate child. When Ranveer attacks Suki and tries to rape her in exchange for a business contract, she strikes him over the head with a clock. Ravi walks in and begins covering up the crime for Suki, but Ranveer regains consciousness and begins attacking Ravi. Ravi delivers the final blow to Ranveer's head, killing him, and later disposes of his body. It was also revealed that he raped his personal assistant Priti, who had told Ravi about it. Ravi has a short-lived sexual affair with Ranveer's wife, Dr. Nina Gupta (Hersha Verity).
Ravi begins to try and charm Denise Fox (Diane Parish); she is going through extramarital issues and she begins to suppress her inner-torment for Ravi. She later kisses Ravi by mistake, but she starts to catch genuine feelings for him and they meet at a hotel. They are found out after Callum Highway (Tony Clay) views the surveillance footage of the hotel that Ravi was staying at that night and catches Denise arriving to the same hotel. Denise decides to not go through with the plan as she realises the importance of husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and her family. She leaves the hotel back to Jack who she lies to. Jack later finds out and him and Ravi embark on a feud. He begins to use Denise's daughter Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) to make Denise jealous, and they embark on a brief romance – this is short-lived as Denise puts Chelsea off him. Chelsea becomes close to Ravi once again and they resume their fling, but he is only using her to intercept Jack's criminal investigation of him. When Ravi is arrested for possession of stolen goods, Chelsea stands by him and offers him a false alibi. Denise later reveals her previous affair with Ravi to Jack, who then exposes it to Chelsea. Chelsea also realises that Ravi has been using her and ends their relationship, though they later reconcile. When Whitney and Zack move into another flat, Chelsea invites Ravi and Nugget to move in. During their housewarming party, Denise reveals that Ravi had murdered Ranveer. Chelsea evicts Ravi and ends their relationship once again.
Ravi has Kheerat attacked in prison after Suki reveals the truth about Ranveer to Nugget. Nugget is distraught and later runs away, though he is found by Ravi, Nish and Jack staying with his mother, Priya. Priya then arrives back onto the Square for Nugget, to which she reveals to Ravi that he has a daughter, Avani, and is invited to stay by Nish. Ravi and Avani bond straight away – his children bring out more of a vulnerable side to the character as he did not receive the same amount of affection as a child. When Nish stumbles upon the truth of Suki's deceit with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), Nish orders Ravi to kill her. Ravi does go through with the plan but decides to spare Eve's life under the conditions she does not return to Albert Square. [41] Nish and Ravi are later arrested after Eve plants sufficient evidence in Ravi's car to bring him and Nish to justice. Eve then returns to the square whilst they're in custody, and after a call from Jack, they are released. They return home on Christmas Day. [42] Nish punches Ravi for dishonouring him. [42] Ravi restrains Nish while Suki manages to flee and escape the house after months of Nish's coercive control. [42]
In March 2024, Priya starts to embark on a fling with Martin Fowler (James Bye). [43] They go for a date in Peggy's wine bar – much to Avani and Ravi's dismay. [43] Avani wants Ravi and Priya to reconcile as she believes that there is still chemistry between the pair. [44] Priya then arranges for the pair to have a date at home – they are disrupted by Ravi due to Avani's meddling in the situation. [45] Avani tells Ravi that Priya is seriously ill so he would return home just before Martin arrives. They go on a second date in Walford East after Avani goes missing. [46] The date is a disaster as Avani flirts with Martin, embarrasses Priya and then spills all of her drink jug over Martin.
Months after his arrival, Thiara won the award for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2022 Digital Spy Reader Awards. [47] Thiara won Villain of the Year at the 2023 British Soap Awards, where he was also nominated for Best Newcomer. [48] Later in 2023, he was nominated in the Serial Drama Performance category at the 27th National Television Awards, [49] as well as being nominated for Best Villain at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards. [50]
Stacey Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feisty and troublesome teenager and extension to the already established Slater family. She was created by scriptwriter Tony Jordan with Turner in mind. Producers explored the character's backstory with the introduction of her mother, Jean Slater, who has bipolar disorder. They then paired Stacey with Bradley Branning and writers developed a series of problems for their marriage, including an abortion and Stacey's scandalous affair with Bradley's father, Max Branning. In 2009, the character was placed in an issue-led storyline when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder; the show worked with various charities to develop the story. Writers also incorporated Stacey in the "Who Killed Archie?" plot and revealed her as his killer in a live episode, which was followed by a two-hander episode between Stacey and Max. Stacey became pregnant by Ryan Malloy and gave birth to their daughter Lily. This led to a feud between Stacey, and Ryan's wife Janine Malloy, and culminated in Stacey fleeing Walford on the episode broadcast on 25 December 2010, to avoid imprisonment after Janine stabbed herself and framed Stacey for attempted murder. Turner's return was announced on 19 December 2013, and Stacey reappears in the episode originally broadcast on 7 February 2014 before departing again on 24 March 2014. She made a permanent return on 1 September 2014.
Denise Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left EastEnders in early 2008 to give birth to her second child. Her leave-taking had coincided with the departures of Matt Di Angelo, Phil Daniels and Kellie Shirley. She returned to Walford on 6 June 2008. This is Parish's second role in EastEnders, as she previously played singer Lola Christie in 1998.
Chelsea Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010, and then Zaraah Abrahams from 2020 onwards. Benjamin was cast in the role and she left her role in the Harry Potter film series to appear in the soap; she made her first appearance as Chelsea in episode 3147, broadcast on 5 May 2006, when she is introduced as part of the all-female Fox family alongside her mother, Denise Fox, and half-sister, Libby Fox. Benjamin announced her departure from the show in April 2010, and she left in episode 4047, broadcast on 5 August 2010. In October 2020, the character's return was announced alongside Abrahams' casting. Chelsea returns in episode 6188/6189, broadcast on 25 December 2020.
Lucas Aaron Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008. Lucas is introduced as a reformed drug addict and criminal-turned-preacher who appears as the estranged father of established character Chelsea Fox. He also has a young son, Jordan, and later goes on to marry Chelsea's mother Denise - whom he had previously been in a relationship with prior to their reunion.
Keanu Taylor is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Danny Walters. He was introduced in episode 5511, broadcast on 15 June 2017, as a member of the Taylor family. Keanu is the son of Karen Taylor and half-brother of Chantelle Atkins, Keegan Baker, Bernadette Taylor, Riley Taylor, and Chatham Taylor. He is described as a charming, hardworking, and happy-go-lucky man of morals. In his original stint, his storylines focused on being the breadwinner of his family, an affair with Sharon Mitchell, a relationship with Sharon’s stepdaughter Louise, a feud with Louise’s half-brother Ben and her father Phil. In November 2019, it was announced that Walters "bowed out" of the soap for the development of his storyline with Sharon, with his initial departure being depicted in episode 6084, which aired on 21 February 2020.
Iqra Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Priya Davdra. Davdra's casting as Iqra was announced on 20 December 2018, along with that of Habiba. Both characters were called feisty and the BBC stated that they would both make an impact on Walford. Iqra is the elder sister of Habiba, and is described as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent". Iqra makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019. Alongside sister Habiba Ahmed, Iqra is introduced as a relative of established character Masood Ahmed. Iqra's final appearance aired on 3 January 2022.
Kheerat Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jaz Deol. Kheerat was introduced alongside brothers Jags Panesar, and Vinny Panesar in episode 6001, broadcast on 4 October 2019, with the trio becoming the soap's first Punjabi Sikh family. Kheerat's arrival was announced on 21 August 2019, billed as the dominant and successful leader of his brothers. Deol was accepted the role after being impressed by what was pitched to him by the producers, and being excited to be a part of the show's first Punjabi Sikh family.
Jags Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Amar Adatia. Jags was introduced alongside brothers Kheerat Panesar, and Vinny Panesar in episode 6001, broadcast on 4 October 2019. Billed by executive producer Jon Sen to bring "charm and chaos", the trio of brothers were also marked as soap's first Punjabi Sikh family in its history. Sen was also vocal about his eagerness to introduce stories from different cultures through the brothers. Adatia expressed excitement to join the soap as he never expected to be cast on it. Jags's storylines included abducting Lola Pearce, his prior connection to Chantelle Atkins, his romance with Habiba Ahmed, and being framed by his mother Suki Panesar, resulting in his imprisonment.
Ash Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha. Ash was introduced as the bisexual Punjabi Sikh girlfriend of established character Iqra Ahmed in episode 5980, broadcast on 29 August 2019. Garcha expressed excitement to be cast as a Sikh LGBT character due to the opportunity for representation that it presented. Later revealed to be an estranged member of the Panesar family, Ash's storylines have mainly focused on her complicated family relationships, especially her mother Suki due to her sexual orientation, her romantic relationships with Iqra and Peter Beale, being a victim of casual racism at the hands of Harvey Monroe, and her eventual exit from the soap after accepting a job in Canada.
Thomas "Rocky" Cotton is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Brian Conley. He was introduced under the alias Terry Cant, the estranged father of Sonia Fowler in episode 6274, broadcast on 18 May 2021, after his casting details were announced in February of that year. He was initially billed as the "ultimate people pleaser" and a charmer. In his time on the show, his storylines focused on the exposure of his false identity, his relationship and eventual marriage to Kathy Beale, burning down the Bridge Street Café in an insurance scam, and being one of the potential victims in "The Six" storyline. In September 2023, it was announced that Conley had left the soap, with his last appearance being depicted in episode 6830, which aired on 29 December 2023.
Nish Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Navin Chowdhry. After being mentioned multiple times beforehand, Nish made his first appearance in episode 6565, broadcast on 29 September 2022. It was confirmed that Chowdhry had begun filming before the announcement of his casting on 28 August 2022. Billed as "ice-cold" and "manipulative", Nish is introduced as the estranged mentally abusive and controlling husband of Suki Panesar and the father of Kheerat, Jags, Ash, and Vinny. He is later revealed to also be the father of Ravi Gulati in a twist. Since his introduction, Nish's storylines have focused on his attempts to rebuild relationships with his family, the crumbling of his marriage to Suki, a feud with Suki's lover Eve Unwin, becoming comatosed during "The Six" storyline, a fling with Kat Slater and suffering from viral myocarditis. In September 2024, it was announced that Chowdhry would exit the show ahead of the 40th anniversary special.
Suki Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Balvinder Sopal. Sopal's casting and details about Suki were announced in December 2019, with the character making her first onscreen appearance on 27 January 2020. She was portrayed as the protective mother of Kheerat, Jags, Vinny and Ash who believe that she always has the right answer. Prior to her arrival, it is confirmed that her relationship with Ash is severed due to disagreeing with her bisexuality. Her initial storyline sees her lying about having cancer to garner sympathy and get closer to her children. She was immediately well-received by viewers and critics, with Inside Soap writing that Suki had reached "soap icon status in record time". Sopal was shocked by the praise that she and Suki had received from the beginning of her tenure.
Priya Nandra-Hart is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Khan Levy. Priya was introduced into the serial in episode 6789, originally broadcast on 16 October 2023. The character is devised as part of Ravi Gulati and Davinder "Nugget" Gulati 's backstories in a plot-twist that would introduce Nugget's mother and a secret daughter for Ravi. Khan Levy's character and casting details were both announced on 21 September 2023. Priya is revealed to be looking after her estranged son Nugget, who had gone missing at the time after a dispute with his father and Priya's ex-boyfriend Ravi from what was described as a "bittersweet" break-up years prior, where she left Ravi and Nugget to provide for her unborn daughter Avani Nandra-Hart, also fathered by Ravi but was however unbeknownst to him or Avani. It was later revealed in a plot-twist Priya had not walked out on them – Ranveer Gulati, the adoptive father of Ravi, sexually assaulted Priya and enforced her exit from his family – Priya struck a cord with Suki Panesar as they have similar experiences with Ranveer prior to them meeting.
"The Six" is a storyline from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The storyline began in episode 6649, broadcast on 20 February 2023, which featured the show's first flashforward sequence at the end of the episode. The scene showed six female EastEnders characters, Denise Fox, Linda Carter, Kathy Beale, Sharon Watts, Stacey Slater, and Suki Panesar in The Queen Victoria public house on Christmas Day standing around an unidentified male body lying on the floor, who they presume to be dead. Events leading up to Christmas that year put each character in the frame to be the potential murderer and several male characters to be the victim. The storyline was intended to be written a different type of "whodunit" mystery, as both the victim and the murderer were kept as a tight secret.