SHOCKING NEWS!! EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra reveals how he tackled depression

Former EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has opened up about suffering from depression and how he has

worked through it.

The actor, who played Masood Ahmed on the BBC soap between 2007 and 2019, shared how the COVID-

19 lockdown proved tough for his mental health, admitting it hit him “like a slap in the face”.

The star explained that the period triggered childhood trauma of experiencing racism and bullying, recalling that he “would draw and paint relentlessly as a coping strategy” as a child.

nitin ganatra

He employed the same strategy during lockdown, telling BBC Radio London: “It was an outpouring of work and stories and paintings and feelings and emotions. I would do a painting, finish it, put it in a box.

masood ahmed sees kathy beale in eastenders

“But then I posted one on social media, and another and the reaction started to grow,” Ganatra added. “And then suddenly it became a reality that I could possibly start being the person that I wanted to be. Going back to painting was like falling in love with the younger me again.”

The actor also explained that he had always had dreams of painting, though had his hopes soured as a teenager when an art dealer saw his portfolio while he was on the way to a university interview.

“He said ‘you’re never going to make it’,” he recalled. “It broke me, so I decided to become an actor instead.”

During the interview, Ganatra also addressed a potential return to EastEnders, admitting: “I get asked this every day, but not as far as I know. I haven’t had that phone call yet. But – never say never. I’ll take my canvas with me.”

Related articles

HOT NEWS!!! Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders and what happened between him and Vicki?

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker). The character has arrived back to her…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders revisits huge mystery plot with surprise confession

EastEnders has revisited the big Cindy Beale mystery, as Kathy Beale made a major confession. In February, it was revealed that Kathy was the one who attacked Cindy with a shovel…

ENDER THE RIVALRY Heartbreaking moment EastEnders love rivals Stacey Slater & Ruby Allen unite over their grief at Martin Fowler’s funeral

EASTENDERS love rivals Stacey Slater and Ruby Allen unite in their grief at Martin Fowler’s funeral. Actress Lacey Turner, 37, was seen looking devastated as she filmed the…

SHOCKING TRUTH REVEALED!! EastEnders Uncovering Her Dirty Secret…

Secrets and lies are about to be exposed in Walford as a shocking affair comes to light. Just when it seemed like the past was behind them,…

You won’t believe this!” 🔥 EastEnders SHOCKING Betrayal – Vicki’s Dark Secret EXPOSED! 💀!

The exit of Danny Dyer from EastEnders has left fans reeling, especially after his character, Mick Carter, was involved in a dramatic showdown that brought his story…

REAL STORY BEHIND IT !! EastEnders star Louisa Lytton addresses exit from Ruby role

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has confirmed her exit from the soap, sharing that she is open to a return in the future. Lytton made a return to the BBC soap as Ruby Allen…