EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, best known for her role as Suki Panesar-Unwin, has taken on an exciting new role away from the world of soap operas.
The talented star has stepped into the world of radio, serving as a guest editor on BBC Radio Kent.
Balvinder, who hails from Chatham, Kent, and grew up in Gillingham, made her guest appearance on the station’s show The Wake Up Call on Friday.
The program, hosted by Anna Cookson, saw Balvinder taking calls from listeners and engaging in discussions about the acting profession.
The opportunity allowed her to connect with her local community while sharing her knowledge and experiences from the television industry.
The actress joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, bringing to life the complex and multi-layered character of Suki Panesar.
Over the years, Suki has been at the center of some of the soap’s most gripping storylines, including intense family conflicts and emotional turmoil. Her character’s struggles with domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Nish Panesar, played by Navin Chowdhry, have been a major part of her journey, highlighting important social issues on-screen.
Suki’s turbulent love life has also been a focal point of the soap, particularly her secret and deeply emotional relationship with Eve Unwin, played by Heather Peace. This storyline led to a groundbreaking moment earlier this year when Suki and Eve tied the knot in EastEnders’ first-ever lesbian wedding, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in British soaps.
Balvinder has previously spoken about the importance of her character’s portrayal, ensuring that Suki’s cultural identity remains authentic and relatable while avoiding stereotypes. In a recent interview, she emphasized the importance of making the Panesar family feel like a natural part of Walford, rather than characters created to fit into a mold.
“My main input at the start was that Suki retains her culture without being a stereotypical Asian,” she explained. “It had to be truthful enough for people to recognize themselves, even when they don’t come from that community.”
She further expressed her appreciation for the depth of her character, noting how even small details, such as the way Suki holds her handbag, have become signature elements of her portrayal. “I like the way Suki holds her handbag; it’s like an eyebrow raise when she delivers a line. That’s evolved, the handbag has become a character in itself!” she shared.
Balvinder’s latest venture into radio is a testament to her versatility as an artist. As she took over the role of guest editor, she offered fans a rare glimpse into her experiences in the entertainment industry while encouraging aspiring actors to pursue their dreams. Her presence on The Wake Up Call not only delighted fans but also showcased her ability to engage with audiences in a completely different medium.
Her growing presence beyond EastEnders is a reflection of her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on new challenges. Whether it’s portraying the strong and complex Suki Panesar on-screen or stepping behind the microphone for a radio segment, Balvinder continues to prove why she is one of the most compelling performers in British television today.
With EastEnders continuing to explore dramatic and heartfelt storylines involving Suki, fans can look forward to more powerful performances from Balvinder in the future. Meanwhile, her foray into radio has opened up new possibilities for the actress, hinting that her career could extend beyond Walford in exciting ways.
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