‘EastEnders' Star Rakhee Thakrar Discusses Custody Fight Drama: 'Shabnam Lashes Out At Kush To Protect Her Own Feelings' (EXCLUSIVE)
'EastEnders' Star Rakhee Discusses Upcoming Custody Battle Drama
Rachel McGrath— The Huffington Post UK
|
‘EastEnders’ actress Rakhee Thakrar has revealed that her character Shabnam Masood is set for more tough times, as she attempts to get custody of her daughter Jade.
However, when Shabnam meets with her daughter’s social worker, she doesn’t mention the recent loss of baby Zaair, which leads Kush to see her privately and tell the truth.
Ahead of the emotional scenes, which will air next week, Rakhee has spoken to HuffPost UK, explaining how Shabnam will react when Kush goes behind her back.
“Shabnam didn’t want to not talk about the baby to the social worker,” Rakhee explains. “For her to omit what happened with her little boy increased her feelings of guilt.
“She lashes out at Kush to deflect her own feelings. She would love to say the [baby’s] name, but she couldn’t, partly because she’s angry that it would jeopardise her chances with Jade.
"But I think the biggest thing - though she doesn’t say this - is that beneath there is anger, as she should have said his name.”
Open Image Modal
Shabnam realises it wasn't Dean who told the social worker about Zaair
“It’s such a complicated time, because their grief is still raw and everyone has their own way of dealing with it.
“There’s no instruction book on how to deal with it, and what you’re seeing is people not quite connecting. But eventually you do see them resolve things, and she understands why he did it.”
Shabnam will then make the bold choice to go up against Dean and Shirley Carter, and Rakhee remains certain that she’s ready for the battle.
“In her eyes, she’s absolutely ready because she’s fighting for her daughter, and I think she’s strongest and most motivated when she’s fighting for someone that she loves,” she tells HuffPost UK. “I know from stories I’ve read, and women that I’ve met, that there’s nothing more fierce or protective than a bereaved parent, so I think she’s absolutely ready for them.”
Shabnam’s stillbirth storyline had a huge impact on viewers and the soap’s team worked closely with the charity Sands to ensure scenes were handled appropriately and sensitively.
Open Image Modal
Shabnam and Kush's relationship has been under pressure following their loss
“It is an experience that profoundly changes a person's life forever, and we feel a heavy responsibility to tell the truth of this. Our hope is that we can encourage people to talk about their experiences and their babies that have died.”
Watch ‘EastEnders’ from Monday 12 October to see the events unfold.
If you've been affected by the issues in this article, please contact Sands on 020 7436 5881.
'EastEnders': The Women Of Albert Square
Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement, 1986-2012)(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
Not a day goes by where we don't miss Pat and her wonderful, wonderful earrings. (credit:BBC )
Living legend Barbara Windsor has made numerous visits to Albert Square since officially leaving. She'll be back for live week, and fingers crossed there'll be a chance for the Queen Vic's most memorable landlady to yell that line again: "Get outta ma pub!" (credit:BBC )
Chrissie Watts (Tracey Ann Oberman, 2004-05)(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
After years of bullying Angie, Den Watts finally met his match in Chrissie, who gave as good as she got. Until murdering him, obviously. Sadly, she coudn't plan a good enough getaway, and was stopped by police as she prepared to board a flight. (credit:BBC )
Janine terrorised everyone from Billy Mitchell and Ian Beale, to Alice Branning, during her time in Walford. After inheriting millions, Janine became even more infuriatingly smug, but karma hit back and when she finally fell for Michael Moon, things didn't end well. (credit:BBC )
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright, 2014-Present)(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
She may be the newest of the bunch, but Kellie's character hasn't had it easy since moving into The Vic. While Linda has done her best to hold together the Carters, she's had a rough time, suffering a horrific assault at the hands of her brother-in-law, and acting as peacekeeper during the family's many feuds. Can she hold things together? (credit:BBC )
Pauline was the original 'EastEnders' matriach, and there wasn't a problem she couldn't fix. Sadly, actress Wendy died in 2009, following a battle with breast cancer. (credit:BBC )
Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell, 2011-Present)(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Cora's dry sense of humour and witty putdowns manage to inspire giggles during even the most torturous scenes. As mother to Tanya and Rainie, she certainly has more than her fair shares of problems. (credit:BBC )
Where would we be without Dot's wise words? The laundrette worker has been on hand to offer advice to anyone who needs it, since the show first aired in 1985. (credit:BBC )
Shirley Carter (Linda Henry, 2006-Present)(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
If she's good enough for ummm, Phil Mitchell, then she's good enough for us. (credit:BBC )
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace, 2000-04, 2005, 2010-Present)(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
Kat's the only Slater sister who's stuck around following the family's 2000 arrival. (credit:BBC )
Tracey (Jane Slaughter, 1985-Present)(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Jane is the longest-serving member of the cast, y'know. Bravo to Tracey for managing not to chip in during all those rows... (credit:BBC )