Actor Finds Solace in Art Amidst ‘Paralysing’ Depression

Actor Nitin Ganatra, known for his role in EastEnders, described the onset of lockdown as hitting him “like a slap in the face,” leading to a profound depression that he likened to paralysis. Ganatra, widely recognized for portraying Masood Ahmed in the popular soap opera, stated that his passion for painting served as a coping mechanism. Having grown up in his family’s corner shop in Coventry, Ganatra previously found comfort in drawing as a way to deal with “daily violence and racism.” He has recently held his inaugural exhibition of paintings. Ganatra recounted a childhood marked by physical assaults on his way to and from school, and even instances where teachers employed racist language and epithets. He explained, “I literally shut down and focused on a piece of paper with a pen – pens were cheaper than pencils at the time. “I would draw and paint relentlessly as a coping strategy”.” This identical coping mechanism was reactivated during the lockdown period when his past trauma re-emerged. He began painting again, utilizing a paintbrush, an old sketchbook, and paints he had owned since he was 10 years old. Describing the experience, he said, “It was an outpouring of work and stories and paintings and feelings and emotions.” He continued, “I would do a painting, finish it, put it in a box. “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”.” Ganatra had long held aspirations to paint, referring to it as his “first love.” He recounted to BBC Radio London presenter Asad Ahmad that at the age of 17, while en route to a university interview, he encountered an art dealer who reviewed his portfolio. His artistic aspirations were thwarted when the dealer stated, “He said ‘you’re never going to make it’.” Ganatra explained, “It broke me, so I decided to become an actor instead”.” Ganatra spent nine years on EastEnders, where he, alongside Nina Wadia, who portrayed his wife Zainab, established the Ahmed family in the fictional Walford borough. He considered the introduction of a Muslim family to the program a “brave move,” noting that he and Wadia seized the chance to depict a couple that defied stereotypes. He elaborated, “What we didn’t want, as actors, was to play safe.”We were a lot more hands-on, we were very physically affectionate with each other, we were very naughty and a bit randy, you know.”It seemed to open the doors – it didn’t have to be conservative”.” Ganatra concluded, “And I think because we played with the drama and comedy of it, people warmed to us”.” There has been considerable fan interest regarding Ganatra’s potential return to EastEnders, possibly for the 40th anniversary in February. Responding to inquiries, he stated, “I get asked this every day, but as far as I know, 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”.” The best of BBC Radio London is available on Sounds, and BBC London can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.