View Full Version : Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra)
EastEnders' Masood Ahmed - played by Nitin Ganatra - is forced to deal with the shock discovery that his son's been having an affair with another man next week when he walks in on Syed and Christian together in a passionate embrace. Unable to believe what he's seeing, Masood rushes out of the flat and heads home, where the reality of his - and his family's - situation begins to hit home. Masood rumbling the truth, however, is just the beginning - it's not long before everybody else learns Syed's secret. Digital Spy recently caught up with Nitin to chat about the moment Masood finds out and how the much-anticipated Chryed reveal comes about...
How does Masood find out about Christian and Syed?
"There's a birthday party for Syed and they're all having a good time. Syed receives a call or a text and we never get to see what it is, but he disappears to the flat to deal with something... Christian's obviously waiting there for him. Then Masood thinks, 'This is taking ages', so he goes to the flat, too. Low and behold, he sees Syed and Christian in a clinch…"
How is Masood feeling at that point?
"Masood's world falls apart. He doesn't react in the same way as Zainab, though - he just runs off. He wanders out of the flat, leaving Christian and Syed wondering who's seen them. In a state of shock, Masood goes back to the house and lies that the door to the flat was locked and so couldn't find Syed. When Syed returns, he starts to panic when he hears that Masood went looking for him."
How does Masood deal with the situation?
"Masood has no idea what to do with what he's seen and ends up looking for advice from the imam at the mosque. He's not particularly helpful, though, as he insists that the situation is on Masood's shoulders, while warning him not to let the news go public. Masood's given a choice - either the community will disown the family or the family will have to disown Syed."
What does he eventually do?
"After a week of thinking, he tells Zainab in the kindest way possible that their son is gay. Zainab pretends that she doesn't know, just to add more petrol to the fire… He's then trying to convince Zainab to confront the whole situation but she avoids it. It all then builds to this huge reveal at the party… All along, though, Masood's saying predatory things to Syed and Christian, teasing them about knowing. So in a very subtle way, he lets them both know that he's aware of what's going on and they'd better stop."
Do you think Masood has a dark side?
"It's a lovely thing to play. The New Year episodes with Nina, Johnny and Marc were so good and so explosive, I was thinking, 'How do you top that?' What I love about Masood, though, is that he's a very flexible person. You'll get a different response form him in almost every situation. He's not predicable. He has his lighter moments and then his darker moments. It gives a lot of colour to play with."
Were you pleased when you finally read the script where you discovered Syed's secret?
"I'm so relieved! I'll now stop getting texts and emails that start with, 'Hi Oblivious Dad'. I've spent five months looking away, just missing or just not hearing conversations and looks between Zainab, Christian and Syed. I've not been meant to notice any of it! It's really nice to be in the loop now."
Is Masood more concerned about how Syed's secret will make him and his family look or Syed's struggle?
"At first, it's not about what Syed's going through at all. It's about how it makes the family look. It's a very different dilemma to Zainab's. She's a reactive character, whereas Masood's pointing out that there's a bigger picture. Although Zainab appears to be the head of the household, they come from a patriarchal background. It's up to the father of the family to sort situations like this out - and in their culture, you're left with two choices: reject him or be rejected as a family. The whole community could turn on the Masoods."
Then Amira makes a shock announcement…
"Yeah! She's pregnant apparently! Now there's a turnaround…"
How does the big reveal come about?
"The one thing that's put Zainab and Masood on a happier note is that Amira's now pregnant. In their eyes, it'll solve all their problems. There are some lovely father-son scenes before everything comes out where Masood tries to convince Syed that his future is with Amira and the baby. It's all looking good after their chat - until the flat warming party. The party's actually split between the Masoods' and the new flat for space reasons, so while everyone's enjoying themselves at the Masoods', Amira's at the flat and finds out about Syed and Christian when she spots Lucy Beale's graffiti. Amira freaks out and runs back to the party crying her eyes out. Syed rushes back in, too - and then Christian turns up. In the middle of the party, Christian says, 'It's about time you told everyone'."
tammyy2j
26-04-2010, 16:12
I cant wait till he finds out Zainab knew all along
As if EastEnders caterer Masood Ahmed's life hasn't been thrown into enough turmoil following the Chryed reveal, he soon makes the shock discovery that his wife Zainab has known their secret since the beginning of the year. However, following a tender moment with their son Kamil later in the afternoon, Masood and Zainab resolve to work through their problems together. Zainab, though, pushes Masood one step too far when she overreacts at Tamwar's revelation that he's no longer going to university. Seething with Zainab's attitude, Masood throws her and her suitcase onto the street in the pouring rain. We recently caught up with Masood actor Nitin Ganatra to hear about the dramatic Masood twist and what lies in store for his screen family.
How does Masood cope in the wake of the Chryed reveal?
"This is the payoff for Masood now. It goes up a gear for him because you have to remember that Zainab's been lying to Masood - she's known for months about Syed and Christian. These Masood episodes coming up are the equivalent of the high drama that Nina, Marc and Johnny had over the New Year. Once he finds out about his wife's betrayal, Masood's whole world falls apart. What I love about Masood's reaction in the wake of the reveal, though, is that Masood says, 'No-one should have done that to Amira'. Syed's always been a bit of a screw-up but to mislead a girl into a marriage like that is unforgivable. Masood really, really has a go at Zainab about it - her pride led Amira down the aisle and ultimately down the garden path. Masood's just appalled about the whole situation."
Does Masood turn to Jane at all?
"Yeah and she doesn't tell him about knowing, either! He has his moment with her afterwards, though. There was a suggestion a while back that we might have been able to get a snog in there, too…"
What was your reaction when you heard about the homophobic attack story?
"I never saw it as a homophobic attack. I just saw it as an angry dad venting his frustration. Qadim has a shady past, so I'm not surprised that he's a violent man. But what confused me was that he didn't beat up Syed - I'm still not sure why they didn't do that. We've been questioning why and I'm sure they had a good reason, but I think that's one for Dom [Treadwell-Collins] and the story team!"
Were you surprised to read that Masood walks on when he sees Christian being attacked?
"No, I love it! Masood can often be too nice or to laid-back but he's flexible. So for them to write that Masood walks on by when Christian's being beaten up - that's such a brilliant additional layer to the character. We get to see an even darker side of Masood. When we filmed the first take of that scene, all the extras and the crew gasped and started hissing!"
How does Masood finally learn of Zainab's betrayal?
"Masood - being the guy who wants the rest of the family to get on with their lives - suggests going to the café and Zainab comes to blows with Jane while they're there. It's at that moment that Jane says, 'Well, you could have sorted all this out as you've known for months'. Masood's dumbfounded! I actually think that Jane believes Masood knew about Syed and Christian all along. I don't think there was any malice in Jane's comments because Jane's actually surprised to realise that he didn't know anything!"
How does Masood deal with the revelation?
"He freaks out! This is Masood's moment - he literally goes into meltdown. He walks away from the situation and away from Zainab. This is the point where he turns to Jane for help. Jane's talking about going to America for a few weeks and as Masood's persuading her not to go, he says, 'I still remember that kiss, Jane…' He even suggests going with her to America! His marriage is broken as far as he's concerned and he's prepared to leave the area."
Does he leave?
"No, as he's about to go, he agrees to talk things though with Zainab and they resolve to make future decisions together. There's this great run of scenes where they've agreed to talk things through as a couple. At this point, Tamwar makes a shock announcement that he's not going to university. Zainab reverts to her usual self and insists that he's going to university because she knows what's best for the family. Masood's furious, so he heads upstairs and emerges with a suitcase. Zainab starts freaking out that he's about to leave and he opens the door and says, 'I'm not leaving, you are'."
What was it like filming the scene where Masood throws Zainab out of the house?
"It looks spectacular! It's quite a violent scene, actually. We could have played it very differently because it's written in an understated way. There's no right or wrong, but it came across on the page as a simple, 'I'm not going, you are', which would have been quite cool. We can't have an argument without it getting quite animated! There should be boos and cheers at the same time."
What does the future hold for the Masoods?
"We're still filming the aftermath of it all and we're coming to the end of it now. It's very strained in the family but I don't know where it all goes from here. We have a new producer and he's come in with some great new ideas, so at the moment I'm in the dark. I'm looking forward to finding out what they have planned, though."
tammyy2j
27-04-2010, 11:17
He throws Zainab out :cheer:
It's good to see Masood's dark side.
Ruffed_lemur
27-04-2010, 18:12
Glad he finds out about Zainab.
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has revealed that he would like to see Masood Ahmed and Phil Mitchell become friends in a future storyline.
The actor predicted that the unlikely pairing would lead to "fireworks" on Albert Square because of Masood and Phil's (Steve McFadden) different outlooks on life.
Speaking in an interview with DS, Ganatra admitted that he first made the suggestion to bosses "a long time ago" but the idea was not used.
He explained: "It was thought that they were too different but if you put two characters that are diametrically opposed in a scene, you'll get fireworks. Steve McFadden feels the same, too - he was really excited about Masood and Phil becoming friends but it never really happened."
Ganatra added that he still hopes the idea will be taken on board in the future, commenting: "Wouldn't it be great if Masood starts going down the wrong path and Phil is the one to say, 'That's wrong'? Then you have characters that have double standards, which results in arguments. Masood getting a moral lecture from Phil - that'd be great television."
Masood is currently dealing with the repercussions of son Syed's (Marc Elliott) affair with caterer Christian Clarke (John Partridge), which has rocked his family.
moonstorm
29-04-2010, 10:23
Actually - I think that would work quite well.
You alrteady have a thread about this DS interview http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?108375-Nitin-Ganatra-(Masood-Ahmed-EastEnders-)
Nitin Ganatra has revealed that viewers will soon see a darker side to his character in EastEnders.
The actor, who plays Masood Ahmed in the serial, explained that his role will become more sinister in upcoming episodes.
He told TV Times: "When a character is too predictable, it's a bit boring.
"Everyone's liking this other Masood, but if you think he's sinister now, there's more to come."
I like Massod I hate Zainab
EastEnders airs a dramatic set of episodes for the Masood family next week as the day of Tamwar and Afia's Mehndi arrives and tension between Masood and Yusef leads to another showdown. Having been banned from all of his son's celebrations, Masood is heartbroken over the situation with his family and is convinced that the union between Tamwar and Afia should not take place as Yusef is dangerous. Storming into the Mehndi to put a stop to the young couple's plans, Masood is left stunned as Tamwar blurts out that it's too late as he's already married to Afia. Is this another triumph for the scheming Yusef? And what's next for the warring Masoods? We recently caught up with Nitin Ganatra, who plays Masood, to hear more.
What do you make of all the recent drama for Masood and Zainab?
"I think the characters have evolved now. I remember that when Bryan Kirkwood came in as executive producer, in one of my first meetings with him I said, 'Let's explore Masood - I don't think that he's ever really been explored in any depth'. Now, bringing Yusef into the equation has allowed us to look at both Masood and Zainab in a different light. People like Nina Wadia and myself like to be stimulated by what we do, so with Bryan's influence, we decided to explore a much darker Masood - but still remain true to his character. Masood is still essentially a good guy, but he's forced into a situation where he has to protect his family and he could overstep the mark."
What is it about Yusef that has got under Masood's skin so much?
"I think it's a lot more than petty jealousy in this case. Masood firmly believes that Yusef is a man who set fire to his wife, so the jeopardy is very high and I think that's why you can explore a darker side to Masood. But, of course, Masood is the only person who believes that Yusef did that! Masood saved Zainab that day and it provides a very romantic backstory for the characters. In conversations with Bryan, I've said, 'This is what keeps Masood and Zainab in love'."
Why do you think Zainab has changed her mind about Yusef so quickly?
"Well, I think Zainab still isn't sure whether Yusef was directly responsible for the fire. He says that it was just his family. But the stakes are high and if this was just two men fighting over one woman, I think Masood would have enough wit and confidence to be able to handle that and joke it off. But because this is the man who nearly killed his wife, Masood's cause is getting bigger and bigger."
Do you prefer this sort of drama to the more comedic scenes we can sometimes expect from Masood?
"Well, my background is both comedy and drama so it's great to be able to swing between the two. Most of the stage work I've done has been drama, while most of the telly stuff has been comedy, so I'm lucky that I've been able to do both here. With this storyline, I'm enjoying having to find a different gear. It's revitalised my interest in the character and reignited something in me."
In the week of the Mehndi, Masood has truly been banished from the family, hasn't he?
"He's become more and more isolated. It's a real Pandora situation, where he's the only person who sees the truth but nobody believes him. I think there's a real heroic quality in Masood here - he has the potential to be one of the last great heroes. Not in a butch way, but in a dignified way - he would go as far as it takes to protect his family and do the right thing."
Does Masood have a game plan?
"Essentially, his main aim is not losing his wife and his family. He's also trying to protect his son from Yusef. Masood thinks, 'This man set my wife on fire, so what could he possibly do to my son? And what if Tamwar and Afia have children? What else would Yusef have planned?' It's quite an interesting dilemma for Masood. We've seen the garage thing backfire, but it's still very personal between Yusef and Masood."
How does Masood feel about being banned from all of Tamwar and Afia's celebrations?
"It's heartbreaking. Zainab is going along with it, but it's all been manipulated by Yusef. At the moment, Zainab is taking sleeping pills that have been given to her by Yusef, and people may not realise that they're affecting her judgement on things. And are they really sleeping tablets?! Zainab tells everyone that Masood can't attend because of a family emergency abroad - I think Zainab's first worry is always what the community will think. But Masood isn't quite so interested in that - this is about his family and he puts his family first."
And we see Masood turn up at the Mehndi uninvited, don't we?
"Yeah, Ian really sticks the knife in at The Vic and humiliates Masood in a very quiet, intimate way - calling him a loser. Ian says that Masood couldn't go through with it with Jane, and he can't go through with it with this either! Masood also sees the procession on the Square and he's so lonely, so isolated - it's very sad. After all that, he makes the decision to walk into the Mehndi."
That causes Tamwar to reveal that he's already married to Afia - how does Masood react to that?
"It's a big cliffhanger moment when Tamwar reveals this, but Masood doesn't say anything, which surprised me. I wondered why he wouldn't say anything after everything that's happened, but he's just completely deflated. He's destroyed - his whole world has just collapsed. He charges in hoping to stop the wedding, only to discover that he's been led astray by his son as well. In the past year or so, he's been led astray by Syed, he's been led astray by Zainab and now he's been led astray by Tamwar. What a family! That's pretty horrible for Masood - Tamwar was his last hope and he's been lied to so many times."
Does Masood have what it takes to ever get the upper hand with Yusef? Are they well-matched?
"The way I always describe them is as two dogs on a leash! If you let them go, they will go for each other - they're like boys in the playground. Masood is much more emotional and reactive than Yusef, but the warehouse thing also proved Masood to be quite manipulative as well. If they could, I think they'd love to have a big punch-up to sort it out! I think they've got it right with this one - I think most men would fight to save their family, even knowing he was likely to lose. When EastEnders works best is when everyone relates to the character and feels they would do the same in the same situation. I think that's happened a lot with the Masoods, because they're a domestic unit and their situations touch people's lives, no matter what culture they're from."
JustJodi
14-06-2011, 10:10
I like Massod I hate Zainab
Me tooo me tooo LizAnn
EastEnders' Masood Ahmed faces a race against time to save his family this week as Yusef Khan's evil scheming escalates.
When Zainab (Nina Wadia) makes a desperate attempt to get out of the planned move to Pakistan, Yusef (Ace Bhatti) fights back by taking Kamil away from her and refusing to reveal where he is until she is a more obedient wife.
Masood is horrified to discover that his son is no longer on the Square and initially suspects that Zainab is trying to stop him from seeing the youngster before the move. However, he soon discovers the ordeal that Zainab is suffering at Yusef's hands.
In the run-up to EastEnders' explosive Christmas episodes, Masood must figure out a way to beat the odds and save both Kamil and Zainab. Will he be successful?
Here, Nitin Ganatra - who plays Masood - chats to Digital Spy about the storyline.
How do you feel about playing such a big part in EastEnders' Christmas storyline this year?
"It's very exciting to get a big Christmas plot! I think EastEnders is the most exciting show to be a part of at Christmas. It's also flattering that our executive producer Bryan Kirkwood and the storyliners feel that these characters can carry Christmas episodes. I'm very, very happy."
Masood seems to have taken a bit of a step back when it comes to Zainab recently. Why is that?
"Well, I think Masood has been pushed to the end of his rope where Zainab is concerned! There's only so much that a man can take. I think finally he just gave up and thought, 'Do what you want'. I think that's a very human thing. Like the best characters, Masood isn't perfect - and that's what makes him interesting.
"I think the storyliners would have done Masood a discredit if they'd just kept him as the nice guy. Not only would that be boring to play, it would be boring to write for. What's nice about Masood is that he can be quite funny, but he can also be quite dark. He's multifaceted and that means that he's not predictable. On the street, I'm being applauded for leaving Zainab and people are telling me, 'Let them make their own mess!'"
With Zainab out of the picture, how strong are Masood's feelings for Jane?
"I think it's nice that we've seen Masood seek out his own happiness, and people on the street are also applauding me for going off with Jane! Jane is his best friend and he definitely has strong feelings for her. I think there's split opinions among the viewers, as some people really like Masood and Zainab together, and others really like Masood and Jane.
"I do think Masood really loves Jane and he cares about her. It also seems a lot more effortless with Jane - there's no real strain in their relationship. We've been building up to this for about two years now, so it's lovely to go back to it."
How is Masood feeling about Zainab's plans to take Kamil to Pakistan with her?
"I think, by this point, Masood has accepted being separated from Zainab - but what he can't accept is losing his family, especially Kamil. So that's what is troubling him the most at the moment - he knows that the family all moving away will break his heart."
What happens when Masood discovers Yusef has taken Kamil away?
"Masood goes crazy over this! I've got kids myself, and I know I'd react the same way if I found out that some other guy had taken my child to somebody's house who the child doesn't even know. Masood is still the only person who can see Yusef for what he really is, so he goes into a blind panic over the situation.
"Masood calls in the police, and they make sure that Kamil is safe, but we're left to wonder if he will stay that way. The police say that they can't get involved in domestic disputes, so Masood says, 'Well, what about the father's rights? If a mother reported this, you'd see it as kidnap'. I thought that was a great line and really interesting - I think in that moment, Masood's representing a lot of fathers who have separated or divorced and don't have access to their children in the same way."
What can you tell us about Masood discovering Yusef's abuse of Zainab?
"At first, Masood is quite suspicious of Zainab and thinks that she's trying to stop him from seeing Kamil. But when he talks to Denise, he starts to see things differently. It's been really, really good to work with Diane Parish as Masood doesn't often get to mix with the other characters.
"Masood tells Denise, 'It's just another one of Zainab's dramas', but then there comes a point where he sees bruises on Zainab. Then Masood becomes very concerned for Zainab in a very genuine way. It also might reignite something between the two of them as well, as they have to work together to solve these problems."
Is it hard for Masood when he can't rescue Zainab straight away?
"Definitely. Masood says to her, 'I could save you now - but we have to put our son first'. With Kamil still away, they can't let Yusef know that anything is amiss, so that means Zainab has to go back to the lion's den. It's such a painful decision for Masood to make, because he'd love to jump in there and beat the hell out of Yusef, but that could mean that Yusef would hurt Kamil. Masood has to risk Zainab's life in order to protect Kamil, so you can see how high the drama gets in these episodes.
"It's such a complex drama to play out, and the writers and the storyliners have done an amazing job on it. The build-up is great - and this is only the episodes running up to Christmas Eve, where they're trying to find Kamil. There's lots happening on Christmas Day and Boxing Day too."
What can you say about the explosive Christmas Day and Boxing Day episodes?
"Well, what's great about these Christmas episodes is that they build and build and build. Soaps can sometimes put all of their eggs in one basket for Christmas Day and it can become a very sensationalist episode. But this hasn't been blocked out in that way. Instead, we're building the drama and even Christmas Day builds up to Boxing Day. The episodes are really good and I'm really proud of them.
"What you'll see is that on Christmas Eve, just when you think that it's okay, it goes wrong. On Christmas Day, it's the same - it goes wrong again as there's another twist. And then on Boxing Day, it's really explosive and there's a big spectacle. But I'm not allowed to say any more than that!"
Have you had a chance to watch any of the episodes back yet?
"I haven't, as I tend to just watch the episodes as they go out, so I've only seen what we've filmed. But I know they're great and they're not as sensationalist as you might expect. It's clever storylining and a clever script. With every episode, you just can't wait to see the next one."
Masood and Syed seem to be on better terms these days. Moving forward, do you think that could be explored more or does Masood fully accept him now?
"At the moment I'm not sure as it hasn't been discussed, but I would like to do more with Syed. I think the Syed and Zainab story has been very, very strong and has been explored in-depth, but I haven't really had a chance to do father/son stuff. I look forward to exploring that.
"At the moment, they have spoken but I'm not really sure where the two characters are at. But I do have some lovely scenes with Tamwar coming up. It's not often we get scenes with just the two of us, but when we do, I really, really enjoy it."
How are you spending the holidays?
"I'm not going to be here for the Christmas episodes going out, but I'm sure that I'll start receiving texts and phone calls if they're good! It's my first holiday in five years - I'm off to Mauritius and I'm looking forward to it!"
JustJodi
19-12-2011, 10:01
EXPLOSIVE seems to be the operative word LOL sounds good :-) I really like Masood :-)
EastEnders fans get a glimpse of Masood Ahmed's mischievous past next week as his younger brother AJ arrives in Walford.
AJ (Phaldut Sharma) is a cheeky chancer who never misses an opportunity for excitement, and with Zainab away at a Minute Mart brand event for a few days, Masood seizes the opportunity to enjoy some childish fun. However, it's not long until the pair inadvertently cross bad boy Derek Branning…
Digital Spy recently caught up with Nitin Ganatra, who plays Masood, to hear about the latest developments for his screen family.
How do you feel about Masood's brother AJ joining EastEnders?
"It's great! I always feel very confident, happy and excited about having a new character to play against, but especially if it's a family member - because the Masoods are always about family.
"The viewers may remember that I did have scenes with an older brother a long time ago - a character called Inzamam. But this time they've brought in a younger brother to stir up Masood's life, and that has exciting prospects."
Has AJ's arrival been in the pipeline for a while?
"Yes, they did say a while ago that it's what they were planning. We went through a list of ideas of how it would affect Masood, what their relationship would be - and then of course, who would be best to play that part."
You've worked with Phaldut Sharma before, haven't you?
"Yes I have, and I thoroughly recommended Phaldut's work. I've worked with him several times - on a short film called The Drop, a comedy series for Channel 4 called Meet The Magoons and also in theatre, in a show called To Eat With Your Fingers.
"So we've worked together many, many times - particularly in comedy. Given that they wanted Masood and AJ to be very funny together and get up to all sorts of shenanigans, I couldn't think of anyone more perfect to play the part."
Had Masood and AJ lost touch in recent years?
"They did lose touch, and I think there's a backstory emerging where they had a falling out, due to Zainab having a bitter argument with AJ's wife about something or other! It's still not clear exactly what, but these things tend to unravel as the character evolves. It's been three years since they've spoken, so it is a reunion for them."
© BBC
How will AJ's arrival impact Masood?
"Well, what's interesting for me as an actor is that AJ's arrival allows us to see what Masood was like before he got married. At the moment, Masood only exists from the point he got married to Zainab - as that's all we really know about him.
"So by opening this door, you get to see what Masood was like in his childhood and as a teenager. Masood did have a naughty streak - he was in a band with his brother, and they got up to mischief. Masood is the sort of character who has been put on the straight and narrow after getting married. But prior to that, he was a teenager like any other - getting into trouble, and that was in cahoots with his brother AJ!"
Does Masood wish he was a bit more like carefree AJ?
"Well, after 29 years of being settled down, Masood looks at a carefree younger brother with no responsibilities, no children and no stress of having to provide for a family. So I think in the back of his mind, he longs for the life that AJ is living.
"Similarly, I think AJ longs for what Masood has. AJ is suffering from loneliness, he hasn't had kids, and when we see him, we discover that he's having marital problems. So I think they want each other's lives, which is quite a nice dynamic to play."
Is there lots of tension between Zainab and AJ?
"Yeah, I think we're going to have some fun scenes between those two! It's not necessarily that Zainab doesn't like AJ, it's just that whenever he's around, Masood gets into trouble. He's that kind of brother and they have that kind of relationship. There's also some animosity due to the emerging backstory between Zainab and AJ's wife."
© BBC
Derek Branning also gives Masood and AJ some grief next week. Is Masood intimidated by Derek, or does he stand up to him?
"Masood is one of those characters who, when forced to stand up for himself, he will. He'd do anything for a quiet life, but if his family gets threatened - as you saw at Christmas - he'll do anything.
"But the falling-out with Derek is actually quite a funny storyline - it's not anything too dark or shady. It's to do with the fact that AJ and Masood get up to their antics, run around the Square in a shopping trolley and break the wing mirror on Derek's car. He wants it fixed, but it's not Masood who gets the black eye, let's put it that way!"
It's fair to say that we saw a darker side to Masood last year. Are you hoping that isn't forgotten about?
"I do hope we get to see more range in Masood, yes. It was really fun for me to explore a darker side, because it just means that the character doesn't become too predictable. What's lovely about Masood and what keeps me interested as an actor is that he can play light and dark - he's a very flexible, malleable character.
"That's exciting for me to play. There is a lot of light and dark, and I think at the moment we are concentrating on the lighter side. But I have a feeling that it may get dark again…"
Masood and Zainab also set a date for their wedding next week. Will it be a low-key occasion or a big ceremony?
"I don't know - the Masood and Zainab wedding has been much debated! I think there was a point where it was going to be low-key, but I know that Nina and I would love to do a big Bollywood dance number. Well, Nina would!
"None of that has resolved itself yet, so we don't know where the wedding is going to go yet. They're keeping us in the dark over that, so it'll be a nice surprise either way."
Were you sad to see Meryl Fernandes (Afia) leave the show recently?
"Yes of course, because we all work together so closely and we have such fun. We do behave like a real family at times. It was a big surprise to see Afia go and I don't think any of us saw it coming, but I'm sure in the story office there's a huge, big jigsaw that they're busy putting together.
"It was very emotional and we were all a bit teary-eyed on her leaving day. It was especially emotional for Himesh [Patel], as they'd been working very closely together."
© BBC
Our readers are still very passionate about Christian and Syed. Can we expect to see them interacting with the family more?
"I don't know for sure, but I think they're working on a story for them at the moment, so I think there will be more of them interacting with the family.
"Zainab and Masood have accepted Christian now, as we saw in the scene where they all sat round the dinner table and did a toast. So I think the animosity has gone and the story has developed. I haven't seen any scripts yet, but I hope the Masoods will be much more of a big family with a delinquent uncle, gay son and their gay son's boyfriend. A typical Asian household in Albert Square!"
What's the atmosphere like on set with the new boss Lorraine Newman in charge?
"Everyone seems quite chirpy and happy. Lorraine has been on this show for such a long time - she knows EastEnders like the back of her hand, so everyone feels very confident and happy because we're in safe hands.
"Lorraine knows the show so well and everybody knows Lorraine, so it doesn't feel like a new boss, to be honest. You can trust her opinion on things because she knows the characters so well."
Is there also buzz on set with Letitia Dean being back as Sharon?
"Yeah, there is a buzz with Letitia being back. Obviously I'm not even sure if I'll get to work with her, because I don't know whether Masood and Sharon will ever cross paths. It would be great if they do, but if you watch the show carefully, there are a lot of characters who actually never get to meet each other.
"We pass each other in the corridor as actors, but I've never done a scene with Michael Moon, for example. And when Lacey Turner was in the show, in the three years that I'd known her, I think I'd said about one sentence to her as a character. But I do hope that myself and Letitia get to work together - we'll have to wait and see!"
EastEnders fans get a glimpse of Masood Ahmed's mischievous past next week as his younger brother AJ arrives in Walford.
AJ (Phaldut Sharma) is a cheeky chancer who never misses an opportunity for excitement, and with Zainab away at a Minute Mart brand event for a few days, Masood seizes the opportunity to enjoy some childish fun. However, it's not long until the pair inadvertently cross bad boy Derek Branning…
Digital Spy recently caught up with Nitin Ganatra, who plays Masood, to hear about the latest developments for his screen family.
How do you feel about Masood's brother AJ joining EastEnders?
"It's great! I always feel very confident, happy and excited about having a new character to play against, but especially if it's a family member - because the Masoods are always about family.
"The viewers may remember that I did have scenes with an older brother a long time ago - a character called Inzamam. But this time they've brought in a younger brother to stir up Masood's life, and that has exciting prospects."
Has AJ's arrival been in the pipeline for a while?
"Yes, they did say a while ago that it's what they were planning. We went through a list of ideas of how it would affect Masood, what their relationship would be - and then of course, who would be best to play that part."
You've worked with Phaldut Sharma before, haven't you?
"Yes I have, and I thoroughly recommended Phaldut's work. I've worked with him several times - on a short film called The Drop, a comedy series for Channel 4 called Meet The Magoons and also in theatre, in a show called To Eat With Your Fingers.
"So we've worked together many, many times - particularly in comedy. Given that they wanted Masood and AJ to be very funny together and get up to all sorts of shenanigans, I couldn't think of anyone more perfect to play the part."
Had Masood and AJ lost touch in recent years?
"They did lose touch, and I think there's a backstory emerging where they had a falling out, due to Zainab having a bitter argument with AJ's wife about something or other! It's still not clear exactly what, but these things tend to unravel as the character evolves. It's been three years since they've spoken, so it is a reunion for them."
How will AJ's arrival impact Masood?
"Well, what's interesting for me as an actor is that AJ's arrival allows us to see what Masood was like before he got married. At the moment, Masood only exists from the point he got married to Zainab - as that's all we really know about him.
"So by opening this door, you get to see what Masood was like in his childhood and as a teenager. Masood did have a naughty streak - he was in a band with his brother, and they got up to mischief. Masood is the sort of character who has been put on the straight and narrow after getting married. But prior to that, he was a teenager like any other - getting into trouble, and that was in cahoots with his brother AJ!"
Does Masood wish he was a bit more like carefree AJ?
"Well, after 29 years of being settled down, Masood looks at a carefree younger brother with no responsibilities, no children and no stress of having to provide for a family. So I think in the back of his mind, he longs for the life that AJ is living.
"Similarly, I think AJ longs for what Masood has. AJ is suffering from loneliness, he hasn't had kids, and when we see him, we discover that he's having marital problems. So I think they want each other's lives, which is quite a nice dynamic to play."
Is there lots of tension between Zainab and AJ?
"Yeah, I think we're going to have some fun scenes between those two! It's not necessarily that Zainab doesn't like AJ, it's just that whenever he's around, Masood gets into trouble. He's that kind of brother and they have that kind of relationship. There's also some animosity due to the emerging backstory between Zainab and AJ's wife."
Derek Branning also gives Masood and AJ some grief next week. Is Masood intimidated by Derek, or does he stand up to him?
"Masood is one of those characters who, when forced to stand up for himself, he will. He'd do anything for a quiet life, but if his family gets threatened - as you saw at Christmas - he'll do anything.
"But the falling-out with Derek is actually quite a funny storyline - it's not anything too dark or shady. It's to do with the fact that AJ and Masood get up to their antics, run around the Square in a shopping trolley and break the wing mirror on Derek's car. He wants it fixed, but it's not Masood who gets the black eye, let's put it that way!"
It's fair to say that we saw a darker side to Masood last year. Are you hoping that isn't forgotten about?
"I do hope we get to see more range in Masood, yes. It was really fun for me to explore a darker side, because it just means that the character doesn't become too predictable. What's lovely about Masood and what keeps me interested as an actor is that he can play light and dark - he's a very flexible, malleable character.
"That's exciting for me to play. There is a lot of light and dark, and I think at the moment we are concentrating on the lighter side. But I have a feeling that it may get dark again…"
Masood and Zainab also set a date for their wedding next week. Will it be a low-key occasion or a big ceremony?
"I don't know - the Masood and Zainab wedding has been much debated! I think there was a point where it was going to be low-key, but I know that Nina and I would love to do a big Bollywood dance number. Well, Nina would!
"None of that has resolved itself yet, so we don't know where the wedding is going to go yet. They're keeping us in the dark over that, so it'll be a nice surprise either way."
Were you sad to see Meryl Fernandes (Afia) leave the show recently?
"Yes of course, because we all work together so closely and we have such fun. We do behave like a real family at times. It was a big surprise to see Afia go and I don't think any of us saw it coming, but I'm sure in the story office there's a huge, big jigsaw that they're busy putting together.
"It was very emotional and we were all a bit teary-eyed on her leaving day. It was especially emotional for Himesh [Patel], as they'd been working very closely together."
Our readers are still very passionate about Christian and Syed. Can we expect to see them interacting with the family more?
"I don't know for sure, but I think they're working on a story for them at the moment, so I think there will be more of them interacting with the family.
"Zainab and Masood have accepted Christian now, as we saw in the scene where they all sat round the dinner table and did a toast. So I think the animosity has gone and the story has developed. I haven't seen any scripts yet, but I hope the Masoods will be much more of a big family with a delinquent uncle, gay son and their gay son's boyfriend. A typical Asian household in Albert Square!"
What's the atmosphere like on set with the new boss Lorraine Newman in charge?
"Everyone seems quite chirpy and happy. Lorraine has been on this show for such a long time - she knows EastEnders like the back of her hand, so everyone feels very confident and happy because we're in safe hands.
"Lorraine knows the show so well and everybody knows Lorraine, so it doesn't feel like a new boss, to be honest. You can trust her opinion on things because she knows the characters so well."
Is there also buzz on set with Letitia Dean being back as Sharon?
"Yeah, there is a buzz with Letitia being back. Obviously I'm not even sure if I'll get to work with her, because I don't know whether Masood and Sharon will ever cross paths. It would be great if they do, but if you watch the show carefully, there are a lot of characters who actually never get to meet each other.
"We pass each other in the corridor as actors, but I've never done a scene with Michael Moon, for example. And when Lacey Turner was in the show, in the three years that I'd known her, I think I'd said about one sentence to her as a character. But I do hope that myself and Letitia get to work together - we'll have to wait and see!"
EastsEnders star Nitin Ganatra has revealed that he is keen to explore Masood Ahmed's "wild side" in the coming months.
Masood will soon be a single man again as his long-time partner Zainab (Nina Wadia) bows out from Albert Square at the end of this week.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Ganatra promised that his character still has a bright future in Walford despite Zainab's departure.
Ganatra commented: "It was very sad to see the end of that relationship, but the positive side is that we can explore a new side to Masood now. I'm an optimist - when one door shuts, another will open. And I'm very excited by what our executive producer Lorraine Newman has planned.
"It'd be great to see Masood's wild side finally come out - the party animal! It's something that I've pitched to the writers, so if I talk about it enough, they might just go with it!"
He continued: "It would be nice if one of Masood's ex-girlfriends turned up and revealed what he was like in his early years, before he was a practising Muslim. It would have to be someone like, well… a shorter Uma Thurman, I reckon!"
In the meantime, Masood strikes up a bond with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) next week as he helps her out at the café.
Discussing the pair's new spark, Ganatra added: "There may well be a hint of something there. Lindsey Coulson is one of my favourite actresses. She's very funny and quirky.
"It's often the case in EastEnders that you don't get to interact with too many different characters. But now the doors are open, Masood should flirt with all the ladies!"
EastEnders airs Zainab's final episode on Friday (February 8) at 8pm on BBC One.
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has warned that his character Masood Ahmed won't let Carol Jackson go without a fight.
Masood and Carol (Lindsey Coulson) have enjoyed an on-off romance in recent months, but everything could change when David Wicks makes his return in September.
Fans know that Carol still has unresolved feelings for David (Michael French) after he left her without saying goodbye in early 2012.
Nitin Ganatra, who plays Masood, told Inside Soap: "His return puts a big spanner in the works for Masood and Carol.
"By that point, they're very much a proper couple, so we're going to see Masood step up and fight for Carol in a very noble way - but it doesn't make him appear too insecure."
He added: "I love working with Lindsey. She has a really weird giggle, and she pulls faces because she can never take a compliment. She also rehearses her own dialogue out loud, like a crazy lady!"
EastEnders bosses have confirmed that David makes his return with new girlfriend Naomi, played by Lisa Maxwell, who will be appearing for one episode.
EastEnders fans will see Masood make a discovery about estranged wife Zainab next week.
While talking to son Kamil via a video call, Masood (Nitin Ganatra) soon discovers he has got a new friend called Haroon.
Tamwar looks uncomfortable about this but when Masood buys presents for Kamil and his new friend, Tamwar is forced to reveal that Haroon is Zainab's new fiancé.
Viewers will know that Masood is currently in a relationship with Carol Jackson, but will the news about Zainab make him more determined to hold onto her?
Meanwhile, Carol has made a shocking discovery of her own when it becomes apparent that she has a lump on her breast.
This will be the start of a dark time for the character as it is later revealed that she has breast cancer.
EastEnders recently confirmed the storyline, which will see the return of Carol's daughter Sonia, played by Natalie Cassidy.
EastEnders airs these scenes on Tuesday, December 10 and Friday, December 13 on BBC One.
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has revealed that he wants Laurie Brett to make another return to the soap.
Brett was seen briefly reprising her role as Jane Beale earlier this month, but she is currently still a cast member on fellow BBC One show Waterloo Road.
Ganatra, who plays Masood Ahmed, told Inside Soap: "There's a chance we might be getting Laurie back, but I don't know yet. It would be great to have more scenes between Masood and Jane, though. Their friendship was so successful because they could never be together - but people were at their television sets screaming, 'Well, they should be!'
"Their relationship had the forbidden element that kept audiences hooked. If Jane returned to Walford, what would the dynamic be now? That's a tricky one to decide!"
Masood's current storyline sees him on a downward spiral following recent setbacks in his life. Ganatra admitted that he is currently unsure of how long the plot will run for.
He said: "Masood is one of the nice guys, so you're very limited with how far you can take him. But our new boss Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] has said yes to taking Masood down a darker path and seeing where it goes. That's the exciting thing about EastEnders now - we're all in the dark about the twists that the storylines will take, which is kind of nice!
"It's been great to film and we have some brilliant scenes coming up. I've been doing a lot of drunk acting, and for someone like Masood who hasn't had a drink in 25 years, it's a hard one to play. I'm not sure if I've succeeded yet!"
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has promised that his character Masood Ahmed's ongoing troubles will be a long-running storyline.
Masood has headed down a darker path in recent episodes by gambling, drinking alcohol and even stealing his son Tamwar's university fund.
Next week, viewers will see Masood appear to make steps towards turning his life around again when his daughter Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar) intervenes, but Ganatra has warned that everything may not be as it seems.
He told Soaplife: "EastEnders have given him a downward spiral that lasts for a good length of time. Shabnam is home and she is going to try to clean him up a little bit.
"But just because he washes his hair, has a shave and changes his underwear doesn't mean that he is okay. When somebody is that low, you don't expect them to recover in the next episode."
http://i2.cdnds.net/14/04/618x430/soaps-eastenders-4799-12.jpg
A broken Masood sits on the curb.
© BBC
A broken Masood sits on the curb.
Praising the story, he added: "It's nice to play the opposite of the chirpy, cheerful postman. They are really degrading Masood and I think that is revitalising the character. He is evolving."
Masood's recent mistakes have followed a tough 12 months for the character, including the breakdown of his long relationship with Zainab and the death of his mother.
EastEnders continues tomorrow (January 30) at 7.30pm on BBC One.
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has told Digital Spy that the show's bosses are lining up some big autumn storylines for the Masood family.
The actor, who plays Masood Ahmed, confirmed that he will have a busier filming schedule towards the end of the summer.
While firm plans for the family are currently under wraps, show chiefs have previously teased that Masood's daughter Shabnam is hiding a big secret.
Ganatra told Digital Spy "I still don't know what the secret is! We were told a while ago that there was a secret, but then it went very, very quiet. Then recently someone mentioned the secret, so I think it's back on the cards.
"I think with the Masoods, it's going to start taking place in September. We'll start filming round about August and then the storylines will kick in around September time, leading up to Christmas."
Ganatra also said that he hopes viewers haven't seen the last of Masood's darker side, which was explored on screen at the beginning of the year.
He explained: "I really hope that they continue to explore the darker Masood. It was nice to play. The character was getting a little bit boring for me to play - it was the same old reasonable guy.
"It was a suggestion that I came up with - that he'd go down a darker path because he's a man struggling with his life falling apart. It was really well-received. The writers loved it and they wrote some fantastic dialogue for it. Rumour has it that we're going to carry on building on that. Fingers crossed."
Ganatra also ruled out a reunion for Masood and Carol Jackson following David Wicks's departure from the show.
He laughed: "Masood lost Carol to her ex, he lost Jane to her ex and he lost Zainab to her ex. I'm kind of done with the 'going back to the ex' storyline - it's become a pattern! The problem is, if they have a happy relationship, there's not really much of a story to tell."
EastEnders' Nitin Ganatra has said that there will be fireworks ahead for Masood and his family, as the relationship between himself and his daughter Shabnam is explored.
Shabnam ( Rakhee Thakrar) returned to screens in January, but has experienced quieter times on Albert Square since.
Speaking to Bang Showbiz, Ganatra, who plays Masood, said: "[There are] lots of father-daughter fireworks coming up.
"Shabnam has come back from Pakistan with a very head-strong attitude and it's kind of put the laid-back Masood on his back foot."
"She's a feisty young lady who tells her dad what to do. I think the storylines developing at the moment will kind of be exploring that relationship between father and daughter and switching the roles a little bit hopefully."
Ganatra also said that viewers would see a darker side to Masood as the plot develops.
He said: "We might see a darker Masood, a bit more possessive with his daughter than you usually expect Masood to be.
"So they're going to be exploring this, we might see a wilder side to Shabnam, so everything might get flipped on its head."
Thakrar recently told Digital Spy that the show will delve deeper into exploring Shabnam in a new storyline. Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins also said that the character was one to watch.
tammyy2j
02-06-2015, 00:45
Masood Ahmed's relationship with his daughter Shabnam comes under serious strain on EastEnders next week as he continues to defy her wishes.
Desperate to have his granddaughter in his life, Masood decides to pay a visit to the absent child and even betrays Shabnam's trust by exposing her lies to Shirley Carter.
Here, Nitin Ganatra - who plays Masood - reveals his take on what's to come in the emotional storyline.
How would you describe Shabnam and Masood's relationship at this point?
"There's an intense amount of father and daughter love between Shabnam and Masood - she is his princess. He really cares for her and I don't think she ever stops being daddy's princess.
"There is tension between them as well where she wants to change him. She wants to straighten Masood out a little bit, and because she is so opinionated and stubborn, she's his anchor so to speak. At the same time, Masood drives her mad because he can be a bit reckless and a bit naughty."
How has Shabnam revealing she has a daughter affected their relationship?
"For Masood it is the ultimate betrayal. Masood is a real family man. I think two years ago we talked about Masood in deep crisis, simply because his family didn't need him anymore. His wife didn't need him, Tamwar was all married and grown up, Syed was married and off in Birmingham and Shabnam wasn't there at the time.
"He is a man that exists through being needed and he is a family man. Masood doesn't like being alone - he likes to be around company and hustle and bustle and people who want him.
"So overall, it is the ultimate betrayal - given that he is a family man and kids and family are very important to him. They're also very important in the Asian community. We all come from extended families, your house is always busy with people, so to find out Shabnam had a baby without telling him leads to all sorts of complicated thoughts for Masood. He is a grandfather of a child and he should be looking after his granddaughter."
How does Masood feel about Kush and Shabnam's engagement?
"He is quite happy with the engagement, given that he and Kush get along really well. They are like best buddies! I think originally when they talked about Kush, he was almost like a younger Masood. When Masood was young, he would have been very similar to Kush - a cockney geezer, working on a market stall, ducking and diving! He really likes him. The thing is though, you don't hurt Masood's daughter, and he would hate Kush if he hurt Shabnam in any way."
Why does Masood decide to go and find his granddaughter?
"Masood can't let go of the idea that he has a granddaughter out there somewhere who doesn't know that she has got a loving family which she can go to. It would be wrong of Masood to just ignore that. Shabnam has her own reasons, but for Masood it's all about family, which is a very EastEnders thing - EastEnders is all about family and community. He wants to find this little girl and say, 'Welcome to the Masoods'."
What's going through Masood's mind when he sees Jade, who he believes to be his granddaughter?
"I think he adores her! Jane stops him from getting out the car, but it breaks his heart a little bit - as it would if you were a granddad. There is a little girl here who doesn't know where she is from - she might be okay but that's beside the point."
Do you think Masood is angry at Shabnam when she later reiterates that she wants nothing to do with Jade?
"Oh yeah, Masood is really trying to do his best to get Shabnam to come to terms with it, but she is not having it and ultimately he has to respect that. But then it puts him in a very difficult place because he genuinely wants to be in this child's life and family is everything to him."
Why does Masood then give Jade's address to Shirley?
"I think there is a lot going on in his mind - he wants to get to his granddaughter and he probably sees it as his only option."
Do you think this is something Shabnam and Masood can move on from?
"I hope so!"
We'll also see Carmel and Masood grow closer, won't we?
"Yes, it's nice for Masood to have someone to talk to. I'm not sure quite where it's going to go, but Dom likes the chemistry between the characters, so who knows where they might end up?
"Bonnie Langford is a lot of fun to work with and has fitted into the Masood household brilliantly. She is very funny, all the joking around, but very professional as well."
tammyy2j
04-06-2015, 00:03
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has hinted at a "very upsetting" storyline involving the Masoods.
The actor, who plays Masood Ahmed on the BBC One soap, said that the upcoming plot involving the family will be "sad - but full of heart".
"We're building up to something big that will be on screen in a couple of months' time. It's the first time I've ever got weepy reading a script and it gives me goose pimples just talking about it," he told Radio Times.
"It's a very upsetting storyline. Really sad - but full of heart."
The actor went on to reveal that it will be in the run-up to Kush Kazemi and Shabnam Masood's wedding that problems for the family start to occur.
He said: "It's going to be a fun build-up to the wedding. There are rumours of Carmel and Masood getting it on and there's a lot of comedy. And then we're going to pull the rug out from under you.
"The aftermath of this will run all the way up to Christmas and I'm really excited at the thought of flexing my acting muscles."
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has hinted at a "very upsetting" storyline involving the Masoods.
It sounds like something tragic will happen. Maybe the death of Roya/Jade? I hope not. :(
maidmarian
04-06-2015, 14:27
It sounds like something tragic will happen. Maybe the death of Roya/Jade? I hope not. :(
I did think that but hope thats not the
"upsetting" storyline.!
Also that Dean and his Mummy dont cause
more trouble about Roja which could lead to
problems!!
maidmarian
04-06-2015, 14:28
Dupl
will all his online dates be young is there any around his own age
tammyy2j
18-08-2016, 00:16
Is he and Kamil really leaving and why did Masood leave Kamil all alone while he went out running :angry:
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra to leave Masood Ahmed role
Exclusive: The actor, who has been a mainstay in Walford since 2007, will exit later this year
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra to leave Masood
Actor Nitin Ganatra is to exit EastEnders after nine years in the role of Masood Ahmed, RadioTimes.com can exclusively reveal.
Ganatra, 49, will depart later in 2016, athough the door is being left open should he wish to return at some point in the future.
Speaking this evening about his decision to leave the BBC1 soap, Ganatra told RadioTimes.com: “When I trained as an actor, I set out to play many different characters and never did I know that I would be so fortunate to have found a character that I have loved playing for nine years.
"However, after thinking long and hard, I have decided that it is time to get back out there and take on some other roles. I will of course miss everyone at EastEnders - I have had a brilliant time there, and who knows, one day Masood may be back."
An EastEnders spokesperson added to RT: "We can confirm that Nitin will be leaving EastEnders. Nitin has been a wonderful addition to the cast for the past nine years and we wish him all the best for the future."
Since arriving in the Square in October 2007, the character of postal-worker-turned-market-stall-holder Masood has been involved in no end of drama, including the break-up of his marriage to wife Zainab, his struggle to come to terms with son Syed's homosexuality and a dangerous feud with Zainab's ex-husband Yusef.
Ganatra shared the award for Best On-Screen Partnership with co-star Nina Wadia at the 2009 British Soap Awards and went on to be nominated for Best Actor in both 2010 and 2011.
In recent months, Masood has been left the sole remaining member of his screen family following the departure of daughter Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar) and son Tamwar (Himesh Patel).
Viewers will now have to wait and see whether Masood goes through with his plan to leave Walford and go travelling - and what this means for his burgeoning romance with Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford).
Masood (Nitin Ganatra, right), struggled to accept son Syed's (Marc Elliott) sexuality
The news follows recent reports that several cast members will be leaving the show over the coming months and into the New Year. These include Ronnie (Samantha Womack) and Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), who made a mutual decision with show bosses to leave as part of a joint exit storyline
tammyy2j
28-09-2016, 11:39
Has he left?
I remember his party in The Albert and his chat with Denise but no black cab scene :p
tammyy2j
28-09-2016, 11:39
His house is for rent as Stacey said it
Has he left?
I remember his party in The Albert and his chat with Denise but no black cab scene :p
No black cab .. first exit without or is he needing a lot of time to pack? :p He finished work for definite though :)
EastEnders favourite Zainab is coming back to Albert Square this week - sort of...
Although she won't be returning to Walford in person, she will be making a very important phone call to her old pal Denise.
During the chat, she has HUGE news but begs her friend not to tell her former hubby Masood.
However, this puts Denise in a bit of a tricky situation as she's also super close with the Albert Square postman.
Although she won't be returning to Walford in person, she will be making a very important phone call to her old pal Denise with some news that will impact Masood
Unsurprisingly, she caves within minutes and reveals all to Masood.
But how will he react? And what exactly is all the fuss about?
It's been three years since Zainab packed her suitcase and left Walford. Now, her former hubby has his eyes set on Belinda.
This week, he thinks the gorgeous brunette feels the same way when she agrees to go for a drink with him at the Vic.
Unfortunately though, it turns out she's just after help with her debt problems.
When he realises Belinda is after money, he gives her a shocking ultimatum; he will loan her the cash and if they then keep their relationship strictly professional or she finds the money another way and they make a go of a relationship...
Hmm... What option do you think she'll go for?
Mirror
did she not remarry again
She was due to remarry, but I'm not sure if she did
Ruffed_lemur
06-11-2016, 18:47
Maybe Zainab has got divorced.
Maybe Zainab has got divorced.
I think that she maybe seriously ill, can´t see Masood rushing back and leaving Walford because she is getting married ..
tammyy2j
06-11-2016, 21:46
She was due to remarry, but I'm not sure if she did
Was Kamil sent over for her wedding by Mas, I remember Mas being upset at her moving on and he being single so tried on line dating but I could be wrong
I do think she is sick which is why Mas and Kamil leave
Ruffed_lemur
07-11-2016, 16:56
I think that she maybe seriously ill, can´t see Masood rushing back and leaving Walford because she is getting married ..
I meant getting divorced from her new husband, or splitting up with him.
Masood Ahmed is making his way back to Albert Square a year after bidding all of his friends farewell.
Nitin Ganatra has signed up to reprise his role as Masood later this year as a way to settle brand new members of the Ahmed family in Walford, rather than bringing back any of his established family.
Rear window
03-10-2017, 22:47
Masood Ahmed is making his way back to Albert Square a year after bidding all of his friends farewell.
Nitin Ganatra has signed up to reprise his role as Masood later this year as a way to settle brand new members of the Ahmed family in Walford, rather than bringing back any of his established family.
fab .. a great character
Masood Ahmed is making his way back to Albert Square a year after bidding all of his friends farewell.
Nitin Ganatra has signed up to reprise his role as Masood later this year as a way to settle brand new members of the Ahmed family in Walford, rather than bringing back any of his established family.
Wonder who he is bringing with him ...
mysangry
22-10-2017, 18:26
Great that Maz is coming back and like the idea of a different family instead of his own, just hope there is some strong characters:hmm:
EastEnders are introducing a new family to Albert Square as the first of Masood Ahmed’s relatives have been announced as his aunt and uncle Mariam and Arshad. The couple decide to rent Masood’s house in the new year and will make their debut in Walford after spending much of their lives in London.
Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/15/eastenders-spoilers-masood-ahmed-return-revealed-as-soap-introduces-extended-ahmed-family-7081806/?ito=cbshare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/
Rear window
16-11-2017, 16:37
EastEnders are introducing a new family to Albert Square as the first of Masood Ahmed’s relatives have been announced as his aunt and uncle Mariam and Arshad. The couple decide to rent Masood’s house in the new year and will make their debut in Walford after spending much of their lives in London.
Isn't there someone living there at the moment?
So how is that person leaving?
tammyy2j
16-11-2017, 16:41
Isn't there someone living there at the moment?
So how is that person leaving?
Yes Carmel is there with Shakil and Max too I think
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz-tv/hot-tv/668327/EastEnders-spoilers-Masood-Ahmed-Nitin-Ganatra-uncle-aunt-return-heist
poor Massy jailed?
massy and ian's mama kathy are going to get their flirt on, that will make lovely family dinners get togethers
massy and ian's mama kathy are going to get their flirt on, that will make lovely family dinners get togethers
Romance for them both confirmed
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a847056/eastenders-spoilers-masood-kathy-beale-romance-confirmed/
Romance for them both confirmed
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a847056/eastenders-spoilers-masood-kathy-beale-romance-confirmed/
mas as ian step daddy :p
EastEnders has aired some sad scenes for Masood Ahmed as it has been confirmed that his claims of being a successful businessman have been more than exaggerated – and he is actually living rough in his ice cream van.
Throughout the episode, Masood had been insisting to the likes of Ian Beale that he had made it and found himself unable to admit to his Aunt Mariam and Uncle Arshad that his business was failing. He tried to broach the subject of rent with them but had too much pride to actually admit he was penniless when they asked if he needed money.
Later, he got a bit more sly when he tried to trick Carmel Kazemi out of her house deposit by making out that she had left damage in the property but when she then threatened to expose him as a rogue landlord, he was forced to hand over the cash he owed.
Mariam and Arshad forced Masood to then attend a soiree for his friends and neighbours but as smug Ian put pressure on Masood to prove himself, he couldn’t cope and made his excuses, holing himself up in the ice cream van with only a gas kettle for heat.
As he was cramped up with nowhere comfortable to sleep, the sad situation Masood has found himself in was confirmed – but can he swallow his pride and open up to those who care about him that he needs help?
Or will not wanting to lose face in front of Ian cause him to bottle things up?
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has landed a role in a new play by writer Danny Robbins.
End of the Pier will premiere at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London, and will run from July 11 to August 11.
The cast also includes TV favourites Les Dennis and Blake Harrison (Neil from The Inbetweeners).
End of the Pier centres on Bobby, who was once a successful TV comedian but is now down on his luck and living a life of solitude in between panto performances.
One day he finds himself unwittingly thrust back into the limelight when Michael, the nation's favourite comedian, pays him a visit, asking him to help save his career.
While the role is certainly reason for Nitin to celebrate, EastEnders fans will be worried that it may mean the end of Masood on Albert Square.
The fan favourite returned to EastEnders for a one-off appearance last November and came back full time in January. He had left the soap in October 2016 after playing the role for nine years.
However, we can reveal that fans of Masood need not worry.
EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Nitin will not be leaving, and instead will be working around his other commitments.
Now if only Masood can get his career back on track.
Digital Spy
mysangry
11-04-2018, 19:09
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has landed a role in a new play by writer Danny Robbins.
End of the Pier will premiere at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London, and will run from July 11 to August 11.
The cast also includes TV favourites Les Dennis and Blake Harrison (Neil from The Inbetweeners).
End of the Pier centres on Bobby, who was once a successful TV comedian but is now down on his luck and living a life of solitude in between panto performances.
One day he finds himself unwittingly thrust back into the limelight when Michael, the nation's favourite comedian, pays him a visit, asking him to help save his career.
While the role is certainly reason for Nitin to celebrate, EastEnders fans will be worried that it may mean the end of Masood on Albert Square.
The fan favourite returned to EastEnders for a one-off appearance last November and came back full time in January. He had left the soap in October 2016 after playing the role for nine years.
However, we can reveal that fans of Masood need not worry.
EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Nitin will not be leaving, and instead will be working around his other commitments.
Now if only Masood can get his career back on track.
Digital Spy
PHew that was a worry, Mas is one of the best bits of EE, but he needs a good story, he deserves it.:cheer:
online talk he is leaving again
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a26046732/eastenders-nitin-ganatra-leaving-role-masood-ahmed/
He is leaving but might return once again :)
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.