View Full Version : Preeya Kalidas (Amira Masood) is returning to EastEnders
She left town saddled with a secret pregnancy after her husband revealed that he was gay and getting his end away with one of the curry-stirrers at the family takeaway business - but that's enough about her 'Enders character Amirah Shah, because Preeya Kalidas is now launching a pop career with the booty-shaking bhangra-pop of debut single 'Shimmy'. Feeling as curious as a gossipy old woman about to meet a new neighbour for the first time, we hooked up with the glamorous singer/actress for a chat.
What's 'Shimmy' all about then?
"Well, 'Shimmy' is a vibrant, uptempo, sexy, sassy song that makes you want to dance. The best thing so far has been getting up and performing it - it's getting a great reaction! I'm also getting lots of positive comments on social networking sites so it's very much a case of so far, so good!"
Would you say 'Shimmy' is representative of the Preeya sound?
"Definitely, but people shouldn't expect every song to be like Shimmy. The album reflects my personality and the influences I had growing up, so it's got different aspects to it, but at the same time there's definitely a theme and it's consistent in its sound."
Is the album finished?
"No. We're still working on it but it's nearly there. I've lost count how many tracks we've recorded but we've managed to narrow it down to about eleven I think. I went back in the studio a couple of weeks ago actually because I had a day off and I was missing the creative process and we came up with a great track. Creativity is constant so the album won't be finished until it's in my hands!"
Do you know what the next single's going to be yet?
"Fortunately we've got a choice. I have my favourite and I'm hoping everyone agrees with me, but it's a collective decision so I can't really say yet! The plan as it stands is to release two or maybe three singles and then put out the album."
How involved have you been in the writing side of things?
"Very much so - I've co-written 70% of the album, and even if I didn't write a song, I chose it myself. I've been working with a couple of producers who are part of the RedOne camp, a Swedish production team called Cage Productions, a really successful producer called Cutfather and Labrinth, who produced both of the Tinie Tempah singles."
Labrinth is very much the man of the moment!
"But I met him before he was the man of the moment - or should I say 'boy of the moment' because he's only 21! I'm just so proud of him because he's so incredibly talented."
Has your EastEnders connection been more of a help or a hindrance?
"It's a positive thing because it's a huge show and the viewership is phenomenal. I've had such a fantastic response from the public for playing the character of Amira. A lot of people know me from the show and that can only help - I can talk about what I'm doing now with my music and the EastEnders thing makes it more interesting for people. Nothing's guaranteed though - just because people watched me on the show doesn't mean they'll be into what I'm doing now."
Are you worried people might think you're just having a quick crack at a pop career off the back of your soap stardom?
"People make assumptions all the time. All I can do is get on with what I'm doing and let them know this isn't something I've decided to do because I was on a soap. Music has always been my passion. I've pursued it in the midst of acting - even when I was on EastEnders I was still recording. It just so happens that while I was on the show I got offered a deal. Now I've left the show I'm pursuing music."
Do you have a favourite 'Enders-affiliated single?
"It's got to be 'Anyone Can Fall In Love' by Anita Dobson! Oh, and Michelle Gayle's 'Sweetness' is actually brilliant - it's a great pop tune and she had real success."
As a British Asian artist, have you been inspired by Jay Sean's success in the States?
"Definitely. I've known Jay since he started - I performed with him in Birmingham when I was 16. That's how a long a journey it's been for everyone and it's great to see your peers from that time still doing it and having huge success. Two years ago I hosted the Asian Music Awards and Jay was telling me he'd been dropped by his major label and decided to come back independently. He put a lot of his own money into getting recorded and that definitely inspired me. That week I called up certain producers saying, 'Let's get in the studio', and I paid for the studio time myself."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VrGe0XTJhA
sindydoll
26-07-2010, 13:28
dont like this at all!
Preeya Kalidas has revealed that she would like to become a role model.
The former EastEnders actress released her debut single 'Shimmy' this week and told the Daily Star that she would not be stripping-off to sell her music.
"I like to be sexy but mostly I like to feel classy," she said.
"I'd like to bring a bit of sophistication back to pop and be a positive role model."
The 29-year-old has admitted that she would "never say never" to returning to the BBC soap.
tammyy2j
28-07-2010, 13:55
Her dancing is awful in the video
it is like something my 8 year old daughter would make up as a song with her friends.. I can't see pop career going far at all, best she wasn't killed off in EE.. I probably would have prefer her if she did more indian style music instead of trying to be a Rihanna/Beyonce type person.. FAILED!!
EX-EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas has been dropped by her record label after her debut single flopped.
Preeya, 29, who quit the soap this year for a pop career, limped to 85 in the charts last month with her track Shimmy.
She had already recorded album Constant Cravings, which will not now be released by Mercury.
Bosses had expected the single to do better after Preeya - who played gay Syed Masood's wife Amira - appeared on shows like The National Lottery and Loose Women to promote it.
But an insider said: "Shimmy got very little radio or TV airplay, which is vital for a first single. Bosses thought the album wouldn't do much better."
A spokesman for Preeya said: "There was a difference of opinion with Mercury about the direction she should go in. If Mercury is not the right label, there are others who are interested."
He added that she would feature on grime artist Skepta's new single Cross My Heart next month - and planned to release her next song in November on a different label.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3102002/Preeya-Kalidas-dropped-by-label-after-debut-single-bombs.html#ixzz0x2J4Iyq2
EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has teased that a former character could make a return to the soap.
Asked if there is anyone he would like to bring back to Albert Square, Kirkwood admitted that there is but refused to name the individual.
"I'm going to keep that close to my chest for now," he told ITV's This Morning. When questioned if this was because it "might happen", he responded: "Very possibly."
Since taking over from Diederick Santer, the former Hollyoaks executive has overseen the returns of Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie as Kat and Alfie Moon.
It was also recently announced that Nicola Stapleton will reprise her role as Mandy Salter, 17 years after leaving Walford.
Meanwhile, discussing the characters who will have an "eventful" summer in the programme, Kirkwood said: "Well there's a few actually. The Moon Brothers - Tyler, Michael and Anthony. Eddie has his fair share. Max and Tanya have a bundle of fun over the summer months as well."
Chloe O'brien
17-06-2011, 11:58
If it up to the boses of EE I think they would chose to bring back someone like Grunt, but if ex characters are asked if they're were given the chance would they return, there would be a queue a mile long.
tammyy2j
17-06-2011, 12:36
My guess is someone linked to Kat or Alfie maybe Little Mo or Spencer or Jake perhaps
I like to see Sharon back
Chloe O'brien
17-06-2011, 12:48
Or it could be Zoe back to meet her baby brother.
tammyy2j
17-06-2011, 12:50
Or it could be Zoe back to meet her baby brother.
Wasnt Zoe pregnant by Den? What happened to that baby?
Wasnt Zoe pregnant by Den? What happened to that baby?
no she faked a pregnancy for Dennis.. and slept with Den to see if she could get pregnant to hide the lie
tammyy2j
17-06-2011, 12:59
no she faked a pregnancy for Dennis.. and slept with Den to see if she could get pregnant to hide the lie
I thought she did get pregnant
I thought she did get pregnant
Yeah.. think she had an abortion on the advice of Chrissy before they do Den in...
I think the person coming back is the one we already know .. Mandy Slater
He must know that that is common knowledge, surely
parkerman
17-06-2011, 13:57
I reckon it will be Dirty Den. He's done it once, what's to stop him returning from the dead a second time?
tammyy2j
17-06-2011, 13:57
On another board it mentions Amira is coming back
On another board it mentions Amira is coming back
that wouldn't surprise me either.. and baby in tow
That would tie in with their baby adopting storyline ...
Jakes_stuff
17-06-2011, 18:44
I remember reading a Q&A session with the producers of EE a few months back, and one of the questions was 'Will Sharon Rickman ever return to the square?' - there was not a straight answer given just 'Well, with Ronnie leaving there is an opening for a tragic blonde heroine.........'
no more tragic blondes, please
parkerman
17-06-2011, 19:17
That's not what Jack says!
I reckon it will be Dirty Den. He's done it once, what's to stop him returning from the dead a second time?I reckon it has to be Webcam Man or the Poison Dwarf. Of course they could appeal to the Shannis fans by Bringing back Dennis Woodman and Miss Piggy and her black leather jacket
Chloe O'brien
17-06-2011, 23:08
Your all wrong. It's Nasty Nick Cotton.
Dutchgirl
18-06-2011, 11:17
I reckon it has to be Webcam Man or the Poison Dwarf. Of course they could appeal to the Shannis fans by Bringing back Dennis Woodman and Miss Piggy and her black leather jacket
I just hate it when you call Letitae like that.
Preeya Kalidas is returning to EastEnders – and is set to ruin her on-screen husband’s civil *partnership plans.
Her character Amira Masood fled Walford in April after finding out partner Syed was in love with Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
Syed, played by Marc Elliott, wants to marry his gay lover – but Amira has no plans to make things easy.
A show insider said: “Amira left Walford a heartbroken woman. When she finds out Syed is planning to marry Christian she is furious.
“Amira is manipulative and her presence looks set to turn the lives of the Masoods upside down.
“The question is, has she moved on from her husband or will she do whatever she can to get him back? Only time will tell.”
Preeya, 31, who had left to focus on her music career, begins filming in the next few weeks. She will be seen on screen in late autumn.
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk
Wrong forum, this is Music Discussion, not EastEnders spoilers
tammyy2j
11-07-2011, 11:09
Preeya Kalidas is returning to EastEnders – and is set to ruin her on-screen husband’s civil *partnership plans.
Her character Amira Masood fled Walford in April after finding out partner Syed was in love with Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
Syed, played by Marc Elliott, wants to marry his gay lover – but Amira has no plans to make things easy.
A show insider said: “Amira left Walford a heartbroken woman. When she finds out Syed is planning to marry Christian she is furious.
“Amira is manipulative and her presence looks set to turn the lives of the Masoods upside down.
“The question is, has she moved on from her husband or will she do whatever she can to get him back? Only time will tell.”
Preeya, 31, who had left to focus on her music career, begins filming in the next few weeks. She will be seen on screen in late autumn.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/tv/2011/07/11/former-eastenders-star-preeya-kalidas-returns-to-albert-square-115875-23262683/
Preeya Kalidas is returning to EastEnders – and is set to ruin her on-screen husband’s civil *partnership plans.
Will she have a baby with her?
I would think so, I can't imagine Amira leaving the baby with somebody else plus it would provide an interesting factor into the adoption storyline
tammyy2j
11-07-2011, 15:29
Would Syed have to have his marriage to Amira annuled or divorce her before he can "marry" Christian or has he already?
They should kill off Amira and give Syed and Christian the baby
Chloe O'brien
12-07-2011, 19:44
They should kill off Amira and give Syed and Christian the baby
Careful Lizann someone just might steel your idea and use it in the Christmas special.
sean slater
03-08-2011, 22:52
From the magazines it looks like Amira has a girl.
Digital Spy readers have given Amira's shock EastEnders return their backing.
Last month, actress Preeya Kalidas confirmed that she will reprise her role as Syed Masood's (Marc Elliott) ex-wife Amira Shah.
Albert Square fans last saw pregnant Amira in April 2010, when she left Walford behind after discovering Syed's affair with Christian (John Partridge).
In an exclusive Digital Spy poll, 80.5% of voters backed Amira's sure-to-be dramatic return to the Masoods' lives. The remaining 19.5% are less than thrilled at the prospect of trouble for the popular Walford couple.
Details of Amira's October return are sketchy right now, but we'd guess that Dr Yusef will be involved. What could all this mean for Christian and Syed's engagement and adoption plans? We can't wait to find out.
I was wondering when she would return I mean as soon as they brought up adoption I knew she would have to come back
I was wondering when she would return I mean as soon as they brought up adoption I knew she would have to come back
I believe it is going to be in September/October this year
Got this from another forum:
Preeya's just been on the BBC Asian Network and she said that Amira's being held prisoner by her dad in a £2 million home .
She also said that Amira's had a baby girl and that she returns to Walford after defying her father.
There'll be scene/s available on the red button on 8th September but Amira's official return will be in October.
Sounds interesting if true. :thumbsup:
Confirmation from DS:
EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas has today revealed the first official details of her character Amira Shah's return storyline.
Kalidas recently signed up to make a comeback as Amira, who departed Albert Square in April 2010 after learning that her husband Syed (Marc Elliott) had been having an affair with Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
However, Amira left Walford with a secret of her own as she was expecting Syed's baby.
Speaking of her return on BBC Asian Network this morning, Kalidas commented: "It's actually really exciting. I'm quite excited to go back and face the wrath of Syed and Christian!"
The 31-year-old confirmed that Amira went ahead with the pregnancy and will "come back with a little girl" later this year.
Asked what viewers can expect from the storyline, Kalidas replied: "Drama - a lot of drama. It's going to get emotional - it's EastEnders, it's got to! She's having a tough time of it - she's a defiant woman who's defying her dad, and she comes back to the Square and ends up facing the man who broke her heart."
Kalidas also explained that Amira will feature in special scenes filmed especially for the BBC's red button service, which are due to air next month.
"I just filmed last week a BBC red button, which I think will be shown on the 8th and 9th of September," she said. "And then my official return to the Square will be in October. Next month, on the red button, you'll see her in her £2 million pad, where she's been held a prisoner by her dad!"
Dutchgirl
08-08-2011, 13:47
Sounds promising. Shame we do not have access to the red button!
tammyy2j
08-08-2011, 13:48
Is she still with Marc (Syed) in real life?
I remember hearing they were dating
Dutchgirl
08-08-2011, 13:49
Maybe you can check it at IMDB? They would make a nice couple.
tammyy2j
08-08-2011, 14:18
Maybe a mod might please change the title of this thread to - Preeya Kalidas (Amira Masood) is returning to EastEnders
EastEnders bosses have revealed yet more details of the events which lead up to Amira Shah's return to the soap later this year.
As most fans know by now, actress Preeya Kalidas recently signed up to make a comeback as Amira, while in a radio interview this morning, the star revealed quite a bit of new information - including how she's been filming special scenes which will air on the BBC's red button service next month.
Teasing the upcoming storyline for Amira, Syed and Christian, a statement released this evening on EastEnders' official website reads: "As he plans his life together with Christian, Syed's frustrations begin to grow as his attempts to re-connect with Amira and seek a divorce meet with no success.
"It is only with help from an unexpected source that his hopes are revived and Amira's controlling father Qadim is left with the decision as to whether he brings Syed back into his daughter's life once more."
The site confirms that the red button episodes will air on September 6 and September 8, revealing "Amira's world away from the Square and the repercussions that these events might bring to Syed and Christian's relationship".
EastEnders' statement adds: "Caged in her father's home, hidden in disgrace... what secret will she reveal?"
Following the red button episodes, Amira is expected to make her return to the main show in October.
Preeya Kalidas has revealed her dramatic return to EastEnders will see her escaping from her father after being held hostage.
The 31-year-old actress, who left EastEnders last year to pursue a pop career, told the BBC Asian Network her character Amira will be back in the soap in October with a baby girl, and will be seen being kept prisoner by her strict father Qadim, played by Ramon Tikaram.
Preeya revealed: "I just filmed last week a BBC red button, which I think will be shown on the 8th and 9th of September. And then my official return to the Square will be in October.
"Next month, on the red button, you'll see her in her £2 million pad, where she's been held as prisoner by her dad!"
Heartbroken Amira left Walford in April with her father after learning her husband Syed Masood, played by Marc Elliott, revealed he was gay and had been having an affair with their friend Christian Clarke (John Partridge).
Amira had just found out she was pregnant, but didn't tell Syed. Meanwhile, Syed and Christian are currently trying to adopt a child together.
Preeya revealed Amira will 'come back with a little girl' and promised viewers 'drama - a lot of drama'.
She added: "It's going to get emotional - it's EastEnders, it's got to! She's having a tough time of it - she's a defiant woman who's defying her dad, and she comes back to the Square and ends up facing the man who broke her heart."
(c) Whats on TV
JustJodi
09-08-2011, 12:02
Ok let me get this right,,, IF U DO NOT HAVE A BBC RED BUTTON U will not see the 2 episodes mentioned ????But for those who just have BBC 1 will see her return in October ????? is that right ???
yep that is about right.. however you generally get to see it on youtube a few days later
Life for loved-up EastEnders couple Christian and Syed takes a new twist next week as Amira makes her long-awaited return to Albert Square.
Amira's comeback occurs at the most awkward time possible for the pair as she walks in just as they are officially announcing their engagement at a housewarming party.
Syed (Marc Elliott) is stunned over his estranged wife's return but, struggling with the happy scene that she's stumbled upon, Amira (Preeya Kalidas) rushes out before he gets a chance to speak to her.
When the pair come face-to-face at The Vic shortly afterwards, Amira makes it clear that she's not there about a divorce - she's paying a visit to break the news that Syed is a father.
Syed initially doesn't believe what Amira is telling him, but when she shows him a picture of his baby daughter Yasmin on her phone, he soon realises that she's telling the truth and the child is indeed his.
Christian (John Partridge) then catches up with the pair and is keen to see the picture for himself, but he's unprepared for Amira's anger as she sprays perfume in his eyes and tells him to get back.
Soon afterwards, Amira tries to slip away but Syed finds her again and she finally agrees that he can see baby Yasmin.
Amira's offer comes with one condition, though - Christian is to go nowhere near the baby. How will Syed react?
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/40/618w_eastenders_amira_2.jpg
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/39/618_soaps_eastenders_4299_3.jpg http://i2.cdnds.net/11/39/618_soaps_eastenders_4299_2.jpg
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/40/618w_eastenders_amira_1.jpg
,,
Dutchgirl
04-10-2011, 08:01
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/40/618w_eastenders_amira_2.jpg
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/39/618_soaps_eastenders_4299_3.jpg http://i2.cdnds.net/11/39/618_soaps_eastenders_4299_2.jpg
http://i2.cdnds.net/11/40/618w_eastenders_amira_1.jpg
,,
Aw love the picture of Preeya and the toddler. You never get to see something so genuine. She reaaly likes the child.
EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas has hinted that viewers can expect feisty moments from her character Amira when she returns to Walford.
Amira makes her Albert Square comeback in next week's episodes, leaving estranged husband Syed (Marc Elliott) stunned as she drops the bombshell that she has a baby daughter called Yasmin and he is the father.
Kalidas told 1Xtra of the new storyline: "It was exciting for me, because I didn't know initially where they were going to take her.
"I knew for the first few episodes what was going to happen, but we only get our scripts two weeks before we film them, so sometimes you have no idea where they're going to take the character or what's going to happen. So I've been finding out as I've been there.
"She can be quite scheming. You've got to remember that she went through a lot, she suffered a lot. She's had to deal with the fact that she's been a single parent who was outcast from the whole community. Her father made her feel like she's damaged goods and no-one's going to ever want her again. So she comes back fighting."
Amira was left devastated in April 2010 when she discovered Syed's affair with Christian Clarke (John Partridge), which prompted her departure. Syed and Christian are now engaged and happier than ever.
Discussing why she wanted to return, Kalidas continued: "I thought it would be a really good time, because I'd seen that the story had been developing with Syed and Christian, and the thing is that when I'm out, for the past year people would always approach me and say, 'When's Amira coming back?'
"There's been a lot of love for her, so I thought it was a good time, because in a year's time, they might not care anymore. I think [the story] is still quite prominent in the show, and she hasn't left people's minds."
Kalidas also said that she would like Amira to find a new love interest during her new stint in Walford.
She said: "You never know. I know, but I'm not telling you!"
EastEnders launches Amira's new storyline with Christian and Syed on Monday at 8pm on BBC One.
EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas has described her character as "mad" for wanting to reunite with estranged husband Syed.
The actress returns to the soap next week as Amira, who shocks Syed by revealing that she has a baby daughter called Yasmin and he is the father.
"I think she is holding out some hope that she can be with him," Kalidas told The Sun. "Finding out the truth was extremely painful, but she really loves Syed and when your feelings are that strong it's difficult to switch them off.
"Amira has just been dealing with being a mum. She's been a recluse in her dad's flat and hasn't met another man, so she hasn't stopped thinking about Syed. Because they have Yasmin together, a small part of Amira is hoping to have a family unit with Syed. She is crazy thinking that - I think she's mad.
"But she doesn't want to believe that Syed wants a divorce, and she hopes telling him about Yasmin will have an effect on that. Amira's ultimate goal is to get back with Syed. But maybe that's because she hasn't met anyone else. For her sake, I hope she falls in love again."
She added that Amira is more of a fighter now after dealing with Syed being gay and becoming a single parent.
EastEnders' Syed Masood faces an impossible dilemma in next week's episodes as he finds himself torn between his happy life with Christian and his desire to spend time with his baby daughter Yasmin.
As revealed last week, Amira (Preeya Kalidas) tells Syed that she's happy for him to see Yasmin when they come face-to-face again later this week, but she makes it clear that Christian is to have no contact with the child.
Syed initially promises Christian (John Partridge) that he wants both of them to have access to Yasmin or neither of them, but his resolve begins to crumble when he gets a proper introduction to the baby.
The next day, Syed (Marc Elliott) finds it impossible to ignore his fatherly instincts and heads off for a secret meeting at the park with Amira and Yasmin, lying to Christian by telling him that he needs to see his solicitor.
As Syed and Amira spend time together, the atmosphere is pleasant despite their turbulent history, but the mood changes when Syed asks about the possibility of regular access, prompting Amira to repeat her vow that Christian will not see Yasmin.
Soon afterwards, Syed makes it clear that he wants to contribute financially to Yasmin's upbringing and when Amira then asks a passer-by to take a picture of the three of them, it seems that she could still be desperately holding out misguided hope for a future with Syed.
Once his meeting with Amira is over, Syed heads home with the intention of telling Christian where he's really been, but he's stopped in his tracks when he walks through the door and finds Roxy there.
Realising that it's not the right time for his confession, Syed keeps hold of the secret, but is he asking for more trouble by keeping it under wraps? And will there come a point where he has to choose between access to Yasmin and a future with Christian?
EastEnders star Preeya Kalidas has warned that Walford schemer Yusef Khan should be wary of playing his games with her character Amira Masood.
Yusef (Ace Bhatti) sets out to destroy Amira's credibility next week, manipulating Christian Clarke into thinking that she is lying about baby Yasmin being Syed's daughter.
Christian (John Partridge) is convinced by Yusef's spiteful suggestions and later approaches him for a DNA test to uncover the truth, keen to ensure that his fiancé isn't being strung along.
"Amira would be devastated if she found out what Yusef was doing behind her back, because it's another barrier to her being with Syed," Kalidas told Inside Soap.
"Her reputation is already in tatters and she's an outcast in her community. And now Yusef is suggesting she was unfaithful. Everything's going wrong for her again."
However, she continued: "I'm sure Yusef thinks he's being really clever, but he doesn't know who he's messing with. Amira might just start some scheming of her own.
"She may have had a really tough time recently, but she's also a fighter and she's pretty defiant. When she really wants something, she'll go for it!"
Kalidas's EastEnders return scenes aired last week.
JustJodi
01-11-2011, 03:00
when did they consumate the relationship???They never really got to live as husband and wife did they ??? my memory is fuzzy on this area .....
parkerman
01-11-2011, 10:25
Yes they did. The poor lad tried his best for a while.
If they had not consumated their relationship, it would have been easy for Syed to deny fatherhood, surely?
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