I get the impression it is longer but that could be wishful thinking. Have to wait and see. I wonder whether she is still blonde. :hmm:
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I get the impression it is longer but that could be wishful thinking. Have to wait and see. I wonder whether she is still blonde. :hmm:
The last time I saw her she was on celeb masterchef and she did look so different. She looks better when she has darker hair.
She's back with a new manQuote:
Christopher Colquhoun is joining Coronation Street.
Christopher will this week start filming the role of Matt Davis, new fiance of Dev Alahan's ex-wife Sunita.
Corrie bosses are planning a string of confrontations between jealous Dev and Matt after Dev discovers Sunita's marriage plans.
It will be good to see Dev overacting and trying to outdo Matt as he tries to win back his wife.Quote:
Originally Posted by lizann
Oh dear he's started it already.
IT'S three years on and smarmy Dev is STILL trying to worm his way back into ex-wife Sunita's life.
In the first snaps of long-suffering Sunita (Shobna Gulati) back on the Street, resident charmer Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) attempts to win her over with cheap flowers.
He is unhappy about her relationship with her new fiancé Matt Davis (Christopher Colquhoun).
But Sunita, who fled Weatherfield in 2006 after discovering Dev's affairs, turns him away, in the scenes shot in Manchester yesterday.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...on-Street.html
Sunita turns him away which is good so they don't get back together?
Not unless Dev digs a bit deeper into his pockets :lol:
I hope he doesn't as I thought he had moved on since Sunita
But he hasn't, has he? So far, every relationship has ended quite quickly. Sunita has been and always will be the only one for Dev, I think.
I don't think dev is someone that can settle down as he always seems to want the family life then his eye wanders. He has had opportunities to settle down with previous girlfriends like Geena and Sunita but Dev screwed things up. I hope that Sunita has grown wise to Dev as he hasn't changed. Looked what happened with his last relationship.
Pictures from tv.sky.com showing Sunita, her fiance and her kids with Dev :cheer:
It's strange how Dev has never mentioned the twins (to my knowledge) in all these years. You'd have thought they didn't exist.
Aww how old are they now?
They must be 5 years old now or there-abouts
why is the hallway of that house so incredibly large?!
Because it is a very large house?
Shobna Gulati has insisted that she never had any regrets about leaving Coronation Street in 2005.
The actress bowed out of her role as Sunita Alahan four years ago in order to spend more time with her young son Ashkay. At the time, she had played the on-off partner of Weatherfield businessman Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) for more than five years.
Gulati has now returned to the ITV1 soap as part of an "exciting new direction" for Dev which has been promised by producers.
Speaking to the Sunday Mail about why she left the programme, the 43-year-old explained: "In 2005, Ashkay was 9 years old and just about to move up to secondary school. I'm a lone parent so I had to get used to home life a little more. It was time to do other things and be more anonymous.
"It was a tough decision. I lost sleep over it. But I think I made the choice well. I never thought, 'What have I done?'."
The soap star also promised that Sunita, who has a new fiancé, will be "a lot tougher" on screen this time around.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3...ng-corrie.html
What happened to the new hairstyle she got?
Does not look too different from what she used to have. I have pictures of her blonde but she looks dark again on the photos above
Maybe she changed it back for her character?
Do you think that Sunita will get back with Dev eventually? i dont see how it would work with her living away from Weatherfield with another man. And I cant see him wanting to move nearer to Dev.
I think they're bound to get together eventually. I don't see any other reason for her coming back into it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean slater
i can see them getting back togather
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has admitted that she hates it when people tell her she looks thinner in real life.
The actress, who plays Sunita Alahan in the ITV1 soap, said that her 'pet hate' is when fans judge her appearance and compare it to her on-screen persona.
She told The Mirror: "I was eating lunch when somebody came up and said to me, 'You look really thin, you look really fat on television'. That's one of my pet hates. Every day if I step out of my front door somebody, somewhere, tells me if I'm looking thin or fat or tired or I look better in real life than on the telly.
"My favourite is I look fat on telly or I'm better looking in real life. You can now work out why I'm completely barmy! I don't think people realise there is so much pressure. I only ever wanted to be an actor. I did not want to be a celebrity."
The soap star added that she has tried a new dermal filler procedure to maintain youthful skin.
"I think it has made me look much fresher and in the days of other stuff I thought it would be more natural," she said.
Gulati has admitted in the past that she doesn't like her body.
She recently went on a charity trip to Africa, which she described as "tough".
DS
Why have Corrie brought back Sunita. Then basically not used her character that much. I think Shobna is a good actress unlike Dev who over acts.
Its all seems to be about Becky, Tracy, and Kylie these days. got to be boring. Need to bring in some of the other people.
Coronation Street's Sunita Alahan will soon make the shock decision to quit her job at the Corner Shop, a report has claimed.
Sunita, played by Shobna Gulati, decides to bow out from the business after she grows frustrated over husband Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) taking her for granted, according to the Daily Star.
It is thought that things soon look up for Sunita when she lands a new job pulling pints at the Rovers Return.
Sources say that the build-up to Sunita's big change begins when Dev starts dishing out special treatment to his rebellious daughter Amber (Nikki Patel), buying her a car for her birthday and letting her have the day off.
However, a furious Sunita apparently tells Dev: "I'm not taking any more of this. I'm fed up of being treated like a slave while Amber gets away with murder, so you can take this job and shove it because I'm out of here."
When the Rovers Return's bar manager Stella Price (Michelle Collins) learns of the developments, it is believed that she decides Sunita would be an asset to the team and snaps her up.
Coronation Street is expected to air Sunita's new storyline in the New Year.
.
SHE'S one of Coronation Street’s most popular characters – but how similar is corner-shop queen Sunita Alahan to the actress who plays her, the gorgeous Shobna Gulati? ‘I love playing Sunita, because she’s quite a funny woman, but savvy with it – and a lot has happened to her over the years,’ says 45-year-old Shobna – and she’s not kidding! Sunita has run away from an arranged marriage, been falsely imprisoned, diagnosed with a brain tumour and held hostage!
Right now she’s dealing with her troublesome stepdaughter Amber’s unexpected romantic dalliances, and husband Dev’s determination to make their young son a golfing supremo! Away from the cameras, Shobna – who also starred in Victoria Wood’s BBC1 sitcom dinnerladies – insists she’s quite a shy girl and not one to step out in the limelight, unless accompanied by her very close friend, celebrity make-up artist Armand Beasley, whose singular magic makes her feel super-confident. ‘What is so great about working on Shobna’s face is that she is up for anything!’ says 39-year-old Armand.
So when we invited Shobna for a lunch date at one of her favourite Manchester restaurants, the acclaimed Australasia, Armand came too – and we think you’ll agree, with or without his help, the lady looks absolutely stunning! Over some amazing Antipodean-inspired dishes created by head chef Carl Ryder, we learnt about life on the cobbles, deciphering Dev-speak – and being ‘Corrie’d’ everywhere from Thailand to Trenchtown!
Shobna, you took a break from Coronation Street for four years – what was it like when you returned to the cobbles in 2009?
It was like slipping on a pair of comfortable slippers. I just think it’s a brilliant place to work, and I’d really missed everybody. I’m one of those kind of people who doesn’t look back. You know when you’ve left somewhere! I was in touch with some people and went for drinks and meals – food is the key with me! – but I didn’t return to visit them on the cobbles. It was a job that was finished, and it would have only made me nostalgic.
Last year, when you first heard that Sunita was going to be trapped under the tram in the 50th anniversary show, did you think that was the end of your time on the show?
I think every actor thinks about the lift shaft, the tram… the brain tumour! I didn’t think I was going, but what I wanted to do was make everybody think I was going. So that was quite good, because the way it was shot meant that you didn’t know if she was going to live or die. And I loved that!
What was it like filming the live episode?
It was momentous. The schedule was tough. Because we had to go live for a week, we basically lost 15 episodes that we’d normally shoot in the week. We had to work around the clock on shifts. So sometimes you’d start at three in the morning. The Green Room was like a soup kitchen! In fact, there were huge vats of soup there, and actors lying everywhere, some of them fast asleep, some of them covered in rubble!
Has Sunita changed over the years?
I think she has. I think she realised halfway down the line that her children were the most important thing in her life, and she went back to Dev because of that. Now that she’s with him, she’s certainly not going to marry him in a hurry. At the end of the day, I think the tables are turning in their relationship. She was the shop girl in love with him, and very much at his whim and fancy, but now he’s constantly running to
her tune.
Jimmi Harkishin, who plays Dev, must be such fun to work with – and we all love his unique line delivery!
Tell me about it! Yes, it tickles me. It stitches me up, and I corpse regularly. Just the other day he had to say the word ‘prodigy’ – a tricky word at the best of times – and it came out funny. I think they just left me laughing. We couldn’t re-take, because I couldn’t stop – and every time he said that word, I started off again, so they just kept it in!
How do you know Armand?
I met Armand in 2000. We met at a mutual friend’s wedding, and we got on immediately. He’s done my make-up for years. Ever since we met, Armand and I have been everywhere together – we’re inseparable.
What’s so special about Armand as a
make-up artist?
He’s great because he works with you – he doesn’t just see the palette, he sees the person, and I think that’s important. When I go out, Armand does my make-up so that I feel super-confident. And he’s my friend too – so what a bonus!
Armand, what’s special about Shobna when it comes to doing her make-up?
What is so great about working on Shobna’s face is that she is up for anything. She’ll try any kind of look, she’s really experimental, and she loves the art of transformation. Because of the characters that she’s known for on TV are not the most glamorous, it’s a chance for her to really play with and explore the look and make-up.
Have you ever fallen out with her over a look or a make-up detail?
White eyeliner – she hates it! I wanted to put a bit on. My principle for make-up is an extension of yourself, it’s about your character, how you’re feeling at the time, and a look we did, not so long ago, was more of a ’50s feel – so liquid liner, white on the inside of the eye, lots of mascara. She rocked it!
Shobna, is it easy for you to walk around Manchester without being recognised?
No, not anywhere! I have this thing called ‘being Corrie’d’ – often in the most obscure places. I’ve been Corrie’d on the Khao San Road in Thailand and in Trenchtown in Jamaica. I’ve been Corrie’d probably all over the world. I quite like it, actually because it shows how much Corrie is loved worldwide.
What’s been your stand-out Sunita storyline over the years?
I’ve liked everything that Sunita’s done – and a lot has happened to her. Flipping heck, the girl’s had a brain tumour, she married her boss who had millions of kids without telling her – and do you remember when she got tied to a cooker, gagged and bound? It was funny to film, because the director would call for notes, and I’d still have gaffer tape around my ankles, and I’d be jumping down the cobbles, and they’d have to wait for me!
What about the happier storylines?
I quite liked it when Sunita was a bit of a goer and she went out with all these boys, and she ended up kissing at least two at the same time, which was Dev and Ciaran, played by the lovely Keith Duffy. That was a bonus! There are marvellous perks to my job.
Dev proposed to Sunita, unsuccessfully, in the Rovers – like many men do! What was that like to film?
It was so funny. What’s really hard about that is that everybody’s watching your scene. And really, I only had the word: ‘No!’ scripted. But it was a big ‘No!’ It just worried me all day, about how that scene would go. It’s a big pressure, that Rovers.
Who is your best mate on Corrie?
Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow. When I joined Corrie, along with Kate, I asked if we could share my dressing room, and we became dressing room buddies, and we’ve remained close ever since. A lot gets shared in a dressing room!
How’s your son Akshay?
He’s lovely. He’s 17. He’s finished his GCSEs and he’s back in college. We made an agreement that I won’t speak for him unless he’s around – so I won’t!
What’s it like working with your screen children, Sunita’s twins?
They’re very sweet but as a mother, I’m happy that mine’s grown! And no, they do not make me broody! I love children – if they’re already made, that’s great, but I’m not going to make any more!
Armand, you’ve been a beauty
presenter on various shows for
some time now. Have you had any
on-screen disasters?
I did one TV show live, and it was just me to camera, doing a phone-in. I was doing some make-up on this model to answer the query. Then I felt this breeze behind me and the set started to wobble – and then a really strong breeze came and the set fell down all around us. You then saw raw brickwork, cameras and lights. You just have to think on your feet. I said something like: ‘This is a look that… will bring the house down!’
You’re also an actor – what might we have seen you in?
I was in Coronation Street once, funnily enough! I played Ravi, the maitre d’ of a restaurant.
What else are you up to?
I’m in BBC3’s new series Hot Like Us, which revolves around real-life couples and is a little bit of a cross between Britain’s Next Top Model and Big Brother. It’s about eight couples living together in a house, and one of them ends up being voted Britain’s hottest couple. I’m creating the various looks for the shoots with celebrity hairdresser Vincent Allenby, plus week by week giving them grooming tips so they sizzle!
(c) OK
Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan on Coronation Street, was interviewed this morning on ITV's Daybreak about Sunita becoming the new Rovers Return barmaid in Corrie.
She says it's very daunting and Daybreak showed the VT of Sunita serving Dev in the pub, recommending he has a small brandy rather than a large one - very funny indeed! "You'll have drunks making passes," Dev warns his wife, jealous as anything. Shobna says Sunita loves winding up Dev by dressing up as a busty barmaid.
Shobna talks about the difference it makes working behind the Rovers Return bar, and it changes the way an actress behaves, she says it makes her feel very different as an actress. She's been taught how to pull pints by Michelle Keegan (Tina) and Michelle Collins (Stella).
She also talked about how great it is to have Michael Le Vell back on the set of Coronation Street, which was lovely to hear.
And... oooh!... she revealed that Sunita will be puckering up with another fella, someone who's not Dev. Wonder who it could be?
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has revealed that she is delighted over her character Sunita Alahan's new job at the Rovers Return.
The actress promised that Sunita's fresh start will pave the way for some interesting storylines in the year ahead - including a possible romance twist for the mum-of-two.
Coronation Street fans will see Sunita quit her job at the Corner Shop later this week as she is tired of being taken for granted by her partner Dev (Jimmi Harkishin). However, things look up when Stella Price (Michelle Collins) offers her a part-time job at the pub.
Gulati told Daybreak today: "It's very strange. Being behind the bar, you suddenly feel very, very empowered. I can't explain - there's something about that bar that changes the way you behave and I think it's happened to Sunita, or it's happened to Shobna! But something's gone on and I feel incredibly different."
Asked whether Sunita has a big year ahead thanks to her new job, she replied: "I think so, because she interacts with different people. And I think Sunita may be puckering up - maybe not with Dev!"
Gulati also confirmed that Sunita tries to look as glamorous as possible for her first shift behind the bar, choosing an outfit which shows off her cleavage.
She said: "It's how she imagines a barmaid looks like. And also to wind up Dev, she's dressed like that - absolutely. But then she kind of gets used to it and wears that all the time!"
Coronation Street's Sunita Alahan will be arrested for a breach of the peace in an upcoming episode.
The Weatherfield housewife, who is portrayed by 45-year-old actress Shobna Gulati, will be cautioned by police after a drinking session spirals out of control.
According to the Daily Star, Sunita gets drunk when friend Stella Price (Michelle Collins) takes her on a night out to distract her from her ailing marriage to Dev (Jimmi Harkishin).
However, Sunita is taken to the police station after being caught jumping on the bonnet of a car by its owner outside the Bistro.
When Dev hears about his wife's arrest, he reportedly says: "It's no surprise to me because she has finally lost the plot and I'm going to do nothing to help her. A long cold night in the slammer will teach her a valuable lesson."
It was recently revealed that Sunita will soon embark on an affair with Stella's partner Karl. Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson said of the storyline: "It'll play out for quite a while, but all hell will break loose when Stella finds out."
"It was recently revealed that Sunita will soon embark on an affair with Stella's partner Karl. Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson said of the storyline: "It'll play out for quite a while, but all hell will break loose when Stella finds out."
Stellurgh that's terrible news, the best thing you can do is pack your bags and leave Weatherfield vowing never to return, that'll show 'em. ( New Zealand's nice this time of year) You can bet Traceyluv & Dreary have put Sunita up to it so I'd give 'em both a good slapping before departing for the airport
I wish Phil Collinson would wise up. We don't want St. Ella even on Corrie let alone be the centre of every storyline. Just because she went to New York at Christmas with him does not make her a good actor. She and her brood have ruined Corrie
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has announced plans to appear in a British Bollywood film.
The project will be completed in a 10-day start-to-finish schedule during the Southbank Centre's Alchemy Festival in London.
Jude Kelly, Artistic Director at Southbank Centre, said: "Befitting a region whose identity has been shaped and re-shaped over millennia through the intermingling of peoples and their cultures, our third Alchemy is the most collaborative - the most alchemic - yet.
"For 10 days the entire Southbank Centre will buzz with the sights, sounds, tastes and thoughts of the subcontinent as leading cultural organisations, Nobel prize-winning authors, acclaimed designers, British Asian soap stars, filmmakers, DJs and master musicians from Rajasthan, Pakistan and Portsmouth come together to celebrate, collaborate and explore what this culture is and could be."
Playwright Nikesh Shukla will write the script to the Aneil Karia-directed project. Gulati - who plays Sunita Alahan in the soap opera - has signed on to choreograph the film's song and dance sequence.
Festival-goers and participants in free Bollywood dance classes will have the opportunity to appear as extras in the film, starring alongside dancers, actors and musicians from across London.
The Alchemy Festival is scheduled to run from April 12 to April 22.
http://www.itv.com/coronationstreet/...hx?w=512&h=288Quote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
http://www.itv.com/coronationstreet/...hx?w=512&h=288
Oh errr missus
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has revealed that a fan of the soap warned her off her character's love interest Karl Munro (John Michie) during a trip to the supermarket.
The actress, who plays Sunita Alahan in the ITV1 serial drama, will be seen cheating on Dev (Jimmi Harkishin), starting an affair with pub landlord Karl in scenes to be aired later this week.
Gulati said in a video posted on the official Coronation Street website: "I think Sunita's got a little bit of a soft spot for Karl, that gambling man, yeah. You know, somebody said to me the other day in the supermarket [that] he was a gambler and I should be very careful, because he'd seen me flirting with him.
"I wasn't aware that I was actually flirting with John. Maybe that's just a natural vibe!"
Gulati also confirmed that sparks fly following Sunita's forthcoming arrest for drunk and disorderly behaviour, explaining that Karl comes to collect her "after she's arrested and she's looking really miserable".
"[It's] definitely interesting viewing, definitely keep watching, because Sunita and Karl - how hot is that?" she quipped.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays on ITV1.
Coronation Street's Shobna Gulati has said that her character Sunita is suffering a "massive personal meltdown".
Her alter ego has recently grown close to gambling addict Karl Munro (John Michie), the wife of Rovers Return landlady Stella Price (Michelle Collins).
http://i1.cdnds.net/12/12/300x225/so...rie_7839_4.JPG
© ITV
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© ITV
The 45-year-old actress, who has played the Alahan matriarch on-and-off since 2001, told Soaplife: "She's having a massive personal meltdown.
"She needs some time and space to gather her thoughts - and to have time out from Dev (Jimmi Harkishin)."
When asked whether Sunita could have an affair with Karl, Gulati said: "I think if she could get away with it she would. Stella's her friend and she would feel guilty.
"But Karl has added a level of excitement to her life. He makes her feel special - and that's what has been missing with Dev."
I'm finding Sunita terribly annoying I even feel sorry for dupey Dev
It's Sunita I feel sorry for. Even the so-called holiday Dev booked to make peace was really a golfing holiday for the boys. It shows his level of commitment to their relationship and complete lack of sensitivity.Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
Coronation Street barmaid Sunita Alahan takes things a step further with troubled Karl Munro next week as the pair sleep together for the first time.
When Stella (Michelle Collins) kicks Karl (John Michie) out of The Rovers after discovering his gambling debts, Sunita steps in to comfort him - believing that they share an understanding as she's feeling disillusioned in her own relationship too.
Sunita and Karl soon give into their feelings for each other, but will this be the start of a full-blown affair? And are they playing a dangerous game? Digital Spy recently caught up with Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita, to hear all about the storyline.
We've seen quite a few changes for Sunita this year. What do you make of her new storylines?
"I'm really enjoying them, particularly this new lease of life she's had by being in The Rovers. I'm enjoying her interpretation of being a barmaid, clothes-wise! It's all very different for her. I think we're seeing Sunita grow up into a woman."
Is it easy to settle in behind the Rovers bar?
"It's fantastic and it's a thrill. Stepping behind that bar makes you feel a bit humbled, because it's legendary. Bar work is not that far from stuff that I've done in the past in real life, so it doesn't freak me out. But when there are other barmaids and various characters behind the bar, it's a bit like choreography! There's so many of us, so we have to organise who's going in which direction, otherwise we'll all bump into each other!"
We've all seen the romantic spark developing between Sunita and Karl. What's the main attraction of him for Sunita?
"Everyone's asking me this! It's because he's naughty, isn't it? Sunita also thinks that he's cute, and above all, he's noticed her. That's the main thing - Dev hasn't 'seen' Sunita for ages. Even when she's dressed in her new style, Dev just thinks it's funny. He's taken his eye off the ball."
Do you think their relationship issues are all Dev's fault, or are there problems on both sides?
"I don't think it's totally Dev's fault. With Sunita, it's just a point in her life where she's growing up. Sunita started in Coronation Street when she was 23, but this is a decade on. I think any woman would say that they've changed through different decades of their lives.
"Sunita has had her kids, and now that they're growing up, she's finding herself a bit. She sees herself differently, but Dev is not noticing her. Sunita has felt very much in the background, but now she's coming out of herself and she's noticing Karl."
Doesn't Sunita find Karl's gambling problems off-putting?
"No, Sunita wants to be needed. That's the whole thing - she wants to be noticed and she wants to be needed. Every girl wants a challenge, and Sunita thinks that she can change Karl."
Stella has been a good friend to Sunita. Does Sunita feel guilty about pursuing her partner?
"Oh yes, Sunita has got lots of guilt at the moment. But further on in the storyline, I think that changes…"
After working with Jimmi Harkishin so closely over the years, would you be sad to see Sunita and Dev split up?
"Well, I think what happens in soap, stays in soap! They're a long-established couple and we don't know what's going to happen to them. We don't know whether they'll split for good, or whether they'll be like Kevin and Sally, or Deirdre and Ken! But the stakes are really high for them, because they've got the children and they've come through a lot.
"At the moment, it's great fun because there's a new, fresh energy that's come with working with John Michie and Michelle Collins, which is great. We'll have to wait and see how it progresses!"
How did you feel about saying goodbye to Nikki Patel (Amber) recently?
"Working with Nikki was great fun, because when she first joined the show in 2005, I was about to leave - so I only got a little bit of time working with her. But now I've had the chance to work more closely with her, and it was great. We're actually going out to dinner tonight! I was really sad to see her go, because I think Amber brought an interesting dynamic - she brought something else to the party."
How are you finding life at Corrie in general?
"It's my third year back now, and it's all really good. It's been great to come back and participate again, as there's a great team and a great community here. Cast, crew and production all work towards one goal, which is the programme. I did miss them all when I was away, because everybody looks out for each other."
You're also working on a Bollywood film, aren't you?
"Yes, it's my weekend job! The film has a cast of about six to eight young people in it, and what I'm working on is the big dance section that you see in Bollywood movies. It's the 'cast of thousands' dance section, it's open to everybody, and I'll be leading three workshops on April 15. They're open access workshops - open to anybody of any age.
"Basically, they'll have the experience of doing some Bollywood with me, and then we'll go out on location to film it at the Southbank. Basically, you learn it and then you're in your own movie!"
How are you fitting it in with your busy Corrie schedule?
"I'm just working seven days a week at the moment, including nights. I am a bit of a workaholic! That's my thing and I love it. I like people, I like working in a community, and I like meeting others.
"I also love the idea of access to dance. Dance has exploded onto our screens with stuff like Strictly, Let's Dance and the various other talent shows that exist. You get to see a lot of dance now, more than you ever did ten years ago. Trying to make it accessible is something that I've always done, so to get a chance to do it on such a large scale and do it for a film is going to be great fun."