EastEnders Actress Sophie Khan Levy's Famous Mother Revealed
Sophie Khan Levy, the actress portraying Priya Nandra-Hart in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, has left viewers astonished by disclosing that her mother is the well-known actress Shaheen Khan. This revelation has sparked widespread surprise among fans, who were previously unaware of the familial connection between the two performers.
Sophie Khan Levy's Role in EastEnders and Career Background
Sophie Khan Levy made her debut on EastEnders in October 2023, quickly endearing herself to audiences as Priya Nandra-Hart. Her character arrived in Walford with significant plot developments, revealing she is the estranged mother of Davinder 'Nugget' Gulati, played by Juhaim Rasul Choudhury, and that she shares a teenage daughter, Avani, portrayed by Aaliyah James, with her ex-partner Ravi, acted by Aaron Thiara. The storyline has seen Priya and Avani move into Albert Square with the Panesar family, causing ripples among residents, while Priya and Ravi have rekindled their romance, though their life is tumultuous due to Ravi's criminal activities.
Prior to joining EastEnders, Sophie Khan Levy, aged 36, built a notable television career. She appeared as Gabrielle Ade in the 2023 BBC true crime series The Sixth Commandment and played Florence Pandhi in the 2022 veterinary drama All Creatures Great and Small. Her acting talent appears to be inherited, as her mother, Shaheen Khan, is a celebrated actress with a prolific career in film and television.
Shaheen Khan's Illustrious Acting Career
Shaheen Khan is best recognized for her role as Mrs Bhamra in the 2002 hit film Bend It Like Beckham. In the movie, she portrays a traditional mother navigating her daughters' lives, with one focused on football rather than marriage. The film, which includes a cameo by David Beckham, remains a cultural touchstone. Beyond this, Shaheen has an extensive television portfolio, having played Kiran Joghill in the BBC medical drama Casualty during the late 1980s. Her other credits include appearances in popular BBC series such as Doctors, DI Ray, Endeavour, Doctor Who, Spooks, and The Bill, among others.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Tributes
The connection between Sophie and Shaheen came to light when Sophie shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, featuring photos of her mother from her Casualty days alongside her own EastEnders cast image. Additional posts showed the mother-daughter duo wearing sunglasses and cooking together. Fans expressed their shock in comments, with one exclaiming, "No fudging wayyy!" and another stating, "No way she's your mum wow x." A third fan remarked, "Oh WOW I had no idea this total legend was your mother. Amazing." Others referenced Shaheen's iconic line from Bend It Like Beckham, "Football, shootball!", highlighting the enduring impact of her performance.
This familial link adds an intriguing layer to Sophie Khan Levy's rising career in entertainment, showcasing a legacy of acting prowess passed down through generations. EastEnders continues to air Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer, keeping audiences engaged with its evolving storylines.
