Coronation Street actress Bhavna Limbachia has revealed how proud she is of her current storyline – because she believes it is saving lives.
Bhavna, who portrays Rana Nazir, reveals that her character’s gay relationship with Kate Connor is raising awareness and starting conversations within the Asian community.
In an interview with The Sun Online’s Soap Box, she discusses the Kana fandom and the mostly positive reaction they’ve received.
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She told the website: “I’ve had quite a few people contacting me in quite a vulnerable state and I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to put them onto the Naz and Matt Foundation, a charity who tackle homophobia triggered by religion.
“And we’ve had some success stories.”
She added: “Working with them, the Naz and Matt Foundation and communicating with the founder of the charity, Matt Ogston who sadly lost his fiance, Nazim Mahmood.
“His parents wouldn’t accept who he was and he sadly took his life. However, doing this storyline and raising awareness is sparking conversation, which is what we want.”
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The path to true love did not run smoothly for friends Rana and Kate, however. For starters, Rana is married to chef Zeedan, who’s been left heartbroken by the whole affair.
Rana’s parents recently discovered the truth about her affair with Kate, making their lives hell, while Zeedan blackmailed them to keep family honour in tact.
Corrie fans will already know that Rana’s parents will soon take drastic action to split the couple up when they plot to send her to Pakistan.
Bhavna teased: “It’s Coronation Street so of course there’s going to be a lot more hurdles in a way.
“At the moment on screen is just the calm before the storm.”
And if they survive the storm, she hints that there could even be wedding bells in the future, saying: “Who knows, in a year’s time there could be a big gay Muslim wedding? That would be the ultimate.”
We’re off to buy a hat!
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