EastEnders’ Aaron Thiara Defends Ravi Gulati: “He’s Not the Villain”
Ravi Gulati’s Complicated Life
EastEnders star Aaron Thiara has opened up about his character, Ravi Gulati, insisting the troubled figure is not a villain. Ravi, introduced to Phil Mitchell while Steve McFadden’s character was in prison, quickly became a fan favourite despite his involvement in crime.
Since 2022, Ravi has struggled to balance family life with a growing criminal empire. Running a drug operation out of Kojo Asare’s flat with help from Harry Mitchell and Okie, he’s also been trying to rekindle his relationship with Priya Nandra-Hart, the mother of his children.
Feud With Jack Branning
Ravi’s tense rivalry with Jack Branning has escalated in recent weeks. Their past love triangle with Denise Fox turned violent when Jack discovered Ravi’s gun, leading to a brawl that accidentally injured Zoe Slater.
The conflict isn’t over. Ravi is now attempting to blackmail Jack for £100,000 to keep his secrets safe, and spoilers suggest the storyline will intensify in the coming weeks.
Actor Aaron Thiara Speaks Out
During a live appearance on Lorraine on September 12, Thiara praised his co-stars Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) and Diane Parish (Denise Fox).
“I actually love Scott. To have had a few years working with him and Diane is a real gift,” Thiara said. “I’ve learned so much from him. He’s done this gig for years, and our different approaches balance each other out on set.”
He also admitted that Maslen’s relaxed approach helps him manage the nerves during tense scenes.
Why Ravi Isn’t a Villain
Thiara defended Ravi’s morally gray choices, emphasizing the pressure his character faces.
“He’s caught in the spider’s web of the drug business and wants to get out, but pressure keeps mounting. An opportunity will present itself between Ravi and Jack soon,” he teased.
The actor added that external circumstances—like Bernie Taylor stealing his family’s money—have pushed Ravi to desperate measures. “I don’t think Ravi is a villain. He doesn’t want to be doing this. Bernie’s the real villain here,” Thiara said.
What’s Next for Ravi?
Fans can expect Ravi’s storyline to intensify, as his desperation grows and his blackmail plot escalates. Between criminal pressures and family obligations, viewers are set for dramatic twists in the weeks ahead.