Shobna Gulati

Shobna Gulati's career is a masterclass in range and resilience. She first captured national attention as the gossipy Anita in Victoria Wood's beloved sitcom 'dinnerladies,' a role that showcased her impeccable comic timing. That warmth made her a natural fit for the cobbles of 'Coronation Street,' where she played Sunita Alahan for over a decade, navigating everything from shopkeeper storylines to dramatic affairs. But Gulati has consistently refused to be pigeonholed. She stepped into the formidable shoes of Mari Hoff in a national tour of 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,' proving her theatrical chops. Later, she found a new generation of fans with her heartfelt performance as Ray, the supportive mother in the West End hit 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie,' a role she reprised for the film adaptation. Whether on a lunchtime talk show panel or in a gritty Channel 4 comedy, Gulati brings an authentic, grounded energy that makes every character feel vividly real.