Aaron Thiara

Aaron Singh Thiara (born 4 May 1993) is a British actor. Thiara rose to prominence in 2022, for his portrayal of Ravi Gulati, in the British television soap opera EastEnders. For his portrayal of the role, he has received nominations at The British Soap Awards for Best Newcomer and in 2023 won Villain of the Year.

Early life Thiara was born on 4 May 1993 in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. From 2011 to 2014, he trained at the East 15 Acting School in Loughton.

Career 2014–2021: Career beginnings and stage work In Thiara's last year at drama school, he was contracted by the Shakespeare's Globe theatre and appeared in their productions of Antony and Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. He made his screen debut in the 2013 film Team Xtreme. In 2015, Thiara began working as a fight director on various projects, including Bridgerton in 2022.

Thiara appeared in the BBC's television The Boy with the Topknot in 2017, in the role of Hardip. In 2019, he appeared in a production of As You Like It at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

2022–present: Eastenders In 2022, Thiara was cast in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as villain Ravi Gulati. Months after his arrival, Thiara won the award for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2022 Digital Spy Reader Awards. He has also received two nominations at the 2023 British Soap Awards for Best Newcomer and Villain of the Year.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2013 Team Xtreme Wally's Mafia Television film 2014 French Cricket BurglarShort film2015 Deep Water Josh Kensington Tuesday Benjamin Fast N Furious Coach 2016 The Factory Bean Wrestler 2017 The Boy with the Topknot Hardip Television film 2019 Tinder Dad Sam Short film 2022–present EastEnders Ravi Gulati Regular role

Stage Year Title Role Venue 2014 Antony and CleopatraEnsembleShakespeare's Globe Julius Caesar 2016 Gangsta Granny Birmingham Stage Company 2018 Invisible Yousef Future Theatre 90 Days Sudesh 2019 As You Like It Jacques de Bois / Dennis Royal Shakespeare Company The Taming of the Shrew Servant of Petruchia International tour 2020 As You Like It Orlando Royal Shakespeare Company

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2022 Digital Spy Reader Awards Best Soap Newcomer 2023 British Soap Awards Villain of the Year 2023 National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2023 Inside Soap Awards Best Villain