EastEnders fans stunned by Priya star’s real-life famous actress mum
Priya Nandra-Hart has plenty of family struggles on EastEnders, but in real life actress Sophie Khan Levy was raised by a mum who's appeared in blockbuster films and countless TV shows
Sophie Khan Levy plays Priya in EastEnders, and she got her acting chops from her mum(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Sophie Khan Levy has only been on EastEnders since October 2023, but immediately made a splash and quickly snapped up a Best Newcomer gong at the Inside Soap Awards the following year. Now, fans are learning that acting might well be in Sophie’s blood, and she can claim a very famous star as her real-life mum.
London-born Sophie, 35, plays Priya Nandra-Hart on the BBC soap, securing the role soon after appearing in The Sixth Commandment for the broadcaster. Priya doesn’t have the best time on Albert Square, with her unfolding histories with Ravi Gulati and Nugget shocking viewers and creating some very beefy storylines.
Thankfully, in real life, Sophie hasn’t experienced the same heartbreaking woes as Priya – and in fact grew up around the showbiz world. After living with her cousin in Canada for more than a year as a kid, the actress followed in her mum’s footsteps to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has been acting professionally since 2013. But who is her famous mum?
EastEnders star Sophie Khan Levy has a famous mum who’s starred in a string of well-known TV shows(Image: Instagram)
Fans have recently found out that Sophie’s mum is Shaheen Khan, best known for her role as the iconic Mrs Bhamra in the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham alongside Keira Knightley. Shaheen has also done plenty of soaps, playing Kiran Joghill Casualty, in the late 1980s alongside snagging roles other super popular shows including Doctors and Doctor Who.
One fan shared their sleuthing discovery on TikTok, exclaiming: “Omg, didn’t know the bend it like Beckham mum was her [Sophie’s] mum.” Another confessed: “I didn’t know this, I love the film Bend it like Beckham and she’s so good as Priya.” A third excited fan added: “The way I went and told everyone in my household they’re mother and daughter in real life, so surprised.”
Sophie has made quite the impact since joining EastEnders in 2023, quickly establishing herself as a favourite in the iconic soap. Taking on the role of Priya, the ex of notorious Ravi, the plucky character has found herself and her daughter, Avani, at the centre of some seriously juicy drama.
After surprising Ravi with the existence of their daughter, Priya and Avani managed to find their feet within the Panesar family following some initial upheaval.
Despite a rocky start, Priya and Ravi are now navigating the waters of co-parenting both Avani and her brother Davinder, ensuring that life in the Panesar household is never short of excitement.
Shaheen Khan starred alongside Keira Knightley in the hit film Bend It Like Beckham and even runs an acting school
Sophie has blended in seamlessly to the EastEnders’ cast, and gushed over how proud she was to be part of the show while in the running for the Best Newcomer award.
Speaking before she secured her win, Sophie shared: “I’m really excited about it, I feel really honoured because [EastEnders] is such an iconic show. So I can’t really believe that A, I’m a part of it, and then B, to be nominated. I just feel really lucky, and I’m really thrilled.”
The actress was equally thrilled to be part of the soap’s recent epic 40th anniversary. Reflecting on the milestone, she said: “Being in EastEnders coming up to the 40th anniversary, I can’t believe it. I grew up watching the show, and so to be part of an anniversary episode or moment… it just feels like the show is on a high at the moment. It’s a super exciting time.”
