EastEnders: Actor on Ravi's mental health story 'for everyone'

May 2, 2026 - 08:00

Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati on EastEnders, has opened up about his character's ongoing battle with complex PTSD, describing the storyline as one that resonates beyond the soap's usual drama. In recent episodes, viewers have watched Ravi struggle with the psychological fallout of his violent past, including childhood trauma and the pressure of hiding his father's crimes. Thiara explained that while the story is specific to Ravi, the themes of guilt, shame, and the difficulty of asking for help are universal.

"It's a story for everyone," Thiara said in a recent interview. He noted that many people carry hidden scars from their past, and seeing a character like Ravi confront those demons on screen can help reduce the stigma around mental health. The actor praised the show's writers for handling the subject with care, showing that recovery is not linear and that even flawed characters deserve compassion. He added that he hopes the plot encourages viewers to check in on loved ones or seek support themselves. The storyline continues to unfold on the BBC soap, with Ravi facing new challenges as he tries to rebuild his life.