Born in Oldham, Shobna Gulati, 59, pursued studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern politics at the University of Manchester. She was featured in Dinnerladies before taking on a lengthy role in Coronation Street starting in 2001. Her theatrical contributions include the National Theatre’s A Tupperware of Ashes, and she portrayed Ray in the UK and US versions of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and the 2021 film adaptation. In 2020, she released Remember Me? Discovering My Mother As She Lost Her Memory. Gulati has one son and resides in London, where she is currently performing in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Noël Coward theatre until January 10.
When were you at your happiest?
Recently, while caring for my mum. She would take me on mental journeys, and I’d accompany her wherever she ventured. I felt a sense of happiness for the time we had together, despite her condition.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
That I don’t acknowledge my accomplishments enough.
What trait do you dislike in others?
Ignorance and a lack of desire to learn.
What is your most awkward moment?
If you’re a mom, you are bound to be awkward. Isn’t that just the way of it?
Besides property, what’s the most costly item you’ve acquired?
A vehicle.
What is your most valued possession?
My mother’s wedding bangle. I wear it frequently. She owned four and gifted one to each of her children.
Summarize yourself in three words
Inquisitive, kind, and exasperating – as I tend to ask too many questions.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to remain indifferent. I hope I’ve achieved that.
What brings you unhappiness?
Witnessing someone give up on themselves.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I’m indifferent enough not to care.
If you could revive something extinct, what would you select?
A 1970s disco.
What frightens you about aging?
Nothing. I’m curious about how things will unfold.
Who is your celebrity infatuation?
I have two: Keanu Reeves and Emily Blunt.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Love Island.
What does love feel like?
Profound.
What has been your least preferred job?
When I was younger, I registered with a job agency hoping for secretarial work, but they assigned me to clean toilets in a factory in Oldham.
If not you, who would you wish to be?
A tree, because they are grounded and quietly strong.
When did you last shed tears, and what for?
I cry daily. Sometimes from frustration. I do mourn my mum, so I let the grief be until it fades away.
What is the nearest you’ve come to dying?
A piece of set fell on my head while performing Richard II at the Globe theatre in 2019. I sustained serious injuries.
What is your closest encounter with the law?
I was very active in protesting and marching in my youth. I protested outside the South African embassy and was often moved along; I also tried to push adult materials off the shelves and was chased out of WH Smith.
How would you prefer to be remembered?
I gave my all.
What is the most vital lesson that life has taught you?
If someone does not wish to understand or acknowledge you, that’s their issue. You don’t have to carry that burden.
What occurs when we pass away?
I believe we continue to exist in the memories of others until those memories fade.
Share a joke
I’m really fond of the Hokey Cokey, but I’ve turned around.
