Born in Oldham, Shobna Gulati, aged 59, pursued studies in Arabic and Middle Eastern politics at the University of Manchester. She had a role in Dinnerladies prior to securing a long-term part in Coronation Street starting in 2001. Her theatrical roles feature the National Theatre’s A Tupperware of Ashes, and she portrayed Ray in both UK and US versions of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as well as the 2021 film adaptation. In 2020, she released Remember Me? Discovering My Mother As She Lost Her Memory. Gulati is a mother and resides in London, where she is currently performing in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Noël Coward theatre until 10 January.
When were you at your happiest?
Recently, while caring for my mum. She took me on mental adventures, and I journeyed with her wherever her mind wandered. I felt content to have that time despite her illness.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
That I fail to give myself enough recognition.
What do you most dislike in others?
Lack of knowledge and resistance to learning.
What was your most embarrassing experience?
If you’re a mom, you are bound to be embarrassing. Isn’t that just how it goes?
Outside of real estate, what’s the priciest item you’ve purchased?
A car.
What is your most valuable possession?
My mother’s wedding bangle. I wear it constantly. She had four and gifted one to each of her kids.
Describe yourself in three words:
Inquisitive, compassionate, and aggravating – because I tend to ask too many questions.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power to be unconcerned. I hope I’ve got it.
What brings you unhappiness?
Witnessing someone give up on themselves.
What do you dislike about your appearance?
I’m not invested enough to dislike it.
If you could resurrect something extinct, what would you select?
A disco from the 1970s.
What worries you about aging?
Nothing. I’m curious about how things will change.
Who is your celebrity crush?
I have two: Keanu Reeves and Emily Blunt.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Love Island.
What is love like?
Strong.
What has been your worst job?
In my youth, I registered with a temp agency believing I would do secretarial work, but they assigned me to clean toilets at a factory in Oldham.
If you could be anyone else, who would you choose?
A tree, as they are grounded and silently strong.
When did you last shed tears, and what was the reason?
I cry daily. Occasionally from frustration. I grieve my mother, so I let the sadness stay until it dissipates.
What is the closest you’ve been to dying?
A piece of set fell on my head during Richard II at the Globe theatre in 2019. I sustained serious injuries.
What is your most significant encounter with the law?
I participated in various protests and marches when I was younger. I demonstrated outside the South African embassy and was frequently moved along; I also rebelled against the shelving of pornographic materials until I was removed from WH Smith.
How do you wish to be remembered?
I did my best.
What is the most crucial lesson life has imparted?
If someone doesn’t want to comprehend or see you, that’s their issue. You don’t need to carry it with you.
What do you think happens after we die?
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 changed my direction.
