INTERVIEW: Bhavna Limbachia on Kate and Rana
With Rana and Zeedan's civil wedding getting closer, we spoke to Bhavna Limbachia on Rana's feelings towards Kate...
What was your thoughts when you were first told about this storyline?
I was so excited and instantly on board! Having the extra element of the cultural aspect of the character, I knew this was something I wanted to explore and support.
How important is this storyline?
Being from an Asian background, I feel incredibly passionate about Rana’s storyline as it is still such a taboo subject within the Asian community. The more I researched the struggle the LGBT community are faced with, the more I wanted to support it.
I hope Rana's story sparks conversation \- I want to give these people a voice!
How is Rana feeling as the civil wedding draws closer?
Rana is confused and trying to convince herself that the civil wedding is just a formality as she tries to brush off the sentiment behind it.
What's things like with Kate and Rana at this point?
Rana comes home to find Kate there who has been helping Zeedan decorate the house for the wedding. Rana questions Kate and as Kate is about to leave, emotions are high and Kate kisses Rana. They interrupted by Zeedan coming downstairs. As Kate leaves, Rana is left very confused.
How hard has Rana been finding it, having feelings for Kate?
It has been a great struggle for her, as she has always been in control of her emotions and relationships. She is trying everything within her power to push her feelings for Kate away.
Does she still love Zeedan?
She does love him and married him for all the genuine reasons, but is now struggling with the fact that she has feelings for Kate and is trying to fight them.
Does she feel guilty about what she is doing?
Absolutely! It’s crushing her as she’s riddled with guilt. Rana has always admired Zeedan’s loyalty and it breaks her heart knowing she has feelings for someone else.
Do you think it truly is Kate that Rana wants to be with?
Yes, Rana does not want to label herself as gay or bisexual as she thinks the person she has fallen for just happens to be a woman. She’s tried fighting her feelings by investing further into her marriage but it doesn’t make her happy anymore. Kate is who she really wants to be with.
What advice would you give Rana if she was your friend?
The best advice I could give to Rana would be ‘to be true to herself- the sooner the better’. Everyone has the right to be who they are- regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation.
What's the best thing about working with Faye Brookes?
Faye is a dream to work with! We have the same work ethic and I love how we feed off each other’s energy. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share the screen with.