EastEnders Suki Panesar star’s life from rival soap roles to family heartbreak
Balvinder Sopal has become a household name, thanks to her role as Suki Panesar in the BBC soap EastEnders. But away from the cameras, the actress has faced her fair share of ups and downs
For many fans, British actress Balvinder Sopal will forever be Suki Panesar in the long-running soap, EastEnders.
As the sharp-witted and mischievous EastEnders character she’s brought to life since joining the show in January 2020.
With Suki at the forefront of recent gripping storylines – including a complicated romance with her lover Eve Unwin, strained relations with estranged husband Nish, and her desperate efforts to shield her family from his controlling grasp – Balvinder has earned widespread acclaim for her performances.
Fortunately, however, her life away from the cameras is far more serene. Daily Star has taken a look.
Family life
Balvinder is very close with her younger sister Manjeet(Image: Instagram)
Born and raised in Gillingham, Kent, as the eldest of four children, Balvinder shares an especially close bond with her sister, Manjeet Griffiths, who also works in the entertainment industry.
Manchester Evening News reports Manjeet has made appearances in various films and TV shows, including EastEnders and Holby City, and is currently a producer for a London-based production company. Throughout their careers, the sisters have had unwavering support from their parents, whom Balvinder affectionately describes as her “biggest fans”.
Her parents have been known to travel far and wide to attend her performances, and Balvinder fondly remembers how her father would often lend a helping hand in setting up spaces for her work – even if it meant tolerating the occasional disruption at home.
Soap life
The actress has starred in a number of soaps(Image: BBC/JACK BARNES)
Balvinder Sopal was already carving out a solid career on British TV after she made guest appearances on hit soaps like Doctors and Casualty.
She even graced the set of Hollyoaks in 2018 as Amrita Desai, and popped up on the cobbles of Coronation Street in 2019 playing Ranita. Not to mention her stint in Emmerdale, where she appeared as DI Taylor in both 2015 and 2017.
Her regular appearances across these beloved soaps have proven her to be a chameleon of an actress, seamlessly slipping into diverse characters. But it’s her role as Suki in EastEnders that has really put her in the spotlight, showcasing her ability to delve into deep themes of dominance, fragility, and tenacity.
Family tragedy
The EastEnders star experienced a huge loss this year(Image: BBC)
In a more sombre chapter this year, February 2024 saw Balvinder grappling with the loss of her mother, Nirmal Sopal.
Taking to social media, she penned a touching homage to her mum, praising her for her warmth, adaptability, and the nurturing home she created.
Balvinder hailed her mother as their “rock, friend, confidant, guiding light,” underlining the indelible mark she left on their family.
Her tribute also noted: “As we told people, the one thing constant in people’s memory was Mums huge warm smile, her ability to adapt to change and show love and respect to all.”
Away from the soap
The actress is known for other pursuits(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Away from the limelight, Balvinder leads a rich life filled with family, community involvement, and artistic pursuits, maintaining a tight-knit bond with her siblings.
Balvinder is also recognised for her active participation in social causes, notably her work with the Kent Refugee Action Network.
She has frequently discussed how her own experiences as a second-generation immigrant have influenced her comprehension of identity and belonging, positioning her as a strong spokesperson for marginalised communities.
