Who Is Aaron Thiara? From RSC to EastEnders

Over 8 million viewers tune into EastEnders each week, and since 2022, one face has sparked both fascination and fury. Aaron Thiara arrived in Albert Square as Ravi Gulati, a character who quickly became one of British soap’s most talked-about villains. But before he was breaking hearts and crossing moral lines on screen, this Wolverhampton-born actor was honing his craft on some of England’s most prestigious stages.

Who is Aaron Thiara?

Aaron Thiara is a British actor born on May 4, 1993. He’s best known for playing Ravi Gulati on the BBC’s long-running soap opera EastEnders. The role brought him into millions of living rooms and earned him industry recognition within his first year on the show. Before joining the cast in 2022, Thiara built his reputation through classical theater work with companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Globe Theatre.

His journey from regional drama classes to primetime television mirrors the path many British actors take—training in classical work, then transitioning to screen roles. What sets him apart is the speed at which he’s made his mark. Within months of his EastEnders debut, he was picking up awards and nominations that typically take soap actors years to achieve.

Early Life and Acting Beginnings

Growing up in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, Thiara discovered acting through local youth theater programs. The city, known more for its industrial heritage than its arts scene, might seem an unlikely starting point for a stage actor. But community theater groups in working-class areas often produce serious talent, and Thiara found his calling early.

He participated in school plays and local productions before deciding to pursue acting professionally. Unlike actors who stumble into the profession, Thiara committed young. His family supported the decision, even though the performing arts can be an uncertain career path. By his late teens, he was already looking at drama schools and mapping out the training he’d need.

That early commitment paid off. He got into East 15 Acting School, one of the UK’s top drama conservatories, where he’d spend the next few years learning his craft from the ground up.

Training and Stage Roots

East 15 Acting School sits in Essex, just outside London. The school has produced actors who’ve gone on to major film, TV, and stage careers. Thiara trained there in classical and contemporary techniques, working on everything from Shakespeare to modern experimental pieces. Drama school isn’t just about learning lines—it’s physical training, voice work, movement classes, and hundreds of hours spent understanding text.

After graduating, Thiara went straight into repertory theater work. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in productions that tour nationally and internationally. Working with the RSC means tackling some of the most demanding roles in English-language theater. He also appeared at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, where actors perform without microphones or elaborate tech setups. It’s raw, demanding work that forces you to connect directly with your audience.

These stage credits matter. They show range and discipline. Casting directors know that actors with solid theater backgrounds can handle complex material and long shooting schedules. For Thiara, classical training became the foundation for everything that followed.

Screen Debut and Early TV Credits

Thiara’s first screen roles were small but steady. He appeared in Team Xtreme, a children’s adventure series, and took on a part in The Boy with the Topknot, a BBC drama based on Sathnam Sanghera’s memoir about growing up in a British-Punjabi family while dealing with mental illness. The role gave him exposure to TV production and showed he could handle emotionally layered material.

He also worked on short films and independent projects, building his reel and getting comfortable on camera. Stage acting and screen acting require different skill sets—you can’t project to the back row when there’s a camera inches from your face. Thiara spent these early years figuring out how to translate his theater training into believable screen performances.

By 2022, he’d built enough of a profile to audition for bigger roles. When the EastEnders casting call came, he was ready.

Breakthrough: Ravi Gulati on EastEnders

Ravi Gulati arrived in Walford in October 2022, and from his first scenes, it was clear this wasn’t a background character. Ravi came in as part of the Panesar family storyline, a group already deep in the show’s dramatic web. His character was charming, dangerous, and morally flexible—exactly the kind of villain soap fans love to hate.

The role gave Thiara material that most actors wait years to get. Ravi’s storylines included murder cover-ups, romantic entanglements, and twisted family dynamics. He shared scenes with established cast members like Navin Chowdhry, who plays his on-screen father Nish Panesar. The Panesar family became central to EastEnders’ major plots, and Ravi’s actions drove much of the tension.

What made the character work was Thiara’s ability to find nuance. Ravi wasn’t a cartoon villain—he had moments of vulnerability, flashes of genuine emotion that made viewers question their judgments. That complexity kept people watching and talking.

Major Storylines

Ravi’s biggest storylines revolved around violence, deception, and damaged relationships. He was involved in covering up a murder, manipulating those around him to protect his secrets. His romantic storyline with Denise Fox became one of the show’s most controversial relationships, dividing fans and sparking endless social media debates.

He also clashed repeatedly with his father, Nish, creating a power struggle that played out over months. These weren’t simple good-versus-evil plots—they were messy, uncomfortable, and felt real. That’s what keeps soap audiences engaged, and Thiara delivered week after week.

Why Ravi Resonated—Performance and Reception

Within months of his debut, Thiara was nominated for multiple awards. He won the Digital Spy Reader Award for Best Soap Newcomer in 2023, beating out actors from rival shows. He was also nominated at the British Soap Awards and the National Television Awards, recognition that usually takes years to accumulate.

Critics praised his screen presence and his ability to make Ravi both detestable and oddly sympathetic. Soap acting often gets dismissed as melodramatic, but the best performers bring depth to heightened situations. Thiara managed that balance, giving Ravi enough humanity that viewers couldn’t look away even when they wanted to.

Fan reactions were intense. Social media lit up after his episodes, with viewers dissecting every scene. Some hated Ravi and wanted him gone; others were fascinated by his psychology. That level of engagement is exactly what showrunners want—characters who provoke strong reactions keep people tuning in.

Awards and Nominations

The Digital Spy award came from a reader poll, meaning it reflected genuine audience enthusiasm. The British Soap Awards and National Television Awards nominations put him alongside veteran actors. For someone less than a year into their first major TV role, that’s remarkable momentum.

These awards matter beyond the trophies. They signal to the industry that an actor can carry big storylines and draw viewers. For Thiara, they opened doors to future opportunities.

Off-Screen: Persona, Social Media, and Privacy

On Instagram, where his handle is @aaronthiara_, Thiara shares a mix of behind-the-scenes photos, professional shots, and glimpses of life off set. He’s active but measured—he knows how to engage fans without oversharing. His posts often include thank-yous to viewers and updates about his work, keeping the tone warm and accessible.

Unlike some actors who bare everything online, Thiara keeps his personal life private. He doesn’t post about relationships or family details. That boundary is deliberate. In an era when fans feel entitled to know everything about public figures, maintaining some privacy takes discipline.

He uses social media strategically, building his profile while protecting his personal space. It’s a smart approach that lets him connect with fans without losing himself to public scrutiny.

What’s Next for Aaron Thiara

As of early 2025, Thiara remains a central figure on EastEnders. The show’s writers continue to develop Ravi’s storylines, suggesting they see long-term potential in the character. Beyond the soap, he’s at a point in his career where film and theater offers are likely to come.

Many British soap actors use their platform as a springboard to other projects. Thiara’s stage background means he could easily return to theater between TV commitments. There’s also growing interest in diverse casting for British film and streaming series, which could open up opportunities.

Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the trajectory is clear. He’s built credibility, won awards, and proven he can hold an audience. The next few years will likely bring bigger roles and more varied work.

Quick Facts

Aaron Thiara was born on May 4, 1993, making him 31 years old. He trained at East 15 Acting School before working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe. His signature role is Ravi Gulati on EastEnders, which he’s played since October 2022. He won the Digital Spy Reader Award for Best Soap Newcomer in 2023 and earned nominations at the British Soap Awards and National Television Awards. You can follow him on Instagram at @aaronthiara_.

Aaron Thiara is a British actor born May 4, 1993, best known for playing villain Ravi Gulati on the BBC’s EastEnders since 2022. Trained at East 15 Acting School and the Royal Shakespeare Company, he won the Digital Spy Reader Award for Best Soap Newcomer in 2023. His stage background and screen presence have made him one of UK television’s most promising young talents.