Balvinder Sopal

Balvinder Sopal (born 4 December 1978) is an English actress, whose acting career has spanned over two decades. She rose to prominence for her portrayal as Suki Panesar in the BBC soap opera EastEnders since January 2020. Her most notable storyline includes her on-off affair with Eve Unwin. Sopal has also appeared in other British soap operas including Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Doctors and Hollyoaks.

Early life
Balvinder Sopal was born on 4 December 1978 in Chatham, Medway. She is the eldest of four children and was brought up in Gillingham, Medway.

She attended the University of Huddersfield.

Career
Sopal made her professional acting debut as Bhelua in The Beautiful Violin at Oldham Coliseum Theatre in 2001. She then went on to appear in stage productions such as Absent Friends, Relatively Speaking and The Tales of the Harrow. Sopal made her onscreen debut in a 2001 episode of the BBC series Kidhaar! as Reena directed by Kate Rowland. In 2008, she appeared in the BBC film White Girl as Fatima.

From 2009 to 2018, Sopal made numerous appearances in four British soap operas; Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Doctors and Hollyoaks. In December 2019, Sopal was cast in her first regular role in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Suki Panesar. Her first scene aired on 27 January 2020.

Filmography
Television Film