User:FishLoveHam/Kheerat Panesar

Kheerat Panesar is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jaz Deol. Kheerat was introduced alongside brothers Jags Panesar (Amar Adatia), and Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) in episode 6001, broadcast on 4 October 2019, with the trio becoming the soap's first Punjabi Sikh family.

Storylines
Kheerat and his brother Jags (Amar Adatia) first arrive in Walford to confront Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) after he steals Kheerat's car. They threaten retaliation unless the car is returned and when Ben fails to deliver, Jags kidnaps Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), but Kheerat berates him for this and later agrees to let her go after Ben promises to repay them. Kheerat threatens Ben and Lola's daughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) as they are leaving.

A few weeks later, the brothers, joined by their other brother Vinny (Shiv Jalota), return in search of their estranged sister Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha). Kheerat reveals that Ash had an abortion years ago, disapproving of this. The brothers move into Walford and Kheerat apologises to Ash for his opinions on abortion, but upon discovering Ash's girlfriend, Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra), is a Muslim, he expresses further disapproval with Ash. He falls in love with old acquaintance Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) after employing her at the Panesar call centre, unaware she is trapped in an abusive marriage to Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith). They plan to run away together but Kheerat is devastated to learn that she has died in a tragic accident, aware that Gray was behind the death to some extent and being accusatory towards him.

He later has a one-night stand with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) after they spend a night drinking and confiding in each other about their relationship woes. After Vinny attacks Martin Fowler (James Bye) and it is revealed that Jags is in a secret relationship with Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar) and no longer wants to be involved in the family business, Kheerat is dismayed to learn that his mother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) has arranged for Jags to be arrested for Vinny's crime. Habiba leaves Walford to be nearer to Jags in prison and when Kheerat discovers she is pregnant he decides to pay for her flat and out of guilt for what his mother has done. At the same time, Kheerat enters a relationship with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). They decide to keep their romance a secret, but when Sharon's former stepson Ben catches them together he decides to call off Jags' protection and Kheerat is later devastated to learn that Jags has been killed in a prison fight.

<!-- After being saved from a fire at 55 Victoria Road by arch nemesis Gray, Kheerat befriends Gray and apologises for accusing him of killing Chantelle, however it is later revealed Kheerat was only befriending Gray to gain his trust as after he discovers Whitney Dean believes Gray killed Chantelle he teams up with Whitney. Kheerat tells Whitney he has been watching and trying to get evidence on Gray but has failed to get any, however Whitney reveals she has evidence, she then shows Kheerat a secret online forum where Chantelle revealed all the abuse Gray put her through. Kheerat tells Whitney not to give the evidence to the police as it only proves that he was abusive not that he killed Chantelle, however they both show the evidence to Gray's new wife Chelsea and the three plot to get Gray sent to prison for Chantelle's murder. Around this time Kheerat begins a relationship with former fling Stacey after Kheerat gives her money to get her stall Stacey's Baps]up and running, Stacey makes him a sandwich but accidentally gives him food poisoning, Stacey goes to Kheerat's house to apologise and the two share a kiss.

Kheerat begins to get frustrated that him, Chelsea and Whitney still have no evidence on Gray, after Chelsea misses her and Gray's newborn Jordan's appointment Gray shouts at her but Kheerat tells Gray she was late as he paid for her to get pampered. Gray then tells Kheerat he doesn't trust him and tells him to leave the hospital. A desperate Kheerat prints off photo copies of Chantelle's online forum and posts them through Gray's door but Gray quickly works our it was Kheerat after discovering Kheerat and Whitney are working together. Gray then lures Kheerat to his house and attacks Kheerat and attempts to suffocate him but Kheerat manages to grab a bottle and smashes it over Gray's head, knocking Gray out and causing his head to bleed and Gray is then put on life support at hospital.

Kheerat is forced to go on the run to avoid arrest for Gray's attack. The Panesar's family friend Ranveer Gulati arrives in Albert Square to do a business deal with Kheerat but due to Kheerat being on the run Vinny is forced to step in, Ranveer is extremely frustrated Kheerat is not there and is about to cancel the deal, but Kheerat turns up at the last minute and saves the deal. The next day Kheerat meets with Whitney and she tells him Gray is planning to kidnap Jordan, Kheerat rushes to the hospital to get Jordan but is arrested by police.

Kheerat is released from prison when Gray is arrested for the murder of Chantelle after Chelsea recorded him confessing. Kheerat and Stacey continue to see each other in secret but do admit their feelings for each other when Stacey collapses from sepsis after being pushed on a bottle by her mother Jean when she suffers from a break down due to her bipolar disorder, Stacey attempts to kiss Kheerat in the cafe but is heartbroken when Kheerat backs away and insists he still wants to keep their relationship secret. Stacey later dumps Kheerat and he regrets his treatment of Stacey, Kheerat goes to the Vic and begs Stacey for another chance and kisses her, Stacey and Kheerat then become an official couple.

Ben begins to go a downward spiral after he is raped by Lewis Butler. He is horrified to discover Lewis gave him chlamydia but is also fearful Lewis has given him AIDS. Kheerat agrees to go to the hospital with Ben. Ben is relieved when he is told he does not have AIDS, afterwards he thanks Kheerat for his support, and Kheerat thanks Ben for being there for him when Jags died and then calls him his new brother. Ben begins to feel guilty about Jags' death and takes drugs. However, being high Ben storms round to the Panesar's house and tell a shocked Kheerat and the rest of the Panesar's that he cancelled Jags' prison protection. An enraged Kheerat punches Ben, knocking him out and then attempting to kill him by strangling him. Kheerat is stopped by Suki when she admits she also played a role in Jags death by framing for the assault on Martin which got him sent to prison. The next day the Panesar's disown Suki and move into 41 Albert Square, Vinny and Kheerat go to The Arches and smash up the sign before threatening Ben, demanding he buy them out of the business.

Ranveer's son Ravi Gulati arrives in Walford. Ravi and Kheerat do not get along and Ravi had asked Phil Mitchell to get information on Kheerat's businesses, however Phil failed to get the information. Ravi immediately targets Kheerat by flirting with Stacey to wind him up and also convincing Ranveer to go into business with Suki instead of Kheerat, Ranveer agrees to go into business with Suki as he doesn't like that Kheerat is pitching against his mother and also doesn't like the way he is treating Suki. Ranveer later demands sexual favours from Suki in exchange for his business, Suki then records this and attempts to blackmail him but Ranveer then attempts to rape her but she manages to knock him out with a clock. Ravi then arrives and agrees to help Suki move the body, however when Suki leaves Ranveer wakes up but is killed by Ravi, Ravi then attempts to get rid of the body but is almost caught by Kheerat, however Suki tells Kheerat to leave before he sees Ravi.

After discovering Ravi has moved in with Suki, Kheerat warns Ravi not to hurt her. Kheerat remains frosty towards Suki, but is persuaded by Eve Unwin to attend Suki's opening of Walford East after her and Ravi brought the restaurant from Kathy Beale. Kheerat's suspicions are piqued when he over-hears that nobody has heard from Ranveer, Ravi insists Ranveer is in Mumbai on business, but Kheerat doesn't believe him. Kheerat is later furious to discover a drunk Stacey flirting with Ravi and orders her to leave with him, before leaving he warns Suki that he thinks Ravi has something to do with Ranveer's 'disappearance' but Suki tells him that she is not his concern anymore.

In October 2022, Kheerat is horrified when he walks in on Suki and Eve sleeping together, when Kheerat call Suki out for her treatment of Ash, Suki claims that her and Eve was a private moment that will never happen again. When Kheerat calms down he and Suki talk about Nish. Suki decides to tell Kheerat why Nish was really in prison, she tells him that Nish killed a man in a jealous rage because he thought the man and Suki were havjng an affair. Ravi later goes to prison and meets with Nish. However it is revealed that Nish is actually Ravi's father not Ranveer, Ravi was born from an affair between Nish and Ravi's mother and Ranveer's wife Haspira. Nish orders Ravi to convince Vinny to come and visit him in prison before he is released to which Ravi succeeds in doing.

Upon his release from prison Nish is unable to make up with Kheerat. Nish then decides he wants Kheerat gone from Albert Square for good and sets Ravi the task of seducing Stacey, Ravi attempts to kiss Stacey but she rejects him and tells Kheerat, Kheerat also learns about Ranveer's attempted rape on Suki. Kheerat storms into The Vic and squares upto Ravi, the two then fight with Ravi slightly winning and unintentionally pulling off Kheerat's patka, Ravi feels guilty and stops fighting, but an even angrier Kheerat tackers Ravi to throught the Vic door onto the street and begin punching Ravi, however Ravi once again outstrengths Kheerat and prepares to batter him before Suki turns up and stops the fight.

Ranveer's body is found on 31 October 2022 by a dog walker in eppin forrest and the police then inform Ravi and Nina, when word gets out about Ranveer's death Kheerat accuses Ravi of killing him. Kheerat threatens to go to the police so Ravi then tells him and Nish that Suki killed Ranveer, Nish then orders Suki and Ravi to be each others alibis. Nina later confronts Ravi and tells him she has been named as the number one suspect for Ranveer's murder, she tells Ravi to give the police the recording of Ranveer's death to clear her name.

Ravi then goes to the police and gives a different statement to Suki, which results in Suki being arrested for Ranveer's murder. Kheerat and Nish then confront Ravi and he confesses to his affair with Nina and that they have a recording of Suki killing Ranveer. Kheerat, Ravi, Nish and Ash all track down Nina and take the recording from her. Later on when Ravi finds out the police have taken his laptop, Ravi then tells Nish and Kheerat that their is a copy of the recording on his laptop. Kheerat then tells Eve that he is going to confess to Ranveer's murder to protect Suki, however Eve tells Stacey and Suki and Suki orders him not to go through with his plan, Kheerat later tells Ash and Vinny he is still going through with his plan. A heart broken Stacey begs him not to go through with it and admits she has fallen in love with him, Kheerat admits he feels the same but is adamant he is still going through with his plan and tells her the police are on their way. Stacey and Kheerat then part ways and Kheerat then walks into the Square and he is arrested, much to the dismay of his loved ones. After Kheerat's arrest, Stacey does a pregnancy test to see if she is pregnant with Kheerat's baby after showing symptoms, but discovers she is not pregnant. -->

Casting and introduction
Actor Jaz Deol was cast as Kheerat. On 21 August 2019, it was announced that three new characters would be introduced to the soap in the near future: Kheerat, and his brothers Jags (Amar Adatia) and Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota), dubbed "the Panesar brothers". The trio, who were the show's first ever Punjabi Sikh family, were billed by show bosses as being "charming by nature but still a force to be reckoned with" and would bring "their own unique blend of charm and chaos" to Walford. Executive producer Jon Sen expressed enthusiasm to introduce the brothers and explore their upcoming storylines. Deol was enticed to accept the role after being impressed by what producers pitched to him, and being excited to be a part of the show's first Punjabi Sikh family, describing his role as "revolutionary". He was pleased to gain the part: "I'm very proud and excited to be joining such an iconic show and bringing to life a character that is a reflection of the cultural background that I and many others come from in today's modern Britain. I can't wait to get started and for viewers to meet the Panesars". The actor was interested to wear a turban for the role, as he doesn't wear one himself, seeing it as an opportunity for representation. The brothers were set to make their debut later in 2019.

Later details surrounding their arrival were teased by Sen, who revealed that the brothers would "turn up" on an unknown "mission". He added that there would be a feud with another family "pretty much as soon as they arrive". The feud was later revealed to be with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), who Kheerat and Jags would arrive and threaten for stealing Kheerat's car. Ahead of the arrival, Sen further explained that EastEnders "is a show that prides itself on diversity" and "representing modern London and modern Britain", so the team were interested in "finding a way of telling stories from the Sikh community". He added: "They arrive with a little bit of a bang" and were teased to have "quite the impact". Deol teased that Kheerat would be "coming to mean business". Kheerat and Jags made their first appearance in episode 6001, broadcast 4 October 2019.

The brothers were announced to return later in October, with reasons why being hidden, but it was teased that Kheerat would feud with Iqra Ahmed (Priya Davdra) and Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha). In a twist, it was revealed that the brothers had returned to find Ash, who was also their estranged sister.

Characterisation
Kheerat is the oldest of the brothers. is a successful businessman with a lifestyle envied by his younger brother Jags.

Businessman Kheerat can charm his way into anything, with the eldest sibling no doubt having to keep his little brothers out of trouble.

The Panesars are led by their flashy eldest brother Kheerat (The Halcyon's Jaz Deol), an affluent businessman who uses his persuasiveness and charm to his advantage in every situation.

Kheerat's charm and success are the envy of his younger brother Jags (Dead Ringer's Amar Adatia), since he's always struggled to step out of his domineering older brother's shadow with his out-of-the-box ideas.

We already know that Jags, Vinny and their older, successful brother Kheerat will have a strong dynamic with each other, with a lot of mischief and just a hint of jealousy.

Age 31`on introduction.

Jon "Looking at that camaraderie they are loveable rogues and entrepreneurs. We're keen that they're not part of the criminal element that sometimes comes to EastEnders because that's the territory of the Mitchells. But if they can make a pound, they will. They are wheeler dealers in a classic Punjabi style. They're great, they bring a completely different tone and flavour to the show."

Teased to "ruffle feathers".

It’s said the three brothers are all very different, but together they’re a “force to be reckoned with”.

"controlling"

On the new arrivals, Executive Producer Jon Sen said: “The Panesar family are set arrive this autumn and will bring their own unique blend of charm and chaos onto the Square. “A British Asian family of Punjabi Sikh heritage, Kheerat, Jags and Vinny are three very different brothers who turn up in Walford looking to settle a score - however, fate quickly takes a hand and they find themselves staying for good. We’re thrilled to be introducing this vibrant new family to Walford and to be sharing their stories.”

Viewers will discover that Kheerat is a successful businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Billed as "determined, persuasive and confident", Kheerat has an easy charm and enjoys a lifestyle that is often the envy of others. He's also idolised by his younger brother Jags.

alpha male Kheerat

deol He's an incredibly logical man that is battling the irrationality and impulsiveness of his grief.

"There's definitely been a shift in both myself, the audience and writing team becoming ever more curious about who this man is," he said. "We're starting to see his complicated and conflicted nature. He's a man with a huge capacity to love his family and significant other but also a well of darkness that he can reveal at a drop of a hat."

Kheerat continues to deal with friction at home with mum Suki as well, seeing as she's never been satisfied with his business arrangements. "I think Kheerat is always someone who searches for the opportunity in everything and a way out of his suffering. He's being doing that since his dad went away to prison," Deol said. "The Arches is more than that because it has sentimental value. It's linked to both his father and brother. You could argue that it's his way moving through the grief despite his mother's reservations. He can see the bigger picture."

Suki Panesar
In December 2019, it was announced that Kheerat's mother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) would be introduced in early 2020. Executive producer Jon Sen commented that Kheerat and his siblings had "lived under the shadow of an overbearing matriarch" and teased that while the brothers "arrived as men", Suki's introduction would show that they were "little boys who need their mum". Sopal described her character's relationship to her sons as being "very good", wanting to keep her children "close". Stephen Patterson of the Metro noted parallels in Kheerat and Suki's behaviour, wondering if Kheerat had inherited his mother's "controlling nature". After Suki began doing business with Stan "Stas" Saunders (Adam Young), despite previously endangering Kheerat's life, Deol explained that Kheerat would put on a "deep and cold rage" to mask his "hurt" from the betrayal. He described it as "definitely a turning point in their relationship", and teased that Suki would not approve of upcoming Kheerat's relationship with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

Chantelle and Gray Atkins
In September 2020, it had been announced that Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) would try to escape her abusive marriage to Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), turning to Kheerat for help. When asked about how Chantelle felt for Kheerat, Plummer explained that her character "sees him as somebody she trusts more than a lot of people" and "feels safe with him", noting that Chantelle had begun developing an attraction to Kheerat. Deol disclosed the hopes that Kheerat had for him and Chantelle, detailing that Kheerat was "ready to leave and start a new life with her and [her] kids". After Chantelle was eventually killed by Gray, Deol teased that Kheerat would play a part in Gray's downfall. Deol described her death as "the end of a dream" for Kheerat, due to their hopes of starting anew together, as "words can't describe" Kheerat's emotions in the moment.

Deol explained that Kheerat had a "gut instinct" that "something wasn't right" and that Chantelle's death was not accidental, explaining: "In his mind, he cannot dispute that feeling and it haunts him to this day. Maybe even the rest of his life". He added that Kheerat knew Gray was behind the murder and was frustrated as he "doesn't have the evidence to prove it" and "can't act on his anger" as he was a well-respected solicitor with an in-depth knowledge of how to exploit the law. The actor considered Gray to be Professor Moriarty to Kheerat's Sherlock Holmes.

Mitch Baker
Following Chantelle's death, Kheerat was set to share his suspicions about Gray to her father, Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths). As Kheerat and Mitch had no prior relationship, Griffiths revealed that Mitch would initially be hesitant to believe Kheerat's claims of Chantelle's infidelity and Gray being behind her death. As "Mitch doesn't like Gray" and the two have a history, Griffiths added that Mitch would have to be "careful and manage his emotions" upon the news. Deol noted that due to Gray's status around Walford, allying with Mitch was the best move for Kheerat, as he was aware of Mitch and Gray's complicated dynamic. He explained: "Knowing Mitch's history with Gray, Kheerat is playing on the heartstrings of a man that wasn't able to protect his baby girl because he couldn't protect Chantelle either. It's something that they can both connect with. That feeling of helplessness".

Stacey Slater
A year after Kheerat had a one-night stand with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Turner teased a romance between the pair, commenting: "You'd never put them as a match but they had a one-night stand a long time ago and there are some feelings still lingering". She continued that a romance between them would be "interesting" and "complicated" as there had been "a bit of a war between the Slaters and the Panesars". Turner opined that there was "something sizzling between them" and Stacey would enjoy how a relationship with Kheerat would annoy his mother, Suki, as "they really do hate each other". The actress concluded: "They definitely have a hold over each other so we will see how it plays out".

Ben Mitchell
Ben had stolen Kheerat's expensive car, and the siblings wanted to show him who was boss leading to a dramatic feud.

In 2021, Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) teams up with an unexpected family.

After Ben called off Jags' protection in prison, resulting in Jags death, he kept the betrayal a secret.

Teasing potential fallout with Ben should the truth be revealed, Deol said: "As far he's concerned, Ben did everything he could to protect his brother. So yes I think he does trust him. Whether that extends to the other members of Mitchell tribe is another question!"

Ben has already tried distancing himself from Kheerat by admitting he doesn't want his business partnering involved in the Arches anymore. "Kheerat knows the value of having a business stake in The Arches," the actor said. "It works on a personal and business level. When those two things align, you can bet he won't back down easily. He'll always make an offer that no one can refuse."

Sharon Watts
"It's obvious to everyone that being intimate with Sharon, will cause more problems with the Mitchell's."

Awards and nominations
For his portrayal of Kheerat, Deol was nominated for the Best Soap Performance at the 2020 I Talk Telly Awards and was shortlisted for the Best Newcomer at the 2020 Inside Soap Awards. Throughout 2021, Deol was awarded nominations for Serial Drama Performance at the 26th National Television Awards and the Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards. He won the award for the Best TV Character at the 2021 Asian Media Awards. At the 2022 Inside Soap Awards, Deol was nominated for the Best Actor and shortlisted for the Best Romance, shared with Turner. He placed second for the Best Male Soap Actor for the 2022 Digital Spy Reader Awards.

Critical and viewer response
EastEnders has been drip-feeding the introduction of new family the Panesars in recent weeks, but the clan really made their mark this week as all three brothers came to Albert Square for the first time and revealed details of their past, including some surprising links to existing locals.

Since the show returned in September, we've seen a lot of Kheerat. His friendship with Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer) grew stronger and now as he continues to grieve for her, we're now starting to see a more truthful side to Kheerat; we don't see him being that overconfident, charming type he once was, and what we might actually be seeing is the reality he’s facing as being controlled by his mum begins to take it’s toll. During the scenes where Ash, Vinny and Kheerat all discovered Suki had Jags arrested, we were all shocked when Kheerat didn't react to the news that his brother was going to prison, and one glance at his mother’s facial expression was enough to silence him once more, side with her, and agree that it was the right thing to do.

Verity Sulway of Daily Mirror reported viewers predicting Kheerat would save Chantelle from Gray.

Prior to their fling, it was speculated that Kheerat and Chantelle would begin an affair.

Deol also looked back on the overwhelming fan support for Chantelle and Kheerat during the months it looked like they could end up together. "For me the happy-ever-after is the fact that you have British turban wearing Sikh man in love with a mixed race woman and that's completely okay," he said. "I'm so moved that everyone was rooting for their relationship and they accepted it straight away. I hope it paves the way for more representative stories like that."