Shobna Gulati, the beloved Coronation Street star known for her role as Sunita Alahan, has courageously shared the challenges she’s faced with aging, her evolving gender identity, and her romantic life.
In a heartfelt interview on Kaye Adams’ How to be 60 podcast, the 58-year-old actress, who now identifies as non-binary with the pronouns ‘she/they’, revealed the pain she’s endured from society’s reaction to her natural grey hair.
How Shobna Gulati’s Grey Hair Became a Source of Criticism and Personal Growth
Shobna shared that men, in particular, have been “aggressively against” her grey hair, with some even making hurtful remarks about her appearance.
She recounted a time when someone she was dating compared her to her younger sister, who still had black hair.
Despite her confidence in embracing her natural look, the comments were a reminder of how deeply ingrained society’s ageism is, especially regarding women.
Shobna explained how she ended the relationship, realizing that her worth wasn’t tied to her age or appearance.
Shobna Gulati Reflects on Her Non-Binary Journey and Embracing Pansexuality
In addition to discussing the backlash over her grey hair, Shobna also opened up about her journey to embracing her non-binary identity.
She shared that she only recently discovered there was a term for what she had always felt.
Shobna explained that she had never had a word to describe herself until she learned about the concept of non-binary, which felt like a true reflection of her identity.
In the same conversation, Shobna also revealed she identifies as pansexual, expressing that she is open to dating anyone, regardless of gender.
How Shobna Gulati’s Non-Binary Identity Evolved Over Time
Reflecting on her gender identity, Shobna said she has felt a sense of freedom since discovering that she could identify as non-binary.
She recalled a conversation with a non-binary sound engineer during a job, where the engineer explained what it meant to be non-binary.
That discussion resonated deeply with Shobna, and she realized for the first time that she had found the language to express feelings she’d had throughout her life.
She now proudly embraces her identity, stating that she sees herself as a person first, and the labels of ‘he’ or ‘she’ are not what define her.
Shobna Gulati Opens Up About Her Past Relationships and What She’s Looking for in Love
Shobna also delved into her past relationships, including her marriage to architect Anshu Srivastava, which ended after four years, and her romantic involvement with Emmerdale actor Gary Turner.
She explained the challenges of navigating relationships in the public eye, sharing that the exposure often made it difficult to have a private life.
She also discussed her current relationship, describing it as something she’s cherished for a long time.
Shobna noted that she is now open to dating anyone, regardless of gender, as part of her journey of self-discovery.
Shobna Gulati Reflects on Her Single Motherhood and Relationship with Her Son Akshay
Shobna spoke candidly about her experience as a single mother, raising her son Akshay, now 30, after her marriage ended.
She shared how becoming a mother changed her life and career.
She also reflected on working alongside Akshay in the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in 2022, describing how their professional relationship shifted from mother and son to equals.
Shobna explained how empowering it felt to work with Akshay in this new dynamic, where they were both actors without the usual mother-son hierarchy.
Shobna Gulati’s Journey Through Parenthood, Career Choices, and Facing Cultural Backlash
Shobna also reflected on the challenges she faced as a young mother, pregnant with Akshay while working in theatre.
She shared how her pregnancy was met with judgment from her family and community, particularly because she had a child out of wedlock and with a man who wasn’t part of their cultural background.
Despite the shame and criticism she faced, Shobna proudly stood by her decisions and has continued to embrace who she is without fear of judgment.
Shobna Gulati Talks About Career Choices and the Pressure to Conform to Traditional Femininity
Growing up in Lancashire, Shobna faced pressure from her father to fit traditional feminine ideals, particularly around her appearance.
She recalled how her father would make critical comments about her hair and how she presented herself.
However, Shobna now embraces her natural self and accepts that her way of being is just who she is.
This shift in perspective has allowed her to feel more at ease in her own skin, despite the pressures she once faced.
Shobna Gulati Opens Up About the Challenges of Career Rejection and Her MBE Honor
In an emotional post, Shobna recently shared her feelings of doubt after facing rejection for a role.
She admitted that sometimes she questions her career choice, especially in moments of disappointment.
However, Shobna also celebrated a major milestone when she was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to the cultural industries.
This honor, awarded by Princess Anne, marked a moment of recognition for her 35-year career in entertainment.
Shobna Gulati’s Long Career and Ongoing Contributions to Entertainment
With a career spanning decades, Shobna Gulati’s accomplishments continue to inspire.
From her iconic role as Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street to her work in the West End and film, Shobna has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Her recent work includes appearing in the final episode of Vera and starring in The Serial Killer’s Wife, which will air on Channel 5.
Shobna Gulati Reflects on Her Past Roles and How She Continues to Evolve as an Actor
Shobna’s career has seen her take on a variety of roles, including her return to Coronation Street and her lead role in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Her recent tour with the production in the UK and Ireland demonstrates her enduring passion for acting.
Shobna’s ability to evolve with her craft and remain relevant in the entertainment industry shows her resilience and determination to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.