Rik Makarem (Emmerdale's Nikhil Sharma) Interview

Rik Makarem (Torchwood) arrives in Emmerdale at 7pm on Friday 11th September 2009 on ITV1 as Nikhil Sharma.

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How would you describe your character Nikhil?

Nikhil is focused, determined and ambitious. He probably has sleepless nights thinking of ways to make his factory a success! He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but he’s got a golden opportunity and he’s not going to let anything mess it up. He’s quite an intense character and it’s perhaps the pressure he puts on himself that works against him and becomes counterproductive.

Is he a likeable character?

Under the surface, I think he’s a very likeable guy as he’s got a lot of sincerity and a lot of vulnerability. However, his circumstances don’t allow him to show it and he becomes so obsessed with what he’s trying to do that he doesn’t consider other peoples feelings, and causes others to dislike his personality.

What brings Nikhil to the village?

Nikhil has the opportunity of running the factory, independent of his parents, which is a big opportunity for him. He’s now the master of his own business and he has his older brother Jai supporting him in the wings. The challenge he faces is living with the pressure of knowing his older brother has already been the successful businessman and has made a lot of money, Nikhil really feels he has something to prove, as he’s always lived in his shadow.

What is his relationship like with his siblings?

Despite his demeanour Nikhil does have a big heart and he loves his brother and sister. He is trying to protect Priya because she’s a loose cannon, she likes to go off partying and getting up to mischief. I think deep down he just wants the best for her. He wants to share his success and opportunities with her and it frustrates him when she doesn’t play ball. He becomes quite strong and aggressive with her in an attempt to contain it and pull her back, the more he does that the more she goes the other way. Nikhil and Jai are a bit of a comedy duo, Jai knows every button to press to wind Nikhil up. They’re very different characters - Nikhil is more serious, more complex and more meticulous. Whereas Jai is the maverick, the show man, the one who with all the ladies, who can give a good speech, he’s very likeable – which are all qualities I think Nikhil could be jealous of.

Do you think the Sharmas will adapt to village life easily? What does he make of the locals?

Nikhil actually says in the first episode that everything will be fine as long as they keep them at arms length, which sums him up. I think eventually once he’s adjusted to it he will find friends in the village that at first he wouldn’t have thought would be his friends. People like Lisa Dingle and Laurel, who work in his factory, could support him in his hour of need and he’ll be shocked by it – and it will teach him something. In terms of relationships I think he’ll be attracted to people with power and a similar complexity too because he admires the meticulous mind. He’s quite a lonely person.

What does he think of Eli?

He’s not happy about having him working in the factory! Typically Jai gives him the job and undermines Nikhil’s decision to say no. He and Eli are like chalk and cheese and he gets under his skin straight away. Any opportunity Nikhil has to assert his authority he will, especially with Eli.

What appealed to you about joining the show?

Emmerdale is such an iconic show, there is so much fantastic talent, so it’s a real opportunity to learn the discipline of a soap which is very different to working in television dramas and films. It forces you to be completely on the ball and if you’re not on the ball it shows, so that in itself is a wonderful challenge.

What attracted you to the role?

I have got the opportunity to play many different sides to Nikhil’s personality and to show what’s going on underneath the surface. The way he is perceived does not necessarily reflect what is going on inside and it’s a challenge to find those subtle moments where the audience can see that there is quite a lot of complexity to him. Deep down he has a heart, which is difficult to play when he’s so focussed and driven.

How did your role in Emmerdale come about?

I was approached to audition and fortunately my ideas on the character suited what the series producer had in mind and I understood what he was after and could bring that to the role. Obviously it was fantastic and I’m so humbled to be a part of this family, because it does feel like a family. It’s a real journey for me as an actor.

How did you feel when you found out you’d got the part?

When I got the call I fell silent for at least 60 seconds and my mum was waiting in the hallway, also silent. Then there were leaps of joy and I don’t think you could have wiped the smile off my face - you still can’t! I’d grown up watching the show, and my family are really into the soaps and have a real appreciation for good storylines and characters and that’s something this show does really well. It has a new contemporary feel, but still stays true to what it’s about.

How was your first day filming?

I was on such an adrenalin high that I think I shook hands with everyone three or four times! Everyone was so friendly and embraced me with open arms. I think I’m fitting in quite well and for the first time in my whole acting career I feel like I’ve found a home.

What can we expect to see from the Sharmas?

Conflict, excitement, they’ll bring fireworks to the village, they’re not going to fade into the background, you can’t miss them!

What past roles might viewers recognise you from?

I’m very proud of my role on Torchwood, the spin-off from Doctor Who, alongside John Barrowman. You’ll see me on Foyle’s War later this year and I’ve also got a film coming out, Anton Chekhov’s The Duel, So it’s been a great year for me so far…