BBC - Asian Network - Silver Street The Residents

Nadia Akhtar
Played by Sohm Kapila

DOB: 24th February 1984
FAMILY : Parents - Pervaiz & Khatija; Brother - Zakir (Zak) Was in a relationship with Sway Holloway
LIVES: In a flat above Jilani Fashions
WORK: Nadia manages Jilani Fashions
CHARACTER: A born fighter, Nadia is the one that keeps the Akhtar family going. She's ambitious and has big plans for her business. She doesn't always think before she opens her mouth though and frequently puts her foot in it with her lack of tact. She might act as if she's done it all, but underneath she's really quite shy
STAR SIGN : Pisces

Nadia

"A fighter, I suppose that's how I'd describe myself. I mean nothing comes easy in this life, does it? I've worked hard for everything I've got. Ever since Dad had his accident it's me that's had to take the lead, going out to work at the salon and helping to sort out his benefits. Those endless forms! I don't know who designed them , but they obviously never lived in the real world. I never used to be able to rely on Zak to help out, always having to cover for him but he's really changed recently. He's got much more serious ... Mum works hard as well, she was always taking in sewing and stuff to help out and then working at the newsagents. She was gutted when Mary let her go from there. Dad was much happier when he got back to work too. I’ve missed them all so much, being so far away in Mirpur but I have to say it made life easier for me and Sway. Although, I don’t need to worry on that front anymore.

"I had big ideas for Beauty Magic when I worked there - I was gutted when Mrs Shah hired Simran instead of me as manager. I showed them all with 'Glamour to Go' though. I made a real success of that but I needed more of a challenge. Styling, that's my thing and that's what some people just don't get - I'm really enjoying making over Jilani fashions and dragging it into the 21st century. It was so outdated, Rozena has no idea about Fashion, all she knows about is balance sheets!

"And now I’m leaving it all behind to start a new life with Mum and Dad in Mirpur. And my own business, I can hardly believe it! The last few months have been a bit of a blur. I thought Sway and me were set for life. The family was even starting to come around to us being together. Still, time to move on… and move up!"