| Nikhil Sharma | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Rik Makarem | ||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Gavin Blyth | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2009— | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | 11 September 2009 | ||||||||||||
| Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||
| Profile | |||||||||||||
| Home | Holdgate Farm | ||||||||||||
| Occupation | Factory co-owner | ||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Nikhil Sharma is a fictional character, from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Rik Makarem. He made his first on-screen appearance on 11 September 2009.
Contents |
On 21 July 2009, Kris Green of Digital Spy reported Emmerdale's' new series producer, Gavin Blyth, would be introducing a new family called the Sharmas as part of an ongoing overhaul of the show.[1] The family, which consisted of three siblings, arrived in the village to manage a new confectionery factory.[1] Of the siblings, Blyth said "The Sharmas are a young, contemporary family independent of their parents and will bring the factory into the heart of the village community. They will add real vitality to life in Emmerdale."[1] Chris Bisson was cast as the eldest sibling, Jai, and Effie Woods was cast as the youngest sibling, Priya.[1]
Former Torchwood actor Makarem was cast in the role of the middle Sharma sibling, Nikhil.[1][2] Makarem told Heather Greenway of the Sunday Mail that he could not speak when he learned he had gotten a role in Emmerdale. He explained the job was a dream come true as he and his family had grown up watching the soap.[3] Makarem hoped the Sharma family would become permanent fixtures on Emmerdale, saying "I'm contracted until the new year but I am hoping the Sharmas are here to stay.[3] Bisson, Makarem and Woods filmed their first scenes on the same day as their casting announcement.[1] Makarem made his on screen debut as Nikhil on 11 September 2009.[3]
"Nikhil comes across as being a little shy in social situations but he's very focused and determined as far as business is concerned. He tries to show off a steely exterior but it belies a soft centre. He's not so worldly-wise and can be quite gullible but when pushed he can easily demonstrate an iron backbone."[4]—itv.com on Nikhil
Upon announcement of his casting, Makarem described his character as being "focused, determined and ambitious."[3] The actor said Nikhil is an intense character, who ruffles a lot of feathers, but under the surface he is very likeable and has a lot of vulnerability.[3] Makarem said Nikhil loves his siblings and tries his best to protect to Priya because she gets up to a lot of mischief.[3] Of Nikhil's relationship with his brother, Makarem said "Nikhil and Jai are a bit of a comedy duo. Jai knows how to wind up Nikhil. They are very different characters - Nikhil is more serious, more complex and more meticulous, whereas Jai is the maverick showman."[3]
Nikhil and his brother Jai arrived in the village on September 11, 2009, having purchased a new sweet factory. The brothers soon realise they have locked themselves out of their new home and ask the Dingles for help in breaking in. After successfully gaining entry, Lisa Dingle convinces Jai to give her husband Zak a job in the factory as the driver. Jai agrees. Nikhil reminded his brother that he was the real boss and did not want Jai undermiming him. This has provided a source of tension between the brothers as they opened the factory. As their business venture continued, Nikhil decided to leave the business to his brother, who had been taking control despite Nikhil being the actual owner. He eventually decided to stay however, and promoted his sister Priya to supervisor.
Nikhil started dating Maisie Wylde in 2010. They were briefly engaged in january 2011 until Maisie admitted she didn't love him, before leaving Emmerdale with her younger brother Will, leaving Nikhil heartbroken.