For nearly a decade, Nitin Ganatra brought warmth, humor, and drama to EastEnders as Masood Ahmed,
a role that won him a British Soap Award and cemented his place as one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Playing opposite Nina Wadia, who portrayed his fiery wife Zainab, Ganatra helped bring a fresh perspective to the soap,
showcasing a modern British-Muslim family with depth, heart, and humor.
But despite his long tenure on EastEnders, Ganatra has often been asked a curious question by fans: “Why can’t you play a nice guy?”
Masood Ahmed – The Imperfect Everyman
During his time on EastEnders, Masood was a character audiences could root for, yet he was far from perfect.
As the head of the Ahmed family, he was often caught in the middle of fiery clashes with Zainab and faced his fair share of personal and financial struggles. Whether dealing with infidelity, failed business ventures, or family feuds, Masood’s journey was anything but smooth.
Still, he remained one of the show’s more relatable figures—charming, funny, and a devoted father. His relationship with Zainab provided some of the soap’s most entertaining moments, balancing intense drama with sharp comedic timing. The couple’s dynamic resonated with audiences, particularly those who appreciated seeing a Muslim family depicted with complexity rather than clichés.
Ganatra has often spoken about his pride in playing Masood, noting that his character was a rarity in British television. “We had the opportunity to portray a non-stereotypical Muslim family, which was incredibly important,” he explained in previous interviews. “There was drama, there was love, there was humor—we showed that Muslim families are just like any other family.”
Life After Walford – A New Passion
Since leaving EastEnders, Ganatra has found joy in rediscovering an old passion—painting. His love for art, which dates back to his childhood, has become a full-time pursuit. Now, he is preparing to showcase his work in his first solo exhibition, Journeys into the Unknown. The collection, he says, reflects his personal experiences, emotions, and the themes of identity and belonging—concepts he has explored throughout his acting career as well.
For Ganatra, painting has provided a new creative outlet, allowing him to express himself in ways acting never could. However, that doesn’t mean he has turned his back on acting altogether.
A Return to Albert Square?
While he has embraced his new artistic journey, Ganatra remains open to reprising his role as Masood. When asked about a possible return to EastEnders, he responded enthusiastically, saying he would “love to” step back into the character’s shoes if the opportunity arose.
Fans have long hoped for Masood’s return, especially given the numerous character comebacks in recent years. With his on-screen son, Tamwar Ahmed (Himesh Patel), now married and living in Australia, there could be an interesting storyline waiting for Masood should he decide to return.
Could Masood return to take over a new business on the Square? Would he find love again after his turbulent romantic history? Or would he simply return to reconnect with old friends and family? The possibilities are endless, and with EastEnders constantly evolving, there is always room for a fan-favorite character to make a comeback.
The Legacy of Masood Ahmed
While Masood Ahmed had his flaws, he was a character who resonated with audiences because he was real. He wasn’t a villain or a saint—he was a man trying to do right by his family, often failing, but always trying again. That complexity is what made him memorable, and why fans still ask about him years after his departure.
As Ganatra continues to pursue his artistic passions, fans will no doubt keep hoping for the day Masood walks back into Albert Square, bringing with him the charm, humor, and heart that made him such a standout character in the first place.
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