Iqra Ahmed

Iqra Ahmed is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Priya Davdra.[1] Iqra makes her first appearance in episode 5871, originally broadcast on 19 February 2019.[2] Alongside sister Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar), Iqra is introduced as the great-niece of established character Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra).[3] Iqra has been praised by the media for being the first Muslim lesbian to be featured on EastEnders.[4][5]

Iqra Ahmed
EastEnders character
Portrayed byPriya Davdra
Duration2019–
First appearanceEpisode 5871
19 February 2019 (2019-02-19)
Introduced byJohn Yorke
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
OccupationRestaurateur

Iqra's initial storylines revolve around taking over the local restaurant with Habiba and exposing family friend Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) for cheating on his partner, but as senior executive producer Kate Oates developed her character, her later storylines have involved coming out as a lesbian to her family and local residents, and the introduction of her long-term girlfriend Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha).

Davdra's casting as Iqra was announced on 20 December 2018, along with that of Habiba. Both characters were called "feisty" and the BBC described them as "defiant, smart and confident", stating that they would "quickly make an impact on Walford".[6] Iqra is the elder sister of Habiba, and is described as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent".

Storylines

Before moving to Walford, Iqra was preparing to marry a man through arranged marriage, but runs away with sister Habiba Ahmed (Rukku Nahar). When Iqra learns that family friend Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) is having an affair with Habiba behind Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton)'s back, she threatens to expose him. Having seen texts from an unknown person called Ash on Iqra's phone, he counteracts her threat by saying he will expose her secret relationship. Alone, Habiba asks Iqra if it is true, and Iqra nods. Habiba asks who he is, and Iqra replies by saying she is in a relationship with a woman. Rather than letting Adam expose her, she introduces her girlfriend, Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha), to her grandparents, Mariam (Indira Joshi) and Arshad Ahmed (Madhav Sharma). When they are in a club, men make comments about the pair, with Robbie Jackson (Dean Gaffney) flirting with Ash. Initially wanting to hide that she is a lesbian, she insists they are friends, which Ash is uncomfortable with. Iqra then pulls Ash in for a kiss in front of a crowd.

Iqra teams up with Keegan Baker (Zack Morris) by setting up a sandwich business to rival the business of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and when he tries to sabotage the pair, Iqra insists on making the business a success. She receives a van from uncle Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), and the pair begin delivering sandwiches. When leaving mosque with Habiba and Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell), the three are attacked in an islamophobic assault. The gang tear Iqra's headscarf from her head and strangle Bobby with it, and throw Iqra to the ground, shouting islamophobic remarks at the three of them.

Iqra expresses that she wants to meet Ash's family, but Ash avoids the subject. When Ash's brothers: Jags (Amar Adatia), Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) and Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) arrive in Walford with mother Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), Iqra is excited to get to know them. However, due to her Muslim faith conflicting with their Sikh faith, they ignore her friendly attempts.

Development

Introduction

Davdra's casting and details surrounding the character were announced on 20 December 2018.[7] The BBC described Iqra as "no-nonsense, bold and intelligent", and added that "she arrives in Walford with a clear goal but she soon learns that life in the Square is never simple, especially when her sister is involved."[6] Aidan Milan of Metro added that Iqra "will soon make an impression for being bold and assertive".[8]

Senior Executive Producer Kate Oates commented on the Ahmed sisters, saying: "The sisters are certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with. Their arrival will throw number 41 into chaos as they become a nightmare for Mariam and Arshad. Residents of Walford beware, take on one of the sisters and you take on the pair."[6]

EastEnders was such a big part of my life growing up and I couldn't be more excited to be joining the show. Walking on to the set for the first time was such an amazing experience. I can’t wait for viewers to meet the sisters and see how much drama they’re going to cause.

— Davdra on joining EastEnders.[6]

The role of Iqra marks Davdra's television debut.[9] Her prior roles include a film,[10] short films,[11] advertisements[12] and a voiceover on a video game.[13] After the announcement, Davdra confirmed on Instagram that the characters would begin appearing on the series from February 2019.[14]

Sexuality

Iqra is initially portrayed as heterosexual, with the media reporting a possible romance with Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami).[15][16] However, throughout her first few weeks on the series, Iqra hints at a secret that could threaten her time in Walford.[17] Then in a scene with Habiba, it is revealed that Iqra has ran away from an arranged marriage.[18] Habiba asks if she has met another man, to which Iqra comes out as lesbian by saying she has met a woman.[19] Later scenes see her come out to her grandparents, Mariam (Indira Joshi) and Arshad Ahmed (Madhav Sharma), where she reveals her relationship with long-term girlfriend Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha).[20] When asked about the storyline, Davdra commented: "It was amazing. I think EastEnders has done amazing bringing this storyline out. I'm so proud to be presenting this storyline."[21]

Religion

Iqra is the first lesbian Muslim to appear on EastEnders.[22][23] In an episode broadcast on 18 February 2020, Iqra, Habiba and Bobby Beale (Clay Milner-Russell) are the victims of an islamophobic attack.[24] Iqra's religion is made a topic of conversation in the series, as Ash is a Sikh.[25] The media reported that Ash's mother, Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), would kill Iqra in an act of honour, due to the difference in religion,[25] with Jessica Williams of the Daily Express stating "Iqra in danger as Suki plots dark revenge".[26]

Relationships

Habiba

Iqra's sisterhood with Habiba has been a key relationship for her character since her introduction.[27] Before their arrival on the programme, Habiba accompanied Iqra to run from their parents and Iqra's arranged marriage.[28] Worried about being found, Iqra closes herself off, and Habiba encourages her to live her life to the fullest, stating "this is about us standing up for the lives we want to live".[28] When Iqra comes out as lesbian to Habiba, she is initially shocked but supportive,[29] and when Iqra wants to keep her sexuality a secret, Habiba covers for her with Mariam and Arshad.[27]

Ash

Iqra's relationship with Ash begins exploration on 29 August 2019 when Iqra introduces her to Mariam and Arshad.[30] It is explained that Iqra and Ash have been in a relationship since 2018, but were unable to be publicly together due to Iqra's arranged marriage.[31] Initially, Iqra struggles to express her relationship with Ash in public due to not being open about her sexuality.[32] Not wanting to upset Ash, Iqra pulls her in for a kiss in front of the residents.[32] Later scenes see Iqra wanting to meet Ash's family, but Ash being secretive about them.[31] Radio Times gave the couple the portmanteau "Ashra".[30]

Others

Iqra acts as a support to Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) when he converts to Islam.[33] Executive producer Jon Sen worked with the Muslim Youth Helpline to "craft an authentic storyline".[33] Lindsay (Metro) praised their friendship, writing: "Iqra and Bobby. Yes to more of this. I love this".[34]

Reception

Upon their arrival, viewers' opinions on Iqra and sister Habiba were mixed, with Angie Quinn of My London stating that "some viewers love them, others are less keen".[35] Initially, viewers deemed the characters "annoying", "irritating" and "wooden".[36] Helen Fear of Entertainment Daily commented: "Hopefully viewers will warm to the new characters", and added "Bad news for haters, as the pair are definitely sticking around."[36] However, opinions on Iqra changed as her tenure on the programme developed her character, with Duncan Lindsay of Metro tweeting "Habiba and Iqra are fantastic characters [...] you have to give characters time to breathe, settle in and become their own."[37] The changing opinion has been accredited to senior executive producer Kate Oates, who took over from John Yorke.[38]

When details of the coming out storyline were reported, Stonewall praised it, commenting: "We’re really hoping these reports are true because we need to see more LGBT Muslims on screen, and better representation of lesbians."[39] Oisin Kelly of GCN, who praised Iqra and her relationship with Ash Kaur (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha), commented: "The increase in LGBT+ characters is reflective of senior executive producer Kate Oates' vision to make the show more inclusive. Examining the impact of faith and loss are areas rich in real-life relevance."[38]

See also

References
  1. "EastEnders to feature its first ever lesbian Muslim character next month". Midlands Zone. 29 July 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  2. Kilkelly, Daniel (9 February 2019). "Soap spoilers: EastEnders newcomers, Hollyoaks accusations, Coronation Street mystery, Emmerdale romance hopes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  3. "Masood's nieces Iqra and Habiba arrive in EastEnders – with a big secret!". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  4. Akingbade, Tobi (1 August 2019). "EastEnders set for 'first lesbian Muslim character' in groundbreaking storyline". Evening Standard. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  5. Damshenas, Sam (30 July 2019). "Eastenders to introduce show's first ever Muslim lesbian". Gay Times Magazine. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  6. Johnson, Amy (20 December 2018). "EastEnders spoilers: Arshad family to expand with 'NIGHTMARE' newcomers Iqra and Habiba". Daily Express. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  7. "Rukku Nahar and Priya Davdra join EastEnders". Female First. 20 December 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  8. "Who are the Ahmed sisters in EastEnders – meet actresses Rukku Nahar and Priya Davdra". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  9. "Spotlight: Priya Davdra". Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  10. "Leading lady Priya Davdra cast as Saj in Healed at Omnibus Theatre!". Boland and Reeve. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  11. "EastEnders spoilers: New characters REVEALED following Christmas storyline". News Rust. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  12. "Priya Davdra is a new series regular on BBC's Eastenders!". Boland and Reeve. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  13. Davdra, Priya (24 November 2018). "Woo Finally got my copy of #hitman2 ..... Soooo chuffed to be cast as a voiceover on this 🙌 Thanks to all the wonderful directors I had the opportunity to work with, #iointeractive and of course @bolandandreeve 😘 #hitman2 #2018 #agent47 #mumbailevel #xbox #ps4 #gameing #voiceovers #ncp #karisma #actress🎬". Instagram. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  14. Davdra, Priya (21 February 2018). "So finally I can share!! Ahmed sisters are coming to Albert Square.... on your screens Feb 2019 !!! With the fab @rukkunahar". Instagram. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  15. "EastEnders SPOILER: Romance for Kush and Iqra". Entertainment Daily. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  16. "EastEnders spoilers: Romance ahead for Iqra Ahmed and Kush Kazemi?". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  17. "EastEnders spoilers: Habiba and Iqra Ahmed hide huge secret as Masood makes his exit". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  18. "EastEnders spoilers: Iqra Ahmed is on the run from an arranged marriage". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  19. "EastEnders spoilers: Iqra Amhed's big secret is revealed". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  20. "EastEnders spoilers: Iqra Amhed reveals to her family that she is gay". Metro. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  21. "Priya Davdra promises 'drama' for Iqra Ahmed". Female First. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  22. "EastEnders character to come out as the show's first Muslim lesbian in new storyline". Metro. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  23. "EastEnders introduces soap's first Muslim lesbian". PinkNews. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  24. "EastEnders fans disgusted by Islamophobic slurs against Bobby, Iqra and Habiba". Metro. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  25. Fear, Helen (5 February 2020). "EastEnders fans fear 'honour killing' for Iqra after Suki threat". Entertainment Daily. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  26. Williams, Jessica (6 February 2020). "EastEnders spoilers: Suki to kill Ash's girlfriend Iqra as fans spot huge clue?". Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  27. "EastEnders spoilers: Iqra reveals her secret". EastieOaks. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  28. Hughes, Johnathon. "EastEnders reveals the REAL reason Iqra and Habiba are in Walford..." Radio Times. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  29. West, Amy (12 August 2019). "EastEnders' Iqra Ahmed comes out to sister Habiba as she tells her she's seeing a woman". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  30. Brown, David. "EastEnders introduces Iqra's girlfriend Ash as Gurlaine Kaur Garcha joins the cast". Radio Times. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  31. Westbrook, Caroline (29 October 2019). "Who is Ash in EastEnders and what is she hiding?". Metro. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  32. Dainty, Sophie (20 August 2019). "EastEnders reveals full details as Iqra Ahmed introduces girlfriend Ash to her family". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  33. Dainty, Sophie (30 July 2019). "EastEnders' Iqra Ahmed urges Bobby Beale to be honest with his family". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  34. Lindsay, Duncan [@DuncanLindsay] (9 August 2019). "Iqra and Bobby. Yes to more of this. I love this new #EastEnders" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. "EastEnders fans are completely divided over new girls Iqra and Habiba". My London. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  36. "EastEnders fans reject "annoying" and "wooden" newcomers Habiba and Iqra". Entertainment Daily. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  37. Lindsay, Duncan [@DuncanLindsay] (12 August 2019). "Habiba and Iqra are fantastic characters - proof that, like new Ben, you have to give characters time to breathe, settle in and become their own. #EastEnders" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 March 2020 – via Twitter.
  38. "Martial arts champion will be Iqra Ahmed's girlfriend on Eastenders". GCN. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  39. "Why we need more representation of LGBT people of faith in popular culture". Stonewall. 12 August 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
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