British actor Bhasker Patel, known for his portrayal of the character Rishi Sharma on the popular soap opera “Emmerdale,” is leaving the show. His departure comes as a shock to fans and co-stars alike, as Patel’s character Rishi meets a tragic end in a heartbreaking wedding twist.
Patel’s Impactful Departure from the Show
On Thursday, July 26, in a shocking twist of events, Rishi Sharma was found dead at the bottom of a staircase. This shocking discovery was made all the more tragic by the fact that Rishi had recently revealed a long-hidden family secret about his brother’s affair with Georgia, thus indicating Jai’s biological father was not Rishi, but his brother.
This startling revelation leads to an emotionally charged confrontation between Jai and Rishi, where Jai presses Rishi to take responsibility for his actions.
Chris Bisson, who plays Jai on the show, spoke about the difficulty of filming such emotional scenes and expressed his sorrow over losing his co-star of 12 years.
What Bhasker Patel Said About His Departure
In the aftermath of Rishi’s tragic end, Patel took to Twitter to express his gratitude to fans and the Emmerdale team, calling his time on the show a “fantastic” journey. However, during an interview with Christine Lampard on ITV’s Lorraine, he shared that he was “killed off,” indicating that it wasn’t his decision to leave.
On the same show, Patel reminisced about his time on the show with co-star Chris Bisson, describing him as “cheeky” on set and revealing how much he would miss working on Emmerdale.
Fans of the soap opera expressed their displeasure over Rishi’s tragic fate on social media, with some hoping for a miraculous return of his character.
Who is Bhasker Patel?
Bhasker Patel is a celebrated actor of Indian descent, known for his work in television and film. He joined the cast of “Emmerdale” in 2009, becoming a beloved figure through his portrayal of Rishi Sharma, a businessman and father figure.
Before “Emmerdale,” Patel appeared in other popular TV shows such as “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum,” “Kavanagh QC,” and “Casualty,” as well as films like “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) and “Us” (2019). Patel’s community work and his advocacy for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry have also made him a prominent figure.
Emmerdale: A Beloved British Soap Opera
Emmerdale, set in a fictional rural village in the Yorkshire Dales, is a favorite among British soap opera viewers. Since its inception in 1972, the show has consistently tackled a wide range of social issues, including domestic abuse, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation, in a sensitive and engaging manner.
Emmerdale has played a critical role in launching the careers of several actors and has received numerous awards over the years, including BAFTA television awards and National Television Awards. With a loyal fan base, the soap opera continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and well-developed characters.
As Bhasker Patel leaves Emmerdale, the show’s fans and co-stars are left to adjust to his absence. His remarkable portrayal of Rishi Sharma over the past decade will indeed be missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire the show and its viewers.
