EXCLUSIVE: EastEnders actor Aaron Thiera, whose PTSD storyline has gripped viewers, says mental health is still taboo in the South Asian community
EastEnders star Aaron Thiara, 33, rose to fame in EastEnders as villain Ravi Gurati in 2022, and has been involved in a powerful storyline on Albert Square, which had viewers utterly gripped.
The Wolverhampton-born actor’s character was recently diagnosed with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and, following a series of breakdowns and an attempt to end his life in earlier episodes, Ravi is shown in a mental health facility receiving treatment.
Here, as the Mirror catches up with him at the Mind x The Ricky Hatton Foundation charity auction in London on Thursday, he shares his thoughts on the taboo of mental health in the South Asian community and the under-16 media ban…
Tonight is about men’s mental health. Why it was so important for you to be here?
To continue the conversation. We’re all aware in 2026 that conversation needs to be proactive in moving that forward. The stigma, whether it’s in the South Asian community or just in general for men of a certain age, can make it feel as though we have to live up to expectations. But through conversation, we can continue to realise that being vulnerable and feeling failure isn’t weakness.
Do you think it’s important that people in the public eye talk openly about this?
I think so. And let’s be honest, I’m just a normal dude, right? Who’s doing a certain job. But I used to be someone who wasn’t in the public eye, right? So growing up, as a teenager, as a young adult, if I were to see people in the public eye talking about certain things that perhaps I’m feeling or experiencing, it makes you feel seen. So it feels important, like… a duty of care.
You mentioned the South Asian community. How has your background influenced how you’ve dealt with mental health?
You could argue there’s a responsibility because I can’t hide the colour of my skin, I’m Asian, so people feel like, perhaps I represent something. I don’t feel a responsibility to represent that. I’m a human being, just like everyone else, regardless of culture. Within my sector, our community, it feels forbidden to talk about mental health struggles.
It’s just not something you talk about; it’s something you bury. Take it back 50 years, and it was strengthened by this aspect of coming to Britain, starting a new life, getting on with it, staying strong. So within the community, I think we can all start to acknowledge that it’s okay not to be quiet. You can talk.
What are your thoughts on the under-16 social media ban?
It’s the best thing, and it’s long overdue! I only use social media for business. I just pray that investment goes into community services then. They can’t just get rid of social media and then not invest. They have to do something for these kids. I mean, social groups, playgroups – chat to people, play a bit of football, go home when it starts getting dark, like i used to do!
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
