ITV Unforgotten's star Sanjeev Bhaskar's actress wife used to play his granny

14 March 2023 , 17:54

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ITV Unforgotten's star Sanjeev Bhaskar's actress wife used to play his granny

Sanjeev Bhaskar is back in business as Detective Inspector Sunil "Sunny" Khan in ITV's Forgotten.

Now in its fifth series, the programme is among a host of credits the actor, 59, boasts having been in the spotlight for a number of decades.

He made his name in BBC's Goodness Gracious Me and later The Kumars 42, which also starred his wife Meera Syal - who played his granny.

The couple had been together for two years when they wed in a low-key, family-only ceremony in Lichfield, Staffordshire, in January 2005.

But they'd known each other for more than a decade, having first worked together on popular sketch show.

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The same year they got married, the couple welcomed their son, Shaan, who was born at the Portland Hospital on December 02 2005.

Meera, 61, said at the time: “When I got pregnant at 44, I felt so grateful but also guilty over my good luck.”

Sanjeev Bhaskar is married to Meera Syal (Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)

She also has a daughter Chameli Bhatia from her first marriage.

Speaking previously about his wife to the Mirror, Sanjeev said: "The dynamic is pretty equal," Sanjeev replies, diplomatically. "We instinctively realise that our family only works with good team work. It’s important who’s running the show switches from time to time, otherwise one person becomes a dictator.

"Meera is a brilliant cook - her aubergine lasagne and lemon drizzle cake are phenomenal! - while I get stuff like taking the bins out and minor household repairs.

He plays Sunny in Unforgotten (REX/Shutterstock)

"We do have disagreements and arguments, but it’s never about scoring points. I wouldn’t say I’m romantic, so we don’t have date nights very often. I’m more practical - if we need a new garden strimmer, I don’t need to be asked twice!"

Back in 2005, Meera was asked whether being married to Sanjeev had changed their relationship at all.

She told the Independent: "Oh yes," she says, "at last I've got someone to take the rubbish out. And now I don't have to worry if the car goes wrong or a light-bulb needs changing. That's all marriage is, isn't it?"

Meera played Sanjeev's granny in the Kumars

They share a son, Shaan (PA)

Sanjeev was equally cheeky, referring to his wife's role in The Kumars, in which she plays his granny.

"I still fancy Meera in her granny suit," he said.

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"At least I know what the future holds. Everyone in a relationship should dress up to be very, very old. It would help them work out how they will feel about each other in the future."

Victoria Johns