Emmerdale's Rik Makarem: 'Nikhi is based on Chris Bisson'
Published Jun 9 2012, 20:24 BST | By Paul Martinovic
Emmerdale star Rik Makarem has revealed that he based his character Nikhil Sharma on co-star Chris Bisson, who plays his on-screen brother Jai.Nikhil is renowned for his fussy habits and fastidious nature, and Makarem has said that these traits are based on Bisson.
© Rex Features / ITV Pictures
© ITV
Makarem told Inside Soap magazine that "Chris is very tidy and particular about things - [the writers] base Nikhil on him!"
An upcoming episode of the soap will see factory co-owner Nikhil finding out that he and girlfriend Gennie Walker will be expecting a baby together, which Makarem thinks is a great development for their relationship.
The 30-year-old actor said: "I think those two are at their best when there's something wrong and they have some kind of obstacle or hurdle to overcome.
"That's not to say that I want them to be unhappy, but conflict seems to bring out the best in them. And it makes for fun viewing too!"
Jai also has some big developments lined up for later in the year, according to Bisson, who claims that storylines for Jai and his wife Charity "get bigger and bigger" as the year goes on.
Watch a video of Rik Makarem and Chris Bisson at the British Soap Awards:
it will be interesting when gennie finally gets the guts to tell nikhil love her or leave her both are equally as boring as characters .
June 12th 2012 at 3:53pm
I just wish Geannie would stop moaning. She was a funny looking sweet packer that got the handsome boss and got promoted and now she is about to become part of the family but she has a sour lemon face all the time.
June 10th 2012 at 8:53am
If you read it properly it actually says upcoming episode. Gennie and Nikhil are great comedy value.
June 9th 2012 at 11:42pm
It did not say that when I read it. They have changed the wording. I agree they make a great comedy due.
June 10th 2012 at 12:49am
'Recent episodes of the soap have seen factory co-owner Nikhil finding out that he and girlfriend Gennie Walker will be expecting a baby together, which Makarem thinks is a great development for their relationship'.
Have I missed something? Gennie has still not told Nikhil that she is pregnant.
June 9th 2012 at 10:12pm(+1 like)
// good point it hasn't been mentioned yet lol
June 10th 2012 at 3:03pm