He made regular appearances in and around Albert Square for 12 years as loveable postman Masood Ahmed, but having quit EastEnders in 2019, actor Nitin Ganatra has revealed a new profession – working in the family's newsagents.
Speaking to The Sun, the 55-year-old former soap star disclosed that customers at his local corner shop in Coventry are often surprised to see an on-screen icon stacking shelves.
"People do double-takes when I'm there helping my brother with the papers at 4.30 in the morning, and especially working in the shop. It's a bit bizarre," he explained.
"But it’s my family's business, so why would I not help out? It's normal to me. If you're visiting your family, you can't just expect to be served, you have to join in."
However, the reporters that caught up with Nitin claimed that the TV alum had been awake since the crack of dawn the day of their interview, being that he'd in fact been recording a radio drama in north London, refusing to give up his entertainment roots.
Between balancing busy days on the shop floor and acting auditions, Nitin makes time to visit his poorly mother in a nearby hospital, where he regularly stops by to see to it that she enjoys a plentiful lunch.
But the newsagent gig isn't a new career path altogether for Nitin, as he had been assisting with the family business since he was just 10 years old, albeit previously behind-the-scenes.
Claiming he was "always terrified" of "getting stuff wrong on the tills" – being that his mum, dad, brother and sister-in-law were all significantly more proficient at mental maths – the much-loved actor admits he was largely responsible for heavy lifting, often being spotted at the Cash and Carry, moving sacks of potatoes, and doing the paper rounds.
But though he's returned to his roots, Nitin confesses he's not yet prepared to say goodbye to the showbiz lifestyle, revealing that he still feels a buzz when customers ask him for a selfie after making the realisation he's a TV star.
Despite this, Nitin claims his family are more famous than he in the West Midlands city.
“I've had grown men coming up to me saying 'I was a paperboy for your dad,’ and even in the hospital, I get people coming up to me saying, ‘Are you Charlie’s brother?’” he teases. "An old Irish fella just came in the shop [before we spoke] and said, 'I came into the shop in 1977, and your mum has the best smile. She always made me laugh.’"
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