Sakira Thangavel (born 1990), known professionally as Sakira Vel, is an English actress. Originally having trained as an emergency medical doctor, she worked in the NHS for over a decade. She transitioned into an acting career in 2024, later being cast as Ash Panesar in the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2026.
Life and career Vel was born Sakira Thangavel in Newham, London in 1990. She is of South Asian decent and is fluent in both English and Tamil, as well as knowing conversational Japanese and Korean. She also holds a BA in Carnatic Music and South Indian Dance from the Academy of South Indian Arts, as well as being a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Vel initially trained as an emergency medical doctor, having studied medicine and surgery at King's College London. She went on to work within the NHS for over ten years, as well as working as a doctor in Australia for over three years.
In 2024, Vel made a career shift and transitioned into acting. She began her professional acting career appearing in various short films, advertisements and theatre projects. In 2026, she was cast in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Ash Panesar. An established character, the role was previously portrayed by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha from 2019 to 2023. Vel's first appearance aired in September of that year. Speaking on the similarities she shares with her character, Vel appreciated that Ash was a doctor due to her real-life experience in the profession, as well as also being South Asian.
Credits Film and television Year Title Role Notes 2025 The Souls Woman in Blue Short film 2025 Thalaimuraith Thaai Ratha Tamil short film 2025 Vanthaan Vendraan Velvaan Maya Tamil short film 2025 97 Woman 3 Short film 2026 The Thief Sinitta Short film 2026 Gym Buddy Faye Short film 2026 Camper Clad Sangeetha Film 2026 The Price Annie Film 2026 Redshift Charity Worker Short film 2026 Voodoo Party Darcy Film 2026 All My Girlfriends After You Aranya Short film 2026 EastEnders Ash Panesar Regular role 2027 Retracing Jemma Rose 1 episode
Stage Year Title Role Venue 2025 Exes and Ohs Mara / Sally Barons Court Theatre 2025 The Infinite Colours on the Drinks Aisle Adhira Engine Room 2025 Act on Tap Rebecca The Pubb
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