EastEnders fans have been left absolutely stunned after making a jaw-dropping discovery about one of the soap’s rising stars, Sophie Khan Levy. The 35-year-old actress, who joined the beloved BBC drama in October 2023 as Priya Nandra-Hart, has quickly won over viewers with her powerful performances and on-screen charisma, becoming a standout favourite in just a matter of months. However, what many fans didn’t realise until now is that Sophie comes from a family with strong acting roots — her mother is none other than seasoned actress Shaneen Khan, 65. Shaneen is best remembered for her role as Mrs Bhamra in the iconic 2002 British film Bend It Like Beckham, where she played the supportive yet conflicted mother of Parminder Nagra’s character. As the connection between the two talented women has come to light, fans have taken to social media to express their surprise and admiration, marvelling at the mother-daughter duo’s shared passion for performance. The revelation has added a whole new layer of appreciation for Sophie’s work on EastEnders, proving that talent clearly runs in the family.
00:28
02:24
But that isn’t the only time she’s been on screen – Shaneen has also landed roles in various other TV shows and films.
Some include Kiran Joghill in Casualty, Grace in Grange Hill, P.C Penny in Holby City, Jamila Khan in The Bill and Mrs. Palmer in The Five.
More recently she’s appeared in ITV drama Maternal, drama Mogul Mowgli, Unforgotten, Doctor Who and Apple Tree House.
+6
View gallery
EastEnders fans open-mouthed as they only just realise Priya actress Sophie Khan Levy (pictured) has a famous mum – with role in legendary film
+6
View gallery
Many don’t know that her mum Shaneen Khan, 65 (pictured) is also in the acting industry – and is best known for playing Mrs Bhamra in 2002 movie Bend It Like Beckham.
+6
View gallery
The actress, 35, joined the BBC show as Priya Nandra-Hart in October 2023 and has become a huge fan favourite
She’s also narrated a two-part documentary called India 1947: Partition In Colour.
When fans realised Sophie and Shaneen’s relation, many shared their shock on TikTok, with one account, named Bollywood_Collections, saying: ‘If you watch EastEnders you would have recognised that the characters that played as Priya’s, who is Ravi’s ex girlfriends, and had two children together…
‘And is part of the only Asian family in EastEnders, is actually played by Sophie Khan Levi.
‘Little did I know, she is actually the daughter of Shaneen Khan, who is famously known for her role in Bend It Like Beckham as the mother.’
Many rushed to the comments section to share their shock.
‘Omg didn’t know the bend it like Beckham mum was her mum.’
‘I didn’t know this I love the film bend it like Beckham and she’s so good as Priya.’
+6
View gallery
Sharing the news that she had joined EastEnders in September 2023, Sophie wrote on Instagram: ‘Cat’s out the bag and this one’s got claws … Can’t wait to join the fam’
+6
View gallery
Shaahen has also played Kiran Joghill in BBC’s Casualty – amongst other roles
‘Omdsss I had no idea that was her daughter.’
‘I didn’t know this one of my fav films. As a non-Asian, it made me love Asian culture.’
‘Now I can see the resemblance.’
Sophie posted some sweet snaps of the pair together on her Instagram to mark Mother’s Day in 2024.
She wrote: ‘Happy Mothers Day @shaheen_khandem.
Meanwhile EastEnders isn’t the only credit that Sophie has under her belt.
She’s appeared in various stage plays including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Measure for Measure, While the Sun Shines, As You Like It and Private Lives.
Before her stint on the BBC soap, she’s appeared as Gabrielle Ade in The Sixth Commandment.
She’s also appeared in All Creatures Great and Small, Mammals, Avernus and Rude.
Her first role was as Alice in The Last Bus in 2013.
Sharing the news that she had joined EastEnders in September 2023, Sophie wrote on Instagram: ‘Cat’s out the bag and this one’s got claws … Can’t wait to join the fam.’
One wrote: ‘Just love it��the expressions and attitude ��.’
‘Best of look in Eastenders, a great start Btw!’
‘I AM OBSESSED! Killing it from the first scene.’
