Bushra Abbasi

Name: Bushra Abbasi
First Appeared: 25th May 2009
Last Appeared: 23rd April 2015
Played by: Pooja Ghai

Bushra Abbasi, an old friend of Zainab Masood, is the kind of character who knows everyone’s business and isn’t afraid to share it. Her first mission in Walford was to set up Zainab’s son, Syed, with one of her daughters. When Zulekha didn’t work out, she tried her luck with Parveen. Bushra’s matchmaking skills might be questionable, but her knack for stirring the pot is unmatched. She even roped in the Masoods’ catering business, Masala Queen, for her parties, where she was more impressed with Amira Shah’s singing than the food.

Bushra’s interactions with Christian Clarke were nothing short of awkward comedy gold. She couldn’t believe he was single and was even more shocked when he revealed he was looking for the right man. Her reaction? A classic “your poor mother” before storming off in disgust. Despite her old-fashioned views, she did have a softer side, helping Zainab home from the mosque after a dizzy spell. But don’t let that fool you; Bushra’s sharp tongue was always ready for action.

The drama peaked at Syed and Amira’s Mehndi celebration and their flat-warming party, where Syed’s sexuality was revealed. Bushra, ever the community watchdog, advised Zainab to disapprove of Syed to maintain her standing. Her visits to the Masoods were frequent, whether it was to gather intel on Afia Khan or to bring her daughter Zulekha for a job interview at The Argee Bhajee. But when she discovered Syed and Christian living together, her insults led to a legendary slap from Zainab, who declared Bushra the real sick one.

Bushra’s return visits were always eventful. In 2014, she delighted in seeing Shabnam but was less impressed with Masood and Tamwar. Masood, fed up with her behaviour, finally exploded and threw her out, later relishing the moment with his kids. Bushra’s knack for causing a scene didn’t wane; she attended Shabnam’s engagement party to Kush Kazemi in 2015 and was scandalized to learn about Shabnam’s secret baby with Dean Wicks. Her gossiping earned her a sharp rebuke from Carmel Kazemi, who called her two-faced and threatened to slap her.