Shabnam Masood

WHO?

Name: Shabnam Masood
First Appeared: 17th July 2007
Last Appeared: 5th February 2016
Played by: Rakhee Thakrar

Shabnam Masood, the daughter of Masood and Zainab, initially appeared in Walford as a university graduate unsure of her career path. Despite aspirations to travel, she stayed to support her struggling family. This decision led to friction with her mother, Zainab, especially over Shabnam’s friendship with Dawn Swann and her embrace of British culture. Zainab’s attempts to set her up with Jalil Iqbal failed when Shabnam discovered he had a girlfriend and wasn’t serious about modern Muslim women. The tension peaked when Zainab caught Shabnam pole dancing, leading Shabnam to leave Walford to find her roots in Pakistan.

Shabnam returned in 2014 after her grandmother’s funeral but soon left again after a fight with Masood. She came back once more when Masood’s life spiralled downward and moved in with him and Tamwar. Working at the Minute Mart, she met and eventually fell for market worker Kush Kazemi, despite their rocky start and a secret about her daughter Roya, fathered by Dean Wicks. Their relationship faced numerous hurdles, including Masood’s disapproval and Kush’s hesitation due to his late wife. Nevertheless, they resumed dating, taking things slow and eventually planning their future together.

Their happiness was marred by misunderstandings and revelations. Shabnam’s struggle with her past, including a gang attack and pregnancy with Kush’s child, further complicated her life. Their engagement party was disrupted by Dean exposing her lies, leading to a family fallout. Shabnam’s son, Zaair, was stillborn, deepening her grief. Despite this, she decided she wanted her daughter, Jade, in her life and fought for custody. Kush’s connection with Arthur Fowler, the son of Stacey, complicated things further. Shabnam realized Kush needed Arthur and urged him to be with Stacey, leading to their separation.

Ultimately, Shabnam decided to leave Walford to start fresh. She convinced Kush to recite the triple talaq to end their marriage and left with Jade, acknowledging their love but recognizing the need for separate lives.