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Last updated on the 7 May 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 31 October 1963, Ealing, London, England.
Sanjeev Bhaskar grew up in Hounslow, West London, and attended the University of Hertfordshire, where he studied marketing.
Bhaskar began his career as a comedian, performing in clubs and theaters across the UK. In 1998, he co-created and starred in the BBC sketch comedy series “Goodness Gracious Me,” which explored the experiences of British Asians. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards, including an International Emmy.
In 2002, Sanjeev Bhaskar took a leading role in the BBC comedy-drama series “The Kumars at No. 42”, a show he also co-created alongside Richard Pinto and Sharat Sardana. The show featured Bhaskar as the host of a fictional chat show, where he interviewed real-life celebrities. The series was also a hit, running for seven seasons and winning several awards.
Sanjeev Bhaskar’s talents extend beyond acting, encompassing roles in films and television such as “Paddington 2”, “Doctor Who”, and “Unforgotten”. Additionally, he has ventured into writing and production, creating insightful documentaries like “India with Sanjeev Bhaskar”, where he explored his heritage, and “The Lost Homestead”.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Bhaskar is also a philanthropist and has supported several charities, including the British Asian Trust and the Prince’s Trust.
Suggested viewing
Unforgotten (2015)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
A dedicated detective duo meticulously unravels decades-old murder cases, piecing together fragmented clues and long-buried secrets. Their relentless pursuit of justice exhumes the past, forcing those connected to the crimes to confront the lasting impact of their actions and exposing the intricate web of lies that time has concealed within seemingly ordinary lives.
Top cast: Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lewis Reeves, Peter Egan, Pippa Nixon, Alastair Mackenzie, Georgia Mackenzie, Ayesha Dharker.
Goodness Gracious Me (1998)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
“Goodness Gracious Me” is a comedy sketch show that explores the experiences of British Asians. Through witty sketches and satire, it cleverly challenges stereotypes and addresses cultural clashes with humour. With its diverse cast and clever writing, “Goodness Gracious Me” has become a cultural icon, delivering laughter and social commentary in equal measure.
Top cast: Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Nina Wadia, Kulvinder Ghir.
The Indian Doctor (2007)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.9
“The Indian Doctor” is a drama series that follows the story of Dr. Prem Sharma, who moves from India to a small Welsh mining village in the 1960s. Facing cultural clashes and scepticism, Dr. Sharma strives to gain acceptance and provide medical care to the community. The show explores themes of identity, friendship and overcoming prejudice, while also offering a glimpse into the challenges of immigrant life.
Top cast: Sanjeev Bhaskar, Ayesha Dharker, Mali Harries, Jacob Oakley, Erica Eirian, Ifan Huw Dafydd, James Morgan, Dafydd Hywel, Naomi Everson.
The Kumars at No. 42 (2001)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.7
“The Kumars at No. 42” is a comedy series that revolves around the Kumar family, who conduct celebrity interviews in their fictional home. The show combines scripted comedy with improvisation, as the family’s humorous interactions with their guests lead to hilarious and often awkward moments. “The Kumars at No. 42” offers a unique and entertaining blend of comedy and celebrity interviews.
Top cast: Sanjeev Bhaskar, Indira Joshi, Vincent Ebrahim, Meera Syal.
