Neighbours newcomer Maria Thattil praises show over Amira Devkar role

Sam Warner

24 January 2024 at 6:55 am·2-min read

Neighbours star Maria Thattil has praised the show for its inclusion in casting her as Amira Devkar.

The actress was confirmed in the role of Haz Devkar's sister last year, with the character set to make her debut in Erinsborough later in 2024.

Speaking to the Daily Mail about joining the soap, Thattil shared her excitement as she lauded the show for "casting queer actors of colour for queer characters of colour".

maria thattil — Don Arnold - Getty Images

"I think it's a beautiful thing that we're living in a time where casting directors are wanting to do this authentically," she said. "So they are casting queer actors of colour for queer characters of colour."

The star added of feeling underrepresented growing up: "It felt distant to me because you're watching these families and these stories, and I guess if you don't see yourself in these great Australian stories, does that mean that you're not fitting what Australian stories are meant to be? I'm so excited that I get to be on it."

Speaking previously about signing up for Neighbours, Thattil wrote on Instagram: "I couldn’t be more proud to join the beautiful Neighbours cast at a time when the show is evolving to tell even more Australian stories.

"Imagining 10 year old me turning on the telly to see herself is pretty surreal … even more so because I can’t remember ever seeing a gay female South Asian character on an Australian TV show. Can you?

"Grateful to @neighbours & @channel10au for the honour of being authentic representation of what we’ve been missing. And to do it with a bang. See you in 2024!"

Upon her announcement, the show itself teased Amira's storyline, saying: "Why she turns up suddenly at Harold's is yet to be revealed."

Neighbours releases new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. In Australia, the show airs from Mondays to Thursdays at 4pm on Channel 10, with a 6.30pm repeat screening on 10 Peach.

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