In the Bollywood musical Bombay Superstars at Hayes Beck Theatre, Omar Khan played Pavan Picturewalla and was also in the cast of the staged concert at His Majesty’s Theatre in the West End in September last year. Omar understudied five different roles in Life of Pi at the Wyndham’s Theatre in 2022 for his West End debut, and as a screen actor, he most recently played an Indian Field Reporter in the 2024 Netflix feature film Atlas starring Jennifer Lopez. Further screen projects for Omar include playing Hari in an episode of Sky Max sci-fi series The Lazarus Project, Gautam Bose in feature film Goldfish, being a Storyteller in CBeebies‘ Treasure Champs, and he voiced Deepak Nibblet in Boj. For Omar’s first professional job in the industry, he was a presenter for the weekly entertainment show View Asia for Sony TV Asia, working on over 350 episodes for seven years. Alongside his acting career, Omar is also a writer, and has written episodes of The Dumping Ground for Series 11, 12 and 13, and Series 14 – which is set to film this summer, Odd Squad UK (including three upcoming episodes), Princess Mirror-Belle, and Hollyoaks for six episodes so far. We chatted to Omar about being in the cast of Bombay Superstars at Hayes Beck Theatre and the staged concert, his time in Life of Pi in the West End and his writing career on shows such as The Dumping Ground, Odd Squad UK and Hollyoaks.

Most recently on stage, you were performing in Bombay Superstars at the Hayes Beck Theatre, how was it working on a Bollywood musical?

Being part of Bombay Superstars was an absolute joy. I’ve never performed in a musical before – probably because I can’t sing or dance! Thankfully, my role was a straight acting part, so I could leave the high notes and choreography to the incredibly talented cast around me. Watching them work was truly awe-inspiring.

The show was packed with iconic Bollywood songs from the ‘70s and ’80s – the soundtrack of my childhood – so it felt deeply nostalgic and personal. There was something magical about hearing those songs live every night and seeing how they lit up the audience. We were lucky to receive rave reviews, but even more rewarding was the genuine connection we felt with the crowds who came ready to sing, clap, and celebrate with us.

On a personal note, one of the unexpected joys was seeing how much my five-year-old daughter took to the show – she’s now obsessed with the soundtrack and insists on playing it on loop! It’s been lovely to see her fall in love with the music I grew up with. It really was a special experience from start to finish.

What was Pavan Picturewalla like to play and how did you prepare for taking on the role?

Pavan Picturewalla was such a rewarding character to play. I’ve mostly done comedic roles in the past, so stepping into the shoes of a full-blown villain was a refreshing change – and honestly, a lot of fun. What made him even more interesting was that he wasn’t just a flat antagonist; he had a real emotional journey. He begins the play as a man unwilling to acknowledge his illegitimate daughter, but by the end, he finds redemption and love. I loved building those layers into the performance – showing his flaws, his ego, but also his capacity to change.

He was written as an homage to the classic villains of 1970s Bollywood, which gave me the perfect excuse to revisit those brilliant old films. I dived into the worlds of Madan Puri and Pran – those iconic performances were a masterclass in charisma and menace. I tried to channel a bit of that theatrical flair while still grounding Pavan in emotional truth. It was a challenge, but one I relished every night on stage.

How was it being part of the staged concert of Bombay Superstars at His Majesty’s Theatre in September last year?

Being part of the staged concert of Bombay Superstars at His Majesty’s Theatre was genuinely unforgettable. As someone who isn’t a musical theatre performer by background, I never imagined I’d one day be standing on the very stage that hosts The Phantom of the Opera. It felt surreal – and completely magical.

Admittedly, the start of the day was a bit of a whirlwind. We had to do the get-in, tech, and final run all on the same day, which was intense to say the least. But once the lights came up and the music started, all the stress melted away. We were performing to an audience of 800 people, and the energy in the room was electric. The audience was incredibly enthusiastic and generous, and many of them even waited at the stage door to greet us afterwards – it felt like a proper celebration.

It was one of those nights in theatre where you could feel how much it meant to everyone in the room – on both sides of the stage.

How did you find the experience making your West End debut in 2022 in Life of Pi at the Wyndham’s Theatre?

Making my West End debut in Life of Pi at the Wyndham’s Theatre was nothing short of a dream come true. I’d been working as an actor for 20 years, and finally stepping onto a West End stage felt like reaching a personal milestone I’d been quietly chasing for a long time.

That said, it wasn’t the smoothest of starts! I joined the production after the initial rehearsal period had already ended, right in the midst of ongoing COVID concerns. It was a high-pressure situation – learning a complex show through understudy rehearsals and by watching the main cast from the wings. But the entire team, both cast and crew, was so generous with their time and support. They rallied around me and helped me find my feet quickly.

I ended up being with the show for about six months, and I was genuinely grateful every single day. To be part of such a beautiful, visually stunning production – and to perform it in the heart of London – was a deeply rewarding experience, and one I’ll always hold close.

What was it like working on Life of Pi as an Understudy and learning the different characters?

Working on Life of Pi as an understudy was one of the most challenging – and most rewarding – experiences of my career. I covered five different roles, and in a show as intricate and ensemble-driven as this one, that meant learning five completely distinct performance tracks. Even when I wasn’t playing a principal role, I’d be on stage moving set pieces, becoming part of the ocean – or occasionally transforming into a fish!

Some roles also involved puppetry, so I had the chance to learn new skills – like operating the zebra, or voicing the tiger, which was an extraordinary experience in itself.

The nature of understudy work meant I often didn’t know which role I’d be performing until the day of the show. It kept me on my toes in the best possible way. I eventually got the opportunity to perform all five roles during my time in the production – the thrilling unpredictability of live theatre.

How was it seeing the audience response and huge success to Life of Pi and how was it telling the show’s story?

Being part of Life of Pi during its West End run was a truly special experience. The show was embraced by both audiences and critics, winning five Olivier Awards – including Best New Play – and there was a real sense of pride in being part of something so universally admired.

Life of Pi has a devoted following, thanks to the beloved novel and the Oscar-winning film, so audiences came in with high expectations. They knew the story, they loved the characters – and they wanted to be moved. Night after night, I felt we delivered on that promise. The production was a stunning blend of beautiful writing, visionary direction, haunting music, and breathtaking visuals – you really had to see the storm sequence live to believe it.

And, of course, the performances were at the heart of it all. Hiran’s (Abeysekera) portrayal of Pi was extraordinary, and the puppetry teams brought Richard Parker and the other animals to life in a way that was both technically brilliant and deeply emotional. It was theatre at its most inventive and affecting, and to help tell that story each night was an absolute honour.

On screen, you played an Indian Field Reporter in the 2024 Netflix feature film Atlas starring Jennifer Lopez as Atlas Shepherd, what was this like to film?

My time on Atlas was brief – I only filmed for a day – but it was one of those surreal, pinch-me experiences. From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. I had my own trailer, was chauffeured to and from set, and had coffee and snacks brought to me like I was a proper movie star! That’s the magic of a big-budget production – you’re incredibly well looked after.

We shot at the iconic Shepperton Studios. They recreated a bustling Indian city within the studio, complete with crowds of extras and vivid set design – it was astonishing how real it felt. I didn’t get to meet Jennifer Lopez, sadly, but just being part of something on that scale was so exciting.

Can you tell us about your time filming as Hari in an episode of the Sky Max sci-fi series The Lazarus Project?

Filming The Lazarus Project was a unique experience – partly because it took place right in the middle of COVID. I actually needed a special travel permit from the production team just to get on the train to set! It was a reminder of how strange and surreal that time was, but also how lucky I was to be working.

I played Hari, a character significantly older than I am in real life, so I had a few months to grow out my hair and beard to give him that seasoned ‘uncle’ look. It was a fun transformation and a chance to stretch myself in a different direction.

What made the experience even more special was that, by total coincidence, one of my best friends had also been cast in the show. So not only did I get to work on a gripping, high-concept sci-fi series, I also got to hang out with a dear friend on set for a few days. The cast and crew were incredibly welcoming, and despite the pandemic restrictions, the atmosphere was warm, focused, and collaborative.

What was it like getting into character as Gautam Bose in the feature film Goldfish?

Playing Gautam Bose in Goldfish was an absolute joy. It was one of those rare projects where everything just seemed to align. I’d known the producer, Pooja Chauhan, from my time living in Mumbai back in 2010, and all these years later, we reconnected – now she’s an acclaimed producer and I was thrilled to be working with her. On top of that, several of my friends were also part of the cast, so every day on set felt like turning up to work with family.

One of the real highlights was working with Kalki Koechlin. We’d done a film together in Mumbai back in 2013, and I honestly didn’t expect her to remember me – but she did, and she was as warm and generous as ever. She brings such intelligence and sensitivity to her work, and it made for a really easy, collaborative experience. As for the character – Gautam was a bit of a grump, which is always fun to play!

For CBeebies, you were a Storyteller in Treasure Champs and voiced Deepak Nibblit in Boj, what are some of your favourite memories from working on these shows?

Working on children’s shows is always such a joy – there’s something incredibly pure and heartwarming about creating stories for young audiences. Treasure Champs holds a special place in my heart, especially now that my daughter watches it and absolutely loves it. During filming, I worked with a number of children, which was as unpredictable as it was fun – you never quite know what they’re going to say or do!

Working on Boj was a completely different kind of adventure. It was my first experience with voiceover work, and I found myself in a booth making a range of strange noises – squeaks, laughs, all sorts – until the director said, “Perfect, we’ve got it!”. I had no idea what the final animation would look like until it aired, so it was a real delight to see how it all came together.

You are also a writer, and have written episodes in Series 11, 12 and 13 of CBBC’s long-running series The Dumping Ground, how is it writing for a hugely-popular children’s series?

Writing for The Dumping Ground has been one of the most rewarding chapters in my career. I’ve now written four episodes across Series 11, 12, and 13 – all available on iPlayer – and I’ve just finished my script for Series 14, which is due to be filmed this summer. It’s a show I truly adore.

My journey with it actually began way back in Series 5, when I was part of their shadow writing scheme. So this has been a long-standing relationship, and to go from shadowing to becoming a regular writer has felt incredibly special. The Dumping Ground is one of CBBC’s flagship shows – it tackles big, emotional stories with real heart – and getting to contribute to that legacy has been a genuine dream come true.

One of the proudest moments of my writing life was discovering that my episode from Series 13 is now listed as an example script on the BBC Writersroom website. Years ago, I used to download and study those scripts as I was learning the craft – so to now see my own work up there, potentially inspiring new writers, was a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

Other shows you’ve written for include Odd Squad UK, Princess Mirror-Belle and Hollyoaks, can you tell us about some of these further projects?

Writing for Odd Squad UK is an absolute joy. You can pitch stories about everything from monsters to time travel, so it’s a playground for the imagination. In one of my episodes, I created a singing clam whose voice could destroy the world… and yes, I had a lot of fun with that one! I’ve now written seven episodes, including three brand-new ones that are set to be filmed this summer.

The show originated in Canada and uses the American-style writers’ room model, where a team of writers sit together to break a story collaboratively. It’s a process I love – fast, creative, and energising. There’s something very special about building stories with a hive mind and watching them evolve in real time.

Princess Mirror-Belle was another delightful experience. The character comes from the beloved books by Julia Donaldson, who also happens to be my daughter’s favourite author – so getting to adapt one of her stories felt like a real privilege, both professionally and personally. I wrote one episode for the series, and that actually led to further work with CBBC on The Dumping Ground and Odd Squad, so in many ways, Mirror-Belle launched my children’s TV writing career.

And then there’s Hollyoaks, which I’m incredibly proud to be part of. I’ve written six episodes so far, and it’s a completely different kind of writing challenge. The turnaround is fast-paced, and you constantly have to adapt—scripts evolve quickly depending on production needs, shifting storylines, or actor availability. It’s taught me how to be nimble, efficient, and solution-focused as a writer. With the show approaching its 30th anniversary, it is an exciting time to be writing for the show.

What do you enjoy most about writing for screen and how is it seeing the episode come together on TV?

For me, the real magic of screenwriting lies in giving characters a voice and crafting those emotional or dramatic moments that truly land with an audience. To watch something that began as words on my laptop transform into a fully realised episode of television—is a process I never take for granted.

One of the most exciting parts is that I usually don’t see the finished episode until it airs, so I get to watch it almost as a viewer. I’ll often have a little screening at home with my family. Seeing your words brought to life by talented actors, directors, and the wider team is incredibly fulfilling, and a reminder of just how collaborative this medium is.

Where does your love of acting and writing come from and how did you get into both?

I’ve wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember – literally since I could walk. It was the only thing I ever truly pursued, and I feel incredibly lucky to still be doing it, more than 25 years after I began my career. In the early days, when roles were hard to come by, I realised that if the parts weren’t there, I’d just have to write them myself. That’s what first led me into screenwriting – out of necessity at first, but quickly it became another creative passion.

I fell in love with the process of storytelling from the inside out. Whether I’m building a story from scratch, giving voice to established characters in shows like Hollyoaks, or stepping into a role as an actor – it all taps into the same core joy: bringing stories to life. I’ve come to really value the balance of both disciplines. Acting and writing fuel each other, and together they’ve given me a broader creative toolkit – and a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch and how do you like to spend your free time?

I absolutely love film, TV, and theatre – and I watch a lot of it! I always tell people it’s “research,” so technically I’m working… That’s my excuse anyway! I grew up in the ’80s, so my childhood favourites were Star Wars, Back to the Future, and The Karate Kid. These days, I’m a big fan of the Marvel universe – Thor: Ragnarok is probably my favourite for its mix of action and humour.

On TV, I just finished The Day of the Jackal, which I thought was brilliantly done, and I’ve just started Shōgun, which has completely drawn me in. I’m also lucky that I get to go to the theatre often – many of my friends are actors, so I love supporting their work. Just last week, I took my daughter to see Wicked – her first West End musical. Watching it through her eyes, with her pure excitement, was honestly the best part of the whole experience.

We understand you have also worked as a presenter; can you tell us about this side of your career?

My first professional job in the industry was as a TV presenter. I worked on a weekly entertainment show for Sony TV Asia called View Asia, where we covered everything from current events to celebrity interviews – mainly with Bollywood stars promoting their latest films. It was a fantastic introduction to the world of television, and I ended up staying on the show for seven years, presenting over 350 episodes.

It was a real training ground for me. I had a lot of creative freedom, especially when it came to writing my own gags and injecting humour into the show. That experience taught me how to think on my feet, connect with audiences, and handle live interviews – all skills that have stayed with me throughout my career, both on and off screen.

What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?

Some exciting things coming up this year. I’ve written a low-budget feature film that’s currently on track to go into production in November, which will mark my first full-length feature as a screenwriter. I’ve previously written and produced four short films, so this feels like the next natural (and slightly terrifying!) step forward.

I’m also developing a TV show with a production company, which I’m really passionate about. It’s still in the early stages, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch it begin to take shape. So yes – lots of exciting things bubbling away, and I’m just trying to stay focused, keep creating, and enjoy the ride.

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