Earlier this year, Naveed Choudhry could be seen playing Rafid in feature film Apnas and he had a guest lead role in Series 3 of The Good Ship Murder as Christopher Raja. Naveed filmed during the coronavirus pandemic for his role of Baz in Lagging – the father of co-lead character Mo, and continued playing Baz across all three series of the CBBC show, and amongst his further projects, he has worked on Sniper: Ghost Shooter, DCI Banks and Casualty. For Series 3 and 4 of Waterloo Road, Naveed was in the cast as Shahid Kapoor, and went on to play regular character Tariq Siddiqui in Series 7 and 8. In the following series of Waterloo Road, Naveed reprised his role of Tariq for long-standing character Grantly’s (Philip Martin Brown) funeral, which marked his final time of playing Tariq. We chatted to Naveed, who answered our questions about playing guest lead character Christopher Raja in The Good Ship Murder, his time as Baz in CBBC’s Lagging and what Tariq Siddiqui was like to play in Waterloo Road.
Can you tell us about the new feature film Apnas, in which you play Rafid, and how was it attending the screening earlier this year?
Apnas was a great project to be part of, and working with a lot of friends was a big bonus. Rafid is a character whose actions have major consequences throughout the film. I loved seeing it on the big screen at the premiere; it was very fulfilling to see everyone’s hard work pay off.
How was it playing guest lead character Christopher Raja in Series 3 of The Good Ship Murder, and what was it like filming alongside your on-screen brother Nitin Ganatra (Dominic), Lauren Drummond (Julia) and Samantha Power (Rosie)?
I was grateful to be cast as Christopher Raja in The Good Ship Murder, alongside Nitin Ganatra, who played my older brother Dominic. I love that man – such a warm and giving human, as well as a great actor to play alongside and learn from. The same can be said for Sam Power too, who played Rosie; she’s such a laugh. Got to shout out Lauren Drummond too. Being reunited with her from our Waterloo Road days was amazing. The whole cast and crew were incredible, and the locations were breathtaking.
What was it like reading the script to your episode of The Good Ship Murder and can you tell us about your storyline?
The script was a fun read, and I’ve always loved a whodunnit-type genre, so I was really buzzing to be part of one. Without giving away too much… we are two brothers who don’t really get on that well, but have come on a cruise together to try and mend our somewhat fractured relationship. But that doesn’t go to plan, and someone meets a dramatic end.
How was your time involved with Lee D Barnes’s feature film That One Man as Raj?
Working on That One Man felt really rewarding. Seeing everyone come together and give up their time for the charity, and seeing the final cut, was incredible.
You played Baz – the father of co-lead character Mo – across all three series of Lagging for CBBC, how did you find the experience working on a TV set during the coronavirus pandemic?
Working during COVID was challenging. I played a character called Baz on a CBBC show called Lagging, and we had to cheat the shots and film using social distancing, which felt odd. But seeing how it worked, and the magic of good editing, you wouldn’t be able to tell.
What did you enjoy most about being in the cast of a CBBC show and how different did you find it to your other projects?
I loved Lagging and working on kids’ telly, as you get to be over the top and silly.
What was it like telling the story of the 2021 short film Tasbeeh, in which you played Sid?
In 2021, I was cast in a short film called Tasbeeh, which is a story about two best friends who have grown apart but are reunited one evening when his best friend comes home from university. It’s a beautiful story about growth, change and ambition.
What was it like on set of the feature film Sniper: Ghost Shooter, and what was Saajid like to play?
I got to be in an action movie called Sniper: Ghost Shooter, which was filmed in Bulgaria. It’s action-packed, and seeing it come to life through the sets, stunts and locations, and shooting guns was thrilling (boys and their toys). The character I played was a sniper spotter who is always on the lookout for number one.
After playing Shahid Kapoor in episodes of Series 3 and 4 of Waterloo Road, you went on to play Tariq Siddiqui in Series 7 and 8, how was it joining the regular cast in 2011 and what was it like seeing the fan response to the show and your character?
I’ve been on Waterloo Road as two different characters: one called Shahid Kapoor in Series 3 to 4, and the other being a regular character called Tariq Siddiqui. The die-hard Waterloo Road fans noticed straight away, but the general response was positive, and people still stop me over Tariq being a lovable rogue.
What are some of your favourite memories from playing Tariq, and how was it developing the character across both series?
Creating a character from scratch, seeing him develop and having creative control over his costume, language and mannerisms felt rewarding. The trust shown to me from directors and producers really helped my confidence grow. When you film day in, day out with the same cast and crew, you become a family, and the highs and lows of life you share like a big family.
There are so many special memories, but one that sticks out is getting to smash Finn’s car.
You reprised the role for Grantly’s funeral episode in Series 9, what do you remember most from returning to set and getting back into character for the final time?
Grantly’s funeral I came back and got to meet some of the new cast members. I remember Siobhan’s monologue at the funeral making me well up, and that’s down to Melanie Hill’s fantastic acting and delivery. It was a bittersweet episode to come back for.
Over your acting career so far, you have also had guest roles in shows such as DCI Banks, Doctors, Casualty, Dani’s Castle and Survivors, and worked on other projects including The Surprise and The Last Witch, can you tell us about some of them?
I’ve been fortunate to have filmed on various projects around the world, and some British classics like Casualty. The people I’ve met along my journey have made the experiences great.
How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
Acting is something that I think entered my life at the right time, and it has made me the person I am today. Telling different stories and playing different characters really helps you look at life through a different lens. The friends I’ve made on my acting journey are friends for life.
I’ve always wanted to be an actor, from the days I would watch The Goonies and Terminator 2 on loop. So, to finally get to pursue it and to have been a professional actor coming on 20 years now is a massive blessing which I’m very grateful for.
Is there anything you find most rewarding, and most challenging, about being part of the acting industry?
I find helping people discover their acting ability is really rewarding, and if I can help open a door for them, I always will. I remember being a young teenager looking for guidance, but there was none, so I try to make sure I can help inspire in any way possible.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love to spend my time in nature with my mates. I love Manchester United and can play most sports. I’m very competitive and love learning new games.
I’ve been a bit obsessed with gardening this summer. My mum and I have been gardening all summer – how nice was the weather this summer? I do love to travel and tick off new places I’ve never been.
What are you hoping the next year brings you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?
I really hope this coming year brings some juicy, meaty parts for me to sink my teeth into, God willing! There’s so much good stuff being made now, and I would love to play a detective soon.
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