In Conversation with George Bukhari: Stepping Into The Shoes of DC Darren Lakhan

Following the recent series of Ridley on ITV, we spoke to actor George Bukhari who stars as DC Darren Lakhan along co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Bronagh Waugh. Ridley has allowed George to play a sophisticated character and opened a new lane for George playing a police officer, a role he was never seen for previously. 

As a British Asian actor George has resisted playing the Asian character roles he has been seen for - largely because they are never well written and play to cliche. 

Having been gripped by the latest series, we had the pleasure of sitting down with George to explore what it has been like stepping into the shoes of DC Darran Lakhan.

A huge welcome to DARKUS George, exciting times with Ridley currently airing on ITV. How are you finding it all as the nation sees the series unfold? Especially some of the fan reactions?

It’s been amazing, we’re so happy to finally share Ridley with everyone again. We actually filmed it over two years ago, so watching it come to life on screen now has been a real joy. The fan reactions have been brilliant, it’s lovely to see people connecting with the story and the characters. It’s already had great success in the USA, and I think it’s exactly the kind of cosy, gripping Sunday night drama you can enjoy after a roast dinner.

Playing the role of DC Darren Lakhan, what were some of your initial thoughts when you knew you were going to step into the shoes and mind of your character?

When I first read Darren’s background, working class and ex-army, it immediately warmed him to me. Growing up in south Manchester on a council estate, with many on my mum’s side having served in the army, it felt very real. Back then, joining the forces was almost expected. Coming from a South Asian/ White background not so much for me.  I also found it exciting to play a role where the focus was on the character’s story rather than his ethnicity as  it’s about who Darren is at his core. I hope in the future we get to peel back more layers of his past, because there’s so much there to explore, and you start to sense some of it by the end of series two.

What I really admire as someone of South Asian heritage myself is seeing more diversity and British Asian voices being represented on our screens. How have you found the whole process especially as you now are part of that exciting new wave of actors who are helping to change that narrative even more for the better?

It's such an exciting time to be part of this change, and I feel really hopeful about what’s ahead. The stories being told now have so much more depth, with characters who are layered and real. At 36, I feel I’m in exactly the right place to embrace those kinds of roles, the ones that challenge me, inspire me, and hopefully resonate with audiences in a meaningful way

When you think about your culture and your identity and also the world of acting and TV, what makes you smile, especially in terms of the positivity and journey of growth it has brought with it?

I feel really grateful for the people who believed in me early on. Nicola Schindler gave me one of my first big breaks in Ordinary Lives, trusting me with a really complex storyline fresh out of drama school. Since then, I’ve been lucky to work with amazing writers and producers who’ve not only challenged me but also embraced my heritage and identity.  That mix of growth, positivity, and seeing my culture reflected in authentic ways is what really makes me smile.

Rewinding back slightly to growing up in the Bukhari household, what were some of those earliest and fondest memories and the inner flame that excited the young George?

The Bukhari household wasn’t always called that. Up until I was nine, I had a different surname. I lost my father at that age, and when my mum remarried, my stepfather took me in as his own. He made such an effort to be a father to a very troubled young George, and I’m honoured to carry his name. Acting first came into my life through therapy, and I quickly found joy in it. I loved old black-and-white films, especially World War Two stories. The way they told those tales really captivated me. But some of my fondest memories are simpler ones: playing ‘school’ in the back garden or pretending to be fighter jet pilots with my friends. I miss those days when imagination was raw and free, when you didn’t need props or costumes, just a good idea and the will to play.

With the  passing of your father, through drama therapy that was partly what opened the doorway to the way of acting. What were some of the valuable and powerful ways at that age that helped you to handle grief and sadness? 

I think it’s so important that drama, dance, music, and art stay on the school curriculum, because they give young people a way to express themselves and work through emotions. When my dad passed, I’d forgotten how to play but drama gave me that outlet. Stepping into other characters helped me process my grief, and it became a form of therapy I’ve carried with me into adulthood.

Working alongside Adrian Dunbar, Bronagh Waugh and the rest of the cast members plus the crew too, what has been the most rewarding thing?

Well, I mean, mother of God , when I found out I’d be working with Adrian Dunbar, it was incredible. I’ve admired him since I was young, from Line of Duty to his films in the 90s, so to share the screen with him has been a real pinch-me moment. Bronagh is honestly like a sister to me, she’s such a genuine, caring person, and we’ve laughed, cried, and created together over the last two seasons. And then with Terence Maynard in the mix, he brings this wonderful balance and groundedness, and even the odd dance step or two! Honestly, the most rewarding part has been the sense of family we’ve built. 

If you write a letter to that 9 year old George based on the person you have become today, how would that letter sound?

I think I would write a short sentence , A heart is always hollow until it is broken, and I believe mine was broken from the age of nine

Don't miss out on your chance to witness this brilliant and gripping drama for yourself. Stream full series now on ITVX