Rana requires rescuing!
CORRIE’S BHAVNA LIMBACHIA LIFTS THE LID ON THE SHOCK KIDNAPPING OF HER ALTER EGO…
The fragile truce between Rana and her parents is destroyed this week, as they catch her in a passionate embrace with secret girlfriend Kate!
Not only is this the moment sister-in-law Alya discovers that Zeedan’s marriage is a sham, but it’s the catalyst for the Habeebs to take drastic action to protect their family reputation. Consumed by guilt, Rana agrees to accompany her mum abroad to visit a sick relative – though she doesn’t realise what’s really in store for her in Pakistan. And actress Bhavna Limbachia, who plays Rana, was shocked when she researched her alter ego’s story, and discovered the lengths that some families have gone to in situations such as this…
“Parents do take extreme measures to cover up anything they don’t agree with – physical violence and kidnappings are not uncommon in the Asian community when it comes to an offspring’s sexuality,” she reveals. “Parents often don’t see it as a personal attack on their child, more so they see it as saving face in the community. I’ve worked with the Naz And Matt Foundation [a charity that tackles homophobia triggered by religious and cultural beliefs], and heard many stories.
“In Rana’s case, she doesn’t question anything – she believes going to Pakistan with her mum is the only way she can make things better and win her round,” adds Bhavna. “She’s caught up trying to do the right thing by everybody. When her parents find Rana with Kate, they don’t react well. They’re disgusted and feel cheated that she’s broken the terms of the financial contract they made.”
Rana’s husband Zeedan is furious that she got caught, as it means the deal is off and he has no funding for his Speed Daal business. It also has to be explained to Alya, who is upset to discover that she’s the only person who knew nothing of the bizarre arrangement.
“Alya is the last one to find out,” sighs Bhavna. “This is the ultimate betrayal – Rana knows there’s no going back.”
As the repercussions of this incident are felt, Rana is shocked when her mum asks her to visit her dying aunt in Pakistan. She believes it could be a way to make things up to them, but doesn’t realise her family have a plan to kidnap her once there.
“Rana will do anything to win back her family’s love, so she doesn’t question her mum’s story,” shares Bhavna. “Out of desperation to cover up their daughter’s shame, the Habeebs take drastic action to ensure Rana and Kate can’t be together.”
Yasmeen is the one who sounds the alarm – and soon Kate, Zeedan and Imran race to the rescue. But will they make it in time? Whatever happens, Bhavna has a prediction: “After this week’s episodes, Rana will never be the same again…”
Rana thinks that going to Pakistan is the only way to make it better