Anwar Kharral
Encyclopedia
Anwar Kharral is a fictional character
in the television series Skins
portrayed by Dev Patel
.
because he takes drugs at parties, drinks
, partakes in premarital sex
& even eats pork; although he does pray five times a day and believes that homosexuality goes against his religion
. His best friend is Maxxie Oliver
, although his views on Maxxie's homosexuality
sometimes put a strain on their friendship. He does lament that as a Muslim boy, he feels he has no choice in his faith.
According to the official website, his favourite things are "Tequila
, Dope
, Pills, Lupe Fiasco
, Breasts and X Factor
".
According to fellow actors Mike Bailey
(who portrays Sid Jenkins
) and Hannah Murray
(who portrays Cassie Ainsworth
), the characterization of Anwar was partly based on the personality of the actor Dev Patel and the role was written specifically for him after he was cast for Skins.
", on a school trip to Russia
, he finds himself at odds with Maxxie who views Anwar's pick-and-choose approach to Islam
as hypocritical. He also loses his virginity to a married Russian girl, Anka, who he, along with Sid Jenkins
, believed they were rescuing from her abusive father who turned out to be her husband.
The beginning of the first series finale opens with the celebration of Anwar's 17th birthday and his upcoming party on the same day. Maxxie rings him to wish him happy birthday, and asks that Anwar's parents know that he is gay or he would not attend. Anwar's party turns out to be a complete shambles with his uncle as the DJ, Anwar's relatives also introduce one of their friends with him who he wants to introduce Maxxie to. Anwar and Maxxie meet outside the party hall where Mr. Kharral, Anwar's father, spots them talking. As Mr. Kharral converses with Maxxie he blurts out that Maxxie is gay. Mr. Kharral seems to be oblivious, until Maxxie tells Mr. Kharral; seconds later. Mr. Kharral much to both Maxxie and Anwar's surprise actually explains that homosexuals are something he does not understand, but would never discriminate against, as he has faith that God will one day enlighten him. Maxxie and Anwar seem to have once again become best friends. In Chris's brawl later at the party, Anwar displays some impressive fighting moves, using spinning kicks to knock over Chris's attackers.
after Maxxie turns her down (and whilst doing so makes a subtle reference to one of Nicholas Hoult
's other screen appearances, in About A Boy
, whilst listing a filmography of actor Hugh Grant
). Despite telling Anwar that she always liked him, Sketch still has feelings for Maxxie, as she touches and looks at a picture of him while she has sex with Anwar.
In the next episode it is shown that he and Sketch are continuing their sexual relationship, implying that Anwar may be particularly interested in her. When the two are caught by Sid's Mum, Anwar once again expresses discomfort for his life under a Muslim household, stating that "Sex hasn't been invented" in his house.
In series 2's "Chris", while at Chris' house-warming party Maxxie confronts both Sketch and Anwar about Anwar's recent choice of style which disturbingly mirrors that of Maxxie. Anwar, oblivious to Sketch's designs reacts first in disbelief then informs Sketch that she is dumped.
In the series two finale, Anwar is nervous after he receives his A-Level results in the post, as he has pledged not to open them until after Chris' funeral, even when his mother offers to steam them open. Anwar decides to open them anyway, and his reaction is one of shock, horror and dismay. Unable to go to his friends or his family, Anwar visits Sketch, his ex-girlfriend, and confides to her about them, and she reveals to him that he never gave any thought to his future. She then persuades him that his friends will eventually move on, and suggests they get back together. Anwar leaves before the results can be read out, and Maxxie reveals that the grades were, in fact, two E's and a U. When seeing Maxxie and James off at the bus to London, they persuade him to join them. Excited, he boards the bus, while Sketch watching the bus leave in dismay.
(reference to Anwar) thus resulting in the mixture of both due to the argument they had in Series 1.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the television series Skins
Skins (TV series)
Skins is a BAFTA award-winning British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through the two years of college. The controversial plot line explores issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness , adolescent sexuality, substance abuse and death...
portrayed by Dev Patel
Dev Patel
Dev Patel is a British actor. He is best known for playing Jamal Malik in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire , for which Patel won a number of awards, including a Critics' Choice Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award...
.
Characterization
Anwar is portrayed as a young pick and choose Muslim, Pakistani boy, meaning he chooses which parts of his religion he will practice when convenient and which parts he will not when it is inconvinient. He is not a very devout MuslimMuslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
because he takes drugs at parties, drinks
Islamic dietary laws
Islamic dietary laws provide direction on what is to be considered clean and unclean regarding diet and related issues.-Overview:Islamic jurisprudence specifies which foods are ' and which are '...
, partakes in premarital sex
Premarital sex
Premarital sex is sexual activity, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex, practiced by persons who are unmarried. Although it has always been practiced, in the West it has increased in prevalence since the mid-1950s...
& even eats pork; although he does pray five times a day and believes that homosexuality goes against his religion
Homosexuality and Islam
LGBT topics and Islam are influenced by both the cultural-legal history of the nations with a large Muslim population, along with how specific passages in the Qur'an and statements attributed to the prophet Muhammad are interpreted. The mainstream interpretation of Qur'anic verses and hadith...
. His best friend is Maxxie Oliver
Maxxie Oliver
Maxxie Oliver is a fictional character in the British television series Skins. He is portrayed by actor Mitch Hewer.-Characterisation:Maxxie is portrayed as proficient at several styles of dance, including tap dance. He is also shown as being a brilliant artist, seductive, well-liked and...
, although his views on Maxxie's homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
sometimes put a strain on their friendship. He does lament that as a Muslim boy, he feels he has no choice in his faith.
According to the official website, his favourite things are "Tequila
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands of the western Mexican state of Jalisco....
, Dope
Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These three taxa are indigenous to Central Asia, and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for fibre , for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a...
, Pills, Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...
, Breasts and X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
".
According to fellow actors Mike Bailey
Mike Bailey (actor)
Michael James Bailey is an English actor and singer from Bristol, best known for playing the role of Sid Jenkins in the first two series of the British teen drama Skins.-Career:...
(who portrays Sid Jenkins
Sid Jenkins
Sidney "Sid" Jenkins is a fictional character in the television series Skins portrayed by Mike Bailey. In the first series, Sid is portrayed as a nice guy stereotype, an unlucky virgin who is nervous around girls, and has low self-esteem. Tony Stonem is his role model, whom he frequently looks up to...
) and Hannah Murray
Hannah Murray
Hannah Murray is an English actress, best known for playing Cassie Ainsworth in the E4 teen drama Skins from 2007 to 2008.-Career:...
(who portrays Cassie Ainsworth
Cassie Ainsworth
Cassandra "Cassie" Ainsworth is a fictional character in the television series Skins who is portrayed by Hannah Murray.-Characterization and creation:...
), the characterization of Anwar was partly based on the personality of the actor Dev Patel and the role was written specifically for him after he was cast for Skins.
Series 1
In "Tony" he is convinced by best friend Maxxie, to go to a "big gay night out" (because Maxxie said "there would be lots of beautiful women there and they (Chris and Anwar) would be the only ones there to shag") along with Chris, but being bored they eventually go to Abigail Stock's party instead. In "Maxxie and AnwarMaxxie and Anwar
"Maxxie and Anwar" is the sixth episode of British television programme Skins. It was written by Simon Amstell and Ben Schiffer and was directed by Chris Clough. It aired on E4 on 1 March 2007...
", on a school trip to Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, he finds himself at odds with Maxxie who views Anwar's pick-and-choose approach to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
as hypocritical. He also loses his virginity to a married Russian girl, Anka, who he, along with Sid Jenkins
Sid Jenkins
Sidney "Sid" Jenkins is a fictional character in the television series Skins portrayed by Mike Bailey. In the first series, Sid is portrayed as a nice guy stereotype, an unlucky virgin who is nervous around girls, and has low self-esteem. Tony Stonem is his role model, whom he frequently looks up to...
, believed they were rescuing from her abusive father who turned out to be her husband.
The beginning of the first series finale opens with the celebration of Anwar's 17th birthday and his upcoming party on the same day. Maxxie rings him to wish him happy birthday, and asks that Anwar's parents know that he is gay or he would not attend. Anwar's party turns out to be a complete shambles with his uncle as the DJ, Anwar's relatives also introduce one of their friends with him who he wants to introduce Maxxie to. Anwar and Maxxie meet outside the party hall where Mr. Kharral, Anwar's father, spots them talking. As Mr. Kharral converses with Maxxie he blurts out that Maxxie is gay. Mr. Kharral seems to be oblivious, until Maxxie tells Mr. Kharral; seconds later. Mr. Kharral much to both Maxxie and Anwar's surprise actually explains that homosexuals are something he does not understand, but would never discriminate against, as he has faith that God will one day enlighten him. Maxxie and Anwar seem to have once again become best friends. In Chris's brawl later at the party, Anwar displays some impressive fighting moves, using spinning kicks to knock over Chris's attackers.
Series 2
In "Sketch", he sleeps with SketchSketch (Skins character)
Lucy is a fictional character in British teen drama series Skins. She is portrayed by Aimee-Ffion Edwards.-Characterization:Sketch is portrayed as an obsessive and somewhat delusional Welsh girl...
after Maxxie turns her down (and whilst doing so makes a subtle reference to one of Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Caradoc Hoult is an English actor, best known for playing Marcus Brewer in the 2002 film About a Boy, Tony Stonem in the E4, BAFTA-winning television series Skins, and Beast in the X-Men prequel, X-Men: First Class.-Early life:Hoult was born in Wokingham, Berkshire, the third of four...
's other screen appearances, in About A Boy
About a Boy
About a Boy is a 1998 novel by British writer Nick Hornby. It was adapted into a film of the same name in 2002.-Plot summary:The novel is about Will Freeman, a 36-year-old bachelor, and Marcus, an introverted, bullied 12-year-old who lives alone with his suicidal mother, Fiona...
, whilst listing a filmography of actor Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant
Hugh John Mungo Grant is an English actor and film producer. He has received a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, and an Honorary César. His films have earned more than $2.4 billion from 25 theatrical releases worldwide. Grant achieved international stardom after appearing in Richard Curtis's...
). Despite telling Anwar that she always liked him, Sketch still has feelings for Maxxie, as she touches and looks at a picture of him while she has sex with Anwar.
In the next episode it is shown that he and Sketch are continuing their sexual relationship, implying that Anwar may be particularly interested in her. When the two are caught by Sid's Mum, Anwar once again expresses discomfort for his life under a Muslim household, stating that "Sex hasn't been invented" in his house.
In series 2's "Chris", while at Chris' house-warming party Maxxie confronts both Sketch and Anwar about Anwar's recent choice of style which disturbingly mirrors that of Maxxie. Anwar, oblivious to Sketch's designs reacts first in disbelief then informs Sketch that she is dumped.
In the series two finale, Anwar is nervous after he receives his A-Level results in the post, as he has pledged not to open them until after Chris' funeral, even when his mother offers to steam them open. Anwar decides to open them anyway, and his reaction is one of shock, horror and dismay. Unable to go to his friends or his family, Anwar visits Sketch, his ex-girlfriend, and confides to her about them, and she reveals to him that he never gave any thought to his future. She then persuades him that his friends will eventually move on, and suggests they get back together. Anwar leaves before the results can be read out, and Maxxie reveals that the grades were, in fact, two E's and a U. When seeing Maxxie and James off at the bus to London, they persuade him to join them. Excited, he boards the bus, while Sketch watching the bus leave in dismay.
Series 3
Anwar was briefly mentioned in the season 3 episode "Freddie". Cook mentions that he met "some guy named Anwar" busking and asked if he could join him. He then goes on to say that Anwar asked him in turn if he knew the "'buddah buddah cheeeese buddah' routine or something." This indicates that Anwar may have moved back to Bristol from London, where he was staying with Maxxie and James. In the first episode during form time, the new students are asked to stand up, say their name and something unique about them. One of the background characters says he is gay (reference to Maxxie), as he sits down we see that he is of South Asian descentBritish Asian
British Asian is a term used to describe British citizens who descended from mainly South Asia, also known as South Asians in the United Kingdom...
(reference to Anwar) thus resulting in the mixture of both due to the argument they had in Series 1.
External links
- Anwar Kharral on the official E4 Skins site
- Anwar Kharral on MyspaceMyspaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....