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Amira Shah 
 played by Preeya Kalidas

A typical nouveau riche princess, Amira is Walford's answer to Paris Hilton. She’s beautiful, spoilt and an unashamed snob but also charming and fun.

First appearance: 05.05.2009

Marital Status: engaged

Address: 89b George Street

Occupation: Beauty therapist

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Amira Shah

Character profile

Princess Amira is stunning, spoilt and a snob to boot. Several Walford men have fallen under her spell, not least her brother-in-law-to-be Tamwar, who made an ill-conceived drunken lunge at her on his birthday – earning himself a smack across the face for his efforts.

She might look like butter wouldn’t melt, but looks can be deceiving as Zainab found out, when Amira confessed that her father Qadim, is in Pentoville Prison for fraud.

Since arriving in Walford, Amira has gotten engaged to heart-throb Syed. Little does she know that another heart is throbbing for him within yards of her home. She’ll have a battle on her hands if she wants to prise him away from his secret love affair with Christian. Let battle commence!

Love

Syed Masood thumbnail

Syed Masood

Doting boyfriend

Key dates

25 Aug 2009
Announcing to the Masood's that Tamwar didn't get into Oxford.

16 Jul 2009
Being proposed to by Syed in the Vic.

06 Jul 2009
Moving into Syd's flat after being thrown out by Janine.

05 May 2009
Being invited for dinner by Zainab and meeting Syed's family.

Actor profile

About Preeya Kalidas

Star sign:

Eye colour: Brown

Height: 1.54

First appearance: 05.05.2009

She was the leading lady in the original cast of AR Rahman's musical, Bombay Dreams and sang the show's hit song Shakalaka Baby. She also played the leading female in the hit revival of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat alongside Lee Mead.

Preeya has been in successful films Bend It Like Beckham, East is East, and co-starred in Bollywood Queen with James McAvoy.

She's also performed in BAFTA Award Winning drama Britz, RTS award winning Bodies alongside Max Beasley and Keith Allen, Banglatown Banquet, Bedtime (BBC ONE), Broken News, England Expects (BBC ONE), and Decreed.

Preeya's short film credits include: Jump Boy, Sari and Trainers and The Fiancée.

She also played the female lead, Lorraina, in the Royal Court Theatre's new play Oxford Street which was Olivier nominated.

Preeya grew up in Twickenham and started singing at the age of three. She eventually gained a place at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.

Preeya met Charlie Brooks, while performing for a youth theatre group in West London - they have remained firm friends ever since.

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