Shobna Gulati: 'Sunita is stronger now'

Shobna Gulati has revealed that she is enjoying the chance to show new sides of her Coronation Street character Sunita Alahan.

The actress told The People that she believes Sunita had grown as a person when she returned to the show in 2009.

Sunita spent three years off screen from 2006 after discovering that husband Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) had been unfaithful, prompting her to file for a divorce.

Discussing her time away from the cobbles, Gulati commented: "Leaving was a huge decision but I just wanted to see what else was out there. I was really worried I would never get another job but I had to take that risk."

She continued: "Leaving gave me a massive confidence boost. It proved to me that I could do other things, which made me more confident as an actress. I'm enjoying myself far more.

"The experiences have made me a better actress. I feel I have more sides I can give Sunita. The old Sunita was a bit daft - the new Sunita is much stronger and that's down to me feeling the same."

Gulati landed a number of theatre roles during her time away from Corrie, as well as parts in Where the Heart Is and New Street Law.

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