In this sizzling issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali speaks to actress Sophie Khan Levy. Sophie Levy isn’t just another face on EastEnders though she’s certainly become one of its most magnetic. She’s the quiet force behind Priya’s complicated grace, the woman who turns every scene into a study in layered emotion, all while juggling life’s chaos with enviable ease (and a giant water bottle). Born into a lineage of storytellers, with roots stretching from Toronto to Tanzania to London’s eclectic streets, Sophie carries history like a secret handshake. But don’t let that fool you: she’s equal parts rebel and realist, ready to dismantle clichés one scene and one perfectly applied swipe of lip stain at a time. This is the story of an actress who plays life as seriously as she plays play, and in doing so, is quietly rewriting the script for what it means to be a woman of color in British television today. It’s that alignment- between past, present, and possibility that makes Sophie Khan Levy such a compelling force. She’s part legacy, part disrupter. Actress, storyteller, meme-worthy water bottle girl. All heart.
KANIZ: Talk to us more about your background
SOPHIE: I was born in London to my Toronto-born Canadian father and Moshi-born South Asian mother. My parents both moved here as teenagers and the rest is history! I have a younger sister, Nyla, who is also an actress and writer, people either think we are exactly the same or the diametric opposite (I guess it depends on the situation!) We grew up as a very close family including cousins and friends, every Friday we had ‘Friday Gang’ and Sundays were for family. We have remained close throughout my life and for me, family is everything.
KANIZ: What inspired you to head into the world of acting ?
SOPHIE: My mum. Shaheen Khan. Mum paved the way not just for me but for so many South Asian actors who watched her and thought ‘if she can, maybe I can too’. I think it’s important to acknowledge the history we have as a South Asian community in the performance space. Often I hear ‘ this is the first time we’ve seen this or that’ and as well meaning as it is, we can’t galvanise our community if we don’t acknowledge our legacy and history. In the end, storytelling is a universal and ancient way to pass on exactly that. Mum brought her talents into our home and made our childhood full of play! Encouraging us to imagine, to create and to dream big.
KANIZ:- What aspect of acting do you love the most?
SOPHIE:– It comes back to the idea of play! I love the fun of it. I feel like it gives me a chance to experience 100% of myself and of the human experience without judgement and/or consequence.
KANIZ:- You have been in EastEnders for a number of years how did the role come about?
SOPHIE:- Well it started as an email from my agent ‘Subject: Sophie Khan Levy/ EastEnders/Priya’! And then when I read the script the character completely jumped off the page. I cancelled all my plans that weekend and stayed at home working on it. I went to the shops and bought a Priya outfit (my wardrobe is very different to hers!) and recorded the tape. Next step was to go into the studios and meet exec producer Chris Clenshaw. I decided to do the whole audition in character from the moment I got on site till the time I left. I didn’t want to give them any reason to doubt I could do this part! I had my final call back with Aaliyah who had already been cast as my daughter and four days later I was on set. The whole process took under two weeks. It’s crazy how quickly your life can change! I then spent the next few months trying to wind back my personality to Sophie.
KANIZ: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as an actor ? SOPHIE: That’s probably one for a director to answer! But I would say I try to come to people with solutions rather than problems.
KANIZ: Which role do you think you play the best?
SOPHIE: I think the best part about acting is that you can unearth parts of yourself you didn’t necessarily know were there so I don’t know that there is a particular role I play best. Multi- dimensional, flawed, interesting, funny characters that are full of heart are the dream for me.
KANIZ:- What has been your most challenging role to date ?
SOPHIE:- I performed in a one-woman show many years ago called Hanna written by Sam Potter directed by George Turvey. I LOVED the whole experience but being alone on stage for 70 minutes straight, just sat on a chair playing a character who talked a mile a minute was definitely my greatest challenge.
KANIZ: How do you maintain your physical and emotional well-being whilst working on demanding projects ? SOPHIE: I’m on a journey with this
for sure! I’m very active and work out everyday but I’ve gone from working out really hard and injuring myself to now doing more Pilates and lower impact exercise, bringing more mindfulness into the way I move. Emotionally, making sure I have plenty of sleep is key. Anyone that knows me knows I need a LOT of sleep! Early dinners and early bedtimes.
KANIZ: How do you balance home life and work life with your demanding schedule ?
SOPHIE: It’s not easy so you have to be extremely active and deliberate about what you do, when you do it and how you do it. Planning is half of living! Routines help, they give me structure and in a way take the pressure off. I try to do one social thing with friends and family a week and make sure one day a weekend is for rest. Going for a sauna and steam is a real remedy for our fast paced life. I’ve recently discovered red-light therapy but I haven’t done it for long enough to give you a real review!
KANIZ: If Sophie was not an actress what would she be ?
SOPHIE: Hmmmm, so many things! I like the idea of adding strings to my bow rather than changing instrument. Writer, Director, Producer… who knows. Back in the day jobs weren’t as rigid. They were just a means of living life. The idea of a ‘career’ is relatively new in human history! Life’s a long song.
KANIZ: What is the best advice you would give to someone starting new in the world of acting ?
SOPHIE: Create your own work, immediately. These days it’s so easy if you have the technological know how… I know people say it a lot but you can make a film on your iPhone and say what you want about AI but it’s getting even easier to show proof of concept! Work your imagination and put it out there.
KANIZ: What are 3 favourite make up products and why ?
SOPHIE: Fenty mascara, my eyelashes double in size after I use it
Wonder skin lip stain – I spend so long putting make up on for work that day to day I prefer something simple this lipstain is great, put it on and then don’t think about it!
NYX – wonderstick. It’s a shimmery contour stick. When I just want a little something it gives me a lasting glow
KANIZ: What do you love doing in your spare time ?
SOPHIE: This is going to sound like a meme but I love going for walks, going to Pilates, getting my iced matcha with almond milk… all while carrying my giant water bottle! I’m seriously considering getting one of those ridiculous bag holders for it!! Everyone at work laughs at me but you gotta stay hydrated! oh and laundry, why is there always laundry?! But there’s something so satisfying about an empty washing basket.
KANIZ: If Sophie could disappear
to any country in the world which country would it be?
SOPHIE: Oooooh!! That’s hard. I’ve always felt that I should live in New York at some point in my life but as the question says ‘disappear’. I’ll choose Morocco. Without a doubt Morocco (but all my family would have to disappear with me).
KANIZ: What is your most favourite moments at EastEnders ?
SOPHIE: Hard to pick as there have been so many fun moments and I have had some great scenes with some legendary actors in the show. An episode that sticks out is where Priya finds out Avani was strip searched. That’s an episode I’m really proud to have been a part of. It’s a very important societal issue and that’s what I love about EastEnders, it tackles topical subjects and gives a voice to those that often go unheard.
KANIZ: What is Sophie’s life motto ? SOPHIE: Choose the future! I try to make sure that my day to day decisions align with what I want from tomorrow and all the days after that.
CEO : Zahra Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Hair by: Iman Chana at KANIZMAKEUP Team
Location: Jeru, Mayfair London
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool
Interview: Kaniz Ali
Agency: Mauve International
