Jimmi Harkishin, who has played corner shop owner Dev Alahan on Coronation Street for two decades, says he cannot imagine a better job. The 55-year-old actor, born Rajan Harkishindas to an Indian father and Italian mother, described the ITV soap as 'home' and said he feels fortunate to do what he loves.
Harkishin has seen his character go through numerous storylines, including a near-fatal explosion orchestrated by ex-lover Maya Sharma and being falsely accused of murdering his wife Sunita. Dev, once a ladies' man, is now focused on fatherhood, with on-screen children Asha and Aadi.
The actor noted how the character has evolved over the years. 'After 20 years they've developed and grown the character. I'm 20 years older and I'm playing a father now. I'm not this reluctant heart-throb anymore,' he said.
Tanisha Gorey, 17, who plays Asha, praised Harkishin as a father figure off-screen. 'He's always there for advice. A hundred percent, he's like a father figure to me,' she said.
Upcoming episodes will see Dev facing serious financial difficulties as he struggles to keep his children in private school.
