Best known for playing Zainab Masood in the BBC’s EastEnders, Nina Wadia is an award-winning Indian-born British actress who has become a highly sought-after female motivational speaker. Alongside her iconic soap role, she is recognised for her work in the BBC hit sketch show Goodness Gracious Me and for portraying Mrs Hussein in the Open All Hours spin-off Still Open All Hours. Nina’s rise to prominence both on-screen and on stage has shaped her reputation as an inspiring public figure with a compelling personal story.
Her early career began with standout performances in Goodness Gracious Me, where she played memorable characters such as Mrs “I can make it at home for nothing” and one half of “The Competitive Mothers”. She went on to appear in the sitcom All About Me alongside Jasper Carrott and Natalia Kills, and later took over the role of Rupinder from her former co-star Meera Syal. In 2007, Nina secured the career-defining role of Zainab Masood in EastEnders, remaining in the cast until 2013. Her screen credits also span comedies like The Vicar of Dibley and dramas such as Holby City, Doctors and White Teeth, along with panel work on ITV’s Loose Women and a memorable role in E4’s Skins.
Her achievements include numerous accolades, highlighting both her comedic and dramatic talents. She won Best Comedy Performance and Best On-Screen Partnership at the 2009 British Soap Awards, earned the Chairman’s Award at the Asian Women Awards in 2004, and received the Outstanding Achievement in Television Award at The Asian Awards in 2013. These honours reflect her impact on British television and her status as a trailblazer for South Asian women in the industry.
As a female motivational speaker, Nina brings warmth, humour and authenticity to every event. She openly shares stories from her life and career, using them to empower audiences with messages about resilience, self-belief and overcoming stereotypes. Her naturally engaging presence, combined with her sharp comedic instincts, makes her both inspiring and highly entertaining. Whether discussing representation, personal growth or the realities of life in the spotlight, Nina leaves audiences motivated, uplifted and thoroughly entertained.
Nina Wadia is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“We LOVED working with Nina! She was so professional from start to finish, and took so much time to mingle and engage with our guests which was lovely to see, because there were a lot of fans in the room that night. What we loved most about Nina was her ability to throw in light-hearted humour which added to the evening’s atmosphere, all the while maintaining a professional and empathetic nature.”
“The event with Nina was a huge success! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and Nina’s presence really brought the event to life. It was truly a memorable evening for all.”
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