Archie Panjabi Honors Kate O’Mara’s Rani in New Doctor Who Role

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Archie Panjabi shares that she aimed to embody Kate O’Mara’s fierce spirit and adapt it to her own portrayal of the latest Doctor Who’s antagonist, Rani. She refers to the original actress as “the epitome” of the character.

In an interview with TopMob magazine, Panjabi shared that upon rewatching the episodes, he was struck by the character’s remarkable strength and impact. He felt it was important for viewers to recognize the essence of Kate O’Mara’s Rani in a fleeting moment as they watched the character.

In 1985, the character of O’Mara’s immoral “time lady” scientist, known as The Rani, made her debut opposite the Sixth Doctor (played by Colin Baker). She reappeared in 1987 for the episode “Time and the Rani,” where she caused the Doctor’s regeneration. This change was reflected on screen with Colin Baker being replaced by Sylvester McCoy.

Without a doubt, traces of O’Mara can be found in Panjabi’s portrayal of Rani – most notably in her costume, which references the memorable shoulder-padded red brocade outfit worn by O’Mara’s Rani, and in her captivating, flamboyant megalomania. However, this modern Rani is undeniably a unique individual in her own right.

Panjabi explained that he didn’t want to imitate O’Mara, as this Rani was unique. Instead, he aimed to fully capture the essence of Russell Davies’ exceptional writing and dialogue.

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve seen my fair share of performances, but none quite like the one delivered by the illustrious British actress who captivated audiences worldwide as the razor-sharp, kick-ass investigator Kalinda Sharma in Robert and Michelle King’s The Good Wife. In a recent conversation with TopMob, she confided that portraying the complex character of Rani was unlike any role she’d tackled before, and uncovering sources of inspiration proved to be a formidable task.

Typically, when I step into a character, I draw inspiration from others, but finding ones as captivating as Kate O’Mara has been quite challenging for me.

In a fresh and intriguing take on her role, Panjabi drew inspiration from the iconic Bollywood villain, Mogambo, from the 1987 film Mr India. This timeless classic has left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. The character she portrays can be seen as “darkly captivating” and one who seems to lack a traditional moral compass, which presents a unique challenge for Panjabi as an actress.

As a kid, there was something about him that sent chills down my spine and yet, I found myself unable to tear my eyes away. The wickedness he embodied wasn’t just petrifying; it captivated me in a strange, irresistible way.

Of the Rani, she said: “I have played some fierce women in my time, but she takes the biscuit.”

Read the full interview in TopMob, out now.

The reality-altering adventure of Doctor Who airs on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom this Saturday, May 31st, starting at 8am. It will also be broadcast on BBC One later in the day. For those outside the UK, the series can be found on Disney+.

Immerse yourself in our comprehensive collection of reviews for each episode of Doctor Who, starting from its debut in 1963. You’ll find cast lists, behind-the-scenes trivia, exclusive content from TopMob, and much more! Enjoy the journey through time and space with us.

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2025-05-27 21:34