DI Ray creator didn’t want deaf character to be a “victim”

DI Ray creator didn’t want deaf character to be a “victim”

As a film critic with a heart for stories that challenge stereotypes and embrace authenticity, I must say that DI Ray is a breath of fresh air. The show’s creator, Maya Sondhi, has managed to craft a character in Rav Mochani who is not defined by his disability but by his strength and complexity.


The person responsible for crafting the ITV crime series DI Ray made it crucial that Rav Mochani, who is deaf, was not depicted as merely a “victim.

Maya Sondhi described the character as having a slightly rebellious or rough-around-the-edges personality, and she’s portrayed by deaf actor Taha Rahim.

“I didn’t want him to be a victim.”

Sondhi went on to talk about her dad, who is blind and played into her thinking when writing Rav.

She remarked, “He’s incredibly busy, yet never a victim. He’s the most resilient individual in my life, despite his quiet and peaceful demeanor. I wished for him to embody this strength.

During the second series of the play, Ray takes charge of a probe concerning the slaying of well-known felon Frank Chapman.

In simpler terms, his relatives suspect that Rav, who belongs to an opposing criminal group, is guilty, and they capture him in retribution. This act could potentially ignite a full-blown gang conflict on the streets of Birmingham.

Star Parminder Nagra remarked that working with a hearing-impaired individual like Rahim forces one to truly focus on the person themselves,” she added, describing him as a ‘joyful, vivacious, and compassionate soul’.

In my interactions with him on set, I found myself compelled to articulate my thoughts more succinctly and effectively.

DI Ray creator didn’t want deaf character to be a “victim”

Apart from this, Sondhi mentioned that they frequently sought advice from Rav regarding various aspects, aiming to make the portrayal of the character as accurate and genuine as it could be.

She mentioned that they also questioned him extensively, seeking his guidance on how he’d test his hearing aid, the sounds it produces when it malfunctions, and what he typically hears in such situations.

I had a strong desire to let the audience experience what he experiences, but it’s important not to overdo it as it could potentially lose their interest. However, on Strictly Come Dancing, that moment was incredibly impactful [with Rose Ayling-Ellis] when they stopped the music.

The film left an indelible impression on me, immersing myself in the lives of others. At night, when I step out to relieve myself under the cover of darkness, that’s a glimpse into my father’s world. He exists in perpetual twilight, oblivious to the passage of time.

It’s quite fascinating to delve into that topic, as it serves as a reminder that we often overlook or lose sight of things outside our immediate sphere, becoming deeply engrossed in our personal worlds and experiences.

Sondhi expressed her great pride in Rahim, a recent addition, as well as mentioning that he’s an absolute joy to collaborate with.

DI Ray seasons 1-2 are available to stream now on ITVX.

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2024-10-21 17:03