Why Corrie’s Dev won’t get another TV job – even after playing same character for 20 years
Coronation Street actor Jimmi Harkishin has been playing Dev Alahan for 20 years, but he loves his job too much to leave – here’s why
He’s had a list of businesses almost as long as the women he’s dated, he’s been accused of murder and he was once very nearly blown up.
But Jimmi Harkishin, who’s been playing Corrie’s corner shop owner Dev Alahan for 20 years, can’t think of a better way to earn a living.
He said: “I just love it. I’m an actor and I get to act every week.
“ Coronation Street is just this brilliant, brilliant programme, to work for. It feels like home and I never forget how fortunate I am to do something I love.
“I think to myself, ‘Is there anything I’d really like to go out there and do more than I like doing Corrie?’ The answer to that is, ‘No’. If there was, I’d do it.”
Jimmi, born Rajan Harkishindas to an Indian dad and Italian mum, appeared in telly shows including Casualty and Jonathan Creek, before winding up in Weatherfield.
During his two-plus decades on the cobbles, ladies man Dev has struggled to find his Mrs Right.
He got engaged to Geena Gregory, played by Jennifer James, back in 2001 – but the wedding was called off when her mum objected.
Dev finally tied the knot with Sunita Parekh in 2004, then one of his ex-lovers Maya Sharma tried to blow them up in the corner shop flat.
Sunita and Dev had twins – daughter Asha and son Aadi – but the marriage didn’t last, mainly because of his affairs.
And in 2013 Sunita was murdered by Karl Munro, a crime Dev was accused of until he cleared his name.
These days Dev, whose businesses have included seven corner shops, the Prima Doner kebab shop and a share in Street Cars, is taking his role as a dad very seriously.
Jimmi, 55, said: “After 20 years they’ve developed and grown the character.
“Obviously I’m different than I was 20 years ago. I’m 20 years older and I’m playing a father now. I’m not this reluctant heart-throb anymore. It’s just nice and a lovely way to grow up and live.”
Tanisha Gorey, 17, who plays Asha, says Jimmi is like a real dad off-screen.
She said: “I think because I’ve known him for so, so long, I’ve literally grown up with him. It’s been 12 years this year – that’s most of my life.
“He’s always there for advice. A hundred percent, he’s like a father figure to me. He’ll sit down and talk with me and make time for me, if I need it.”
On screen things are not going so well for the Alahan family. Dev is struggling to make ends meet – and there will be more trouble in the coming weeks.
Jimmi said: “Dev has got serious financial worries. He’s sent both his kids to private school and…he’s struggling.”
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