Pasha Bocarie

Pasha Bocarie is a London bred actor and musician of Pakistani and Persian heritage who plays Rakesh Kotecha in Emmerdale. Having learnt to play the drums at an early age he went on to tour Europe in the musical theatre show 'Trash' as a percussionist and dancer and became the session drummer for the group 'Joi'. He played regularly with this group around the world and performed live for the BBC at the Sound Republic. Always having had a passion for acting and film he went on to study drama at Westminster College in London, where he obtained a diploma in dramatic art. He has also studied at the Ivana Chubbuck and Margie Haber studios in Los Angeles. His first major breakthrough as an actor arrived when he was cast as 'Amar' in Ae Fond Kiss directed by Ken Loach.

Pasha's other television roles also include Law and Order: UK and Silent Witness.

Pasha's casting in Emmerdale was announced in June 2014.