Neet Mohan (Rash) talks about the 40th Anniversary ..
Rash’s first day as a consultant couldn’t be more dramatic. How does he cope when he’s suddenly forced into the deep end?
It’s probably the worst shift he could have imagined for his first day as a consultant. He has to quickly trust everything that he’s learned and try to put his lack of confidence to one side while he shifts into this new role. There’s no easing him into being a consultant now. He’s in it and this is where he’s got to sink or swim.
We’ve seen Rash grow enormously over the years. How satisfying is it to play him at this stage in his career?
It’s incredibly satisfying. I’ve played him through his very enthusiastic stage and through some real vulnerabilities, and it feels like a nice culmination to get to this point. All of what he’s gone through can really shape how this next stage goes in his career, and in the show.
The story asks whether Rash can step up when the hospital needs him most. What does leadership look like for Rash? What strengths does he bring to the consultant role that perhaps people underestimate?
For him, it’s not been about being the loudest person in the room, it’s always been about trying to make tough decisions but never losing compassion for both his patients and his colleagues. Sometimes it’s been his biggest flaw, caring about people too much, but it’s also his biggest strength.
Then there’s his humility. He’s always learning. Even though he is now a consultant, I don’t think he sees himself as better than anyone else, even those junior doctors who are still experiencing things and learning.
Do these episodes mark a turning point for Rash? If so, how?
It is a huge turning point, because he’s now finding the confidence to be the person that people look to, rather than being the person looking for someone. It’s quite exciting to put him in that situation with the different characters in the hospital. It’ll be a fun journey to discover this new side of him, which will be really fun to play.
Viewers have watched Rash grow from junior doctor to consultant. Looking back, what do you think the younger Rash would make of the man he’s become?
I think he probably would have been really excited that he finally made it as a consultant, and then been really surprised at how he got there. Having to have had the lows that he’s had to get here as well. But I’m sure he’d be very proud.
What has the show given you personally that you’re most grateful for?
I never thought I’d have the opportunity in my career to play a character for nine years. Characters often enter the show as a consultant, but you don’t see the journey they’ve gone on to get to that point in their careers. Whereas I joined as somebody straight out of university, an F1 doctor who was fresh-faced and enthusiastic.
Personally, it’s been amazing. It’s given me some friendships for life, and I’ve learned an incredible amount from the writers, producers, directors and the whole crew. I’m very grateful for that and I always will be.
Why do you think audiences continue to see themselves reflected in Holby ED?
A hospital is a unique place where people from all walks of life end up, and when you’re there, it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, you’re all treated equally. Seeing people on what could be the worst day of their lives, I think audiences can connect with that vulnerability, of seeing somebody in that state.
