With his distinctive features and tall height, Zain dabbled in the modelling industry before realising his true passion lay elsewhere. Growing up in Cheadle, a small village near Stockport, England, Zain was introduced to classic films from a young age, thanks to his father’s love for cinema. Films like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and The Godfather planted the seeds of a deep passion for visual arts for the aspiring actor.

Zain’s journey into acting began around five years ago. Starting with student films, he quickly got the “acting bug,” fascinated by the process of stepping into a character’s shoes and experiencing their world. Influenced by iconic actors like Clint Eastwood and Marlon Brando, as well as modern trailblazers like Riz Ahmed and Dev Patel, Zain has a deep appreciation for performances that are as gritty as they are compelling. 

This passion has only grown, leading him to his breakout role as Ravi. Zain brings a magnetic energy to Ravi, a character who, like Zain himself, is layered, complex, and deeply human.

Despite his growing fame, Zain remains grounded, balancing his newfound attention with a laid-back lifestyle that includes working out, reading scripts, and enjoying the occasional coffee run. As he navigates his career, he’s not just focused on stardom but on meaningful roles that challenge him and allow him to explore the complexities of human nature. With his sights set on indie films and festival circuits, Zain Iqbal is a name you’ll want to remember—because he’s just getting started.

1883 Magazine chats with the actor about playing Ravi, his love for all forms of creativity and art, and what the future holds.

If an opportunity came where you could pick one of the classic films you grew up watching to be remade, which would be your dream role and why?

I think Goodfellas, playing Henry Hill. I love the story told in this film and the journey of Henry’s rise to becoming part of the Italian mob. The dialogue in the script is punchy and there are so many iconic scenes. But I do think the performance was so flawless from Ray Liotta, that it would not be right for anyone else to attempt it!

Can you tell us about your family? Are they all big fans of films and different forms of art as well?

We all absolutely love film and music. I grew up listening to all sorts of music, in particular Indian classics.

What was your experience like during your short modelling stint and what made you want to focus full-time on acting?

It was very brief and I knew from quite early on that it wasn’t for me. For me, it wasn’t worth the constant rejection, so I quickly got myself away from it. I was doing a few short films and taking classes here and there and soon caught the bug. I got really interested in making characters and stepping into someone else’s shoes. I find people and their behaviour very interesting, like sitting outside on a busy street and seeing so many different people pass and each one has a completely different story, which affects the way they are as a person.

There is a lack of representation in the Hollywood film industry. In what ways would you say this has affected your journey and what are the biggest lessons that you’ve learned that you can share with other South Asian aspiring actors?

Part of me tries not to think about it too much, as it can be discouraging. I’ve always just put my head down and done everything to the best of my ability. I would say to keep working hard, remember why you are doing this, and to make your own work. Write your own script or short film. Don’t wait for someone to let you act – you can go out there and do it yourself.

Given how difficult it can be to get roles, you’ve continued to say that you have the resilience in you to keep trying. Can you tell us what pushes you and inspires you to act?

I love the craft of acting which is what I constantly remind myself of. I find acting therapeutic. There’s something about it where I can use myself, my past and put it all into performance. I aspire to tell meaningful stories that people can resonate with whilst also representing people like me.

You did an amazing job playing Ravi on A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. What did you most enjoy about being on that set? 

Thank you! I loved just being around like-minded people on set, coming together to create something great. Bringing the characters to life, being in costume, seeing the set designs that made the world of Little Kilton.

Since you hadn’t heard of or read the books before the show, were you shocked by the ending? What was going through your head when you got to the final twist?

Yes, I was completely shocked! It’s so brilliantly written with all the twists and turns right to the end. When I got to the last 50 or so pages I could not put it down and was on the edge of my seat filled with adrenaline. The first twist was a shock but I did not expect the second one!

You have mentioned you’re a reader. What kind of books do you like to read? Can you give us some recommendations? 

I read all sorts, but I do love a good thriller. Recent books I have really loved include Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke, and Just Kids by Patti Smith.

What are you most looking forward to if you guys are able to do a second season based on the second book?

Who knows what the future holds? I know we’d all love to come back to the world of Little Kilton. Playing Ravi again, I love the character. More scenes with Pip, I love their dynamic.

You’ve mentioned wanting to play more complex characters. What do you enjoy the most about being given a role and stepping into the shoes of a character for a film or show?

I think for me it’s the fact I can make it my own. I love doing the research, making the backstory, experimenting with choices, and seeing how they work with the character. It’s like play for me.

Since Ravi was already a developed character from the book series, did you find it more or less difficult to play him? Were you able to add your own touch to him as you shot the show?

I think it was helpful for sure, as I had a lot of details on him to go off on. And also I could ask Holly about anything I was not sure of. I read the book and marked details important to me about Ravi but then I put it all away before filming. This gave me the freedom to make my own choices and be in the moment instead of restricting myself to the book.

The way you speak about Ravi is really nice, almost like you’re protective over him. Is there any part of that character that you feel has become a part of who you are now?

I think as an actor, you do the role and you move onto the next — but sometimes a part does stay with you. I’d love to think that Ravi’s curiosity is something that I really carry with me. It’s a part of who he is and exploring that as part of the series was a joy.

Now that summer is nearly over and the show is out internationally, what are your hopes for the rest of the year?

At the moment, I’m enjoying that the world is now able to watch A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It’s a project I’m so proud of. Currently, I’m reading a lot of exciting scripts and doing tapes for future projects. Looking forward to seeing what my next job is, whilst also taking the time to enjoy the moment.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is out now on Netflix.

Interview Naureen Nashid
Photography Jemima Mariott
Styling Abigail White at Stella Creative
Grooming Tarik Bennafla at Stella Creative using Horac