Anwar Kharral

Anwar Kharral
Skins character
Dev Patel as Anwar Kharral
First appearance"Tony" (episode 1.01)
Last appearance"Final Goodbyes" (episode 2.10)
Created byBryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain
Portrayed byDev Patel
Seasons1-2
Centric episode(s)"Maxxie and Anwar" (episode 1.06)
In-universe information
OccupationStudent
FamilyBibi Kharral (mother)
3 sisters
ReligionSunni Islam

Anwar Kharral is a fictional character in the British television series Skins, portrayed by actor Dev Patel. Anwar is introduced in the first series as one of the central characters and is known for his charismatic, fun-loving personality and his complex journey in navigating his cultural and religious identity. As a member of the core group of friends, Anwar plays an important role in the dynamics of the series, providing both humor and emotional depth throughout his arc.

Anwar is raised in a traditional Muslim family, and much of his character development centers on the tension between his conservative upbringing and his desires to explore the more liberal aspects of youth culture, including relationships, sexuality, and friendship. This inner conflict is a significant part of his narrative, as he struggles to balance his family's expectations with his personal desires. One of the central aspects of Anwar's storyline is his relationship with his best friend, Maxxie Oliver, who is openly gay. Anwar initially grapples with his feelings for Maxxie and his own conflicting beliefs about sexuality, which serves as a poignant exploration of identity and cultural pressures.

Despite his initial reluctance to accept his attraction to Maxxie, Anwar's character undergoes significant growth, learning to confront his fears and internalized prejudices. Over the course of the series, Anwar becomes more accepting of his own emotions and the complexity of his feelings toward Maxxie. His journey is marked by a mix of humor, vulnerability, and self-discovery, making him one of the more compelling characters in Skins.

Anwar’s story also explores his friendships with other key characters, such as Tony Stonem and Sid Jenkins, and his romantic relationships, including his brief involvement with a girl named Jal Fazer. His relationships are often complicated by his struggle to reconcile his family’s expectations with his desire for independence and freedom.