Ray Panthaki

Ray Panthaki (born 20 January 1979) is a British actor, screenwriter, director, and film producer whose career has spanned over two decades across film, television, and theatre. Born in London, England to second‑generation Indian Parsi parents, he grew up immersed in a multicultural environment that later informed his nuanced performance style. After graduating from drama school, Panthaki broke into the industry in 1999, quickly establishing himself as a versatile talent capable of embodying both intense dramatic roles and sharp‑edged comedy, a duality evident in early appearances such as Hassan B in Ali G Indahouse and supporting parts in 28 Days Later and Kidulthood (which he also produced). His breakout television work came with the detective series Marcella, where his portrayal of DCI Rav Sangha earned critical praise and highlighted his skill in delivering grounded, character‑driven narratives. In addition to on‑screen success, Panthaki co‑founded the London‑based production company Urban Way, through which he wrote, directed, and produced short films such as Life Sentence—the winner of Best UK Short at the East End Film Festival—and Convenience, a comedy that garnered a BAFTA Cymru breakthrough award for its director. His collaborations with celebrated filmmakers, including Danny Boyle, Bong Joon‑ho, Wash Westmoreland, and Edward Zwick, further cemented his reputation as a sought‑after talent. In 2024 he was elected to the BAFTA Film Committee, reflecting his growing influence within the industry. Panthaki’s recent work includes the Netflix series Away, where he played Group Captain Ram Arya, and the critically acclaimed film Boiling Point, which earned him a BIFA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Looking ahead, he is set to helm his directorial feature debut In Starland in 2025, starring Oscar‑nominated actor Clarence Maclin, promising to expand his artistic footprint even further.