Actor Nitin Ganatra (EastEnders, Bride & Prejudice, Charlie & the Chocolate Facotry) was a shy, overweight immigrant boy with a stammer and was subjected to horrific bullying and racial abuse while growing up in Coventry. Two teachers persuaded him to audition for a school play, helping him overcome his low confidence and gain a place at Bristol University to study drama.

“I opened my mouth, everything started to flow, no stammer, no insecurity, nothing. I just began to speak in character and I sang a solo and I got a standing ovation.”

Midlands Manifesto: “To create an environment (in the Midlands) to live in, which is a little bit more colourful and a bit more arty."

Content warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions and language relating to racial abuse.

Commissioned by Coventry City of Culture 2021 and proudly produced by Loftus Media.

Music by Maia Miller-Lewis.

Image of Nitin Ganatra © Craig Topham.

Who are your Midlands Heroes and what are your Midlands Masterpieces? Tell us at: madeinthemidlands@loftusmedia.co.uk

Dive into the sound of the Midlands via our 'Made in the Midlands' playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lTguCtjyUEMxzGoQYheLu

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