Nabil Elouahabi is a British Moroccan actor, arguably best known for his role as Tariq Larousi in ‘EastEnders’ from 2003 to 2005, or as his role as Gary, the kidnapped son of a French millionaire, in ‘Only Fools and Horses’ in 2002.

Nabil made his acting debut in an episode of the BBC medical drama series ‘Casualty’ in 1998. He went onto having roles in several television series such as ‘Attachments’, ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and ‘In This World’. He also appeared in films such as ‘Ali G Indahouse’ (2002) and The Sum of All Fears (2002). In 2003, he won the role of Tariq Larousi in the BBC soap opera ‘EastEnders’. Since leaving ‘EastEnders’ in 2005 he has appeared in ‘Holby City’ and has played real-life terrorist Ramzi Yousef in the television mini-series ‘The Path to 9/11’. In 2008 he played Meesh, a Kuwaiti translator, in HBO’s ‘Generation Kill’.

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DFI: How did you start your career in acting, and got the chance to play so many versatile roles with acclaimed directors and actors?
Nabil: My first professional play was a 3-man show ‘Swingers’ in a tiny theatre. It was set in a boys’ prison and was very hard hitting looking at suicides of young inmates. It drew a lot of interest and was critically acclaimed. I then was on the ‘radar’ as there were not many actors of Arab descendant and I was fortunate enough to be represented by good agents. I did bits of TV and eventually got better parts. My first TV was playing the son of the Jordanian actor Nadim Swalha who I am still very close to.

DFI: As en English Moroccan, do you feel trapped in stereotypical roles? Or is it a chance for getting more work?
Nabil: Film and TV are visual narratives and therefore you play what you look like. It’s unfortunate that the majority of stories that were being told revolved around troubles and terrorist activities, it has been frustrating, but all in all I’ve been proud of the work I’ve done. Do I want more different roles? Of course!!
However I’m currently playing the role of Gary in a British film called ‘Towerblock’ which is due out next year.

DFI: You played a remarkable role in ‘The path to 9/11’ but due to political reasons apparently, the series never got the chance to be released on DVD? How was your experience playing this role? And how do you feel, knowing people won’t get the chance to watch them on DVD?
Nabil: Playing Ramzi Yusuf was a huge privilege as he was such a prominent character. Of course I despise what he did on a personal level, but as an actor my job is to reveal and justify his position. It was a challenge. I’m saddened by the fact that people cannot see the show. I thought it was excellent.

DFI: You played the role of Hamza in the epic journey of Ibn Battuta in ‘Journey to Mecca’. How do you define this experience of acting in a historical drama?
Nabil: I was thrilled to be part in the telling of such an important Arab figure, I too am originally from Tangier Morocco, so felt a kinship. I’d love to be part of more projects that tell such stories. I miss Shemseddine Zinoune who played Ibn Battouta terribly, but have been left with his extraordinary depiction. God rest his soul!

DFI: It must be a very demanding job, what do you do to improve your skills? What’s your technique?
Nabil: On a job, first learn the lines! Know what you are after the film, after the scene. Examine your emotional reality in the scene.
In general I read a lot, I go to theatres and watch films and follow up with current affairs.

DFI: How is acting in Hollywood different than Europe?
Nabil: There is money in the US and it’s so part of the culture that it’s seamless! However in Europe, due to the lack of financial assistance there is a ‘thinking out of the box’ mentality, which is creatively freeing!

DFI: From TV series to films to theatre, which do you prefer and why?
Nabil: Each of those works a different muscle and yields a different reward! But film is so fractured that the challenge is knowing where you are in the story, and being able to temper and call upon emotions in a moment’s notice. Theatre however is where the actor rules! Having just been part of a theatre marathon production called ‘The Great game Afghanistan’, I revisited the joys of being on stage and felt the power of live performance. It was both terrifying and electric!! The production was invited to perform for the staff of the Pentagon in Feb ’11.

DFI: What are the main challenges you face in your career?
Nabil: As the industry becomes more money driven, the impact is that directors are often inclined to go for ‘names’, which pushes out a huge swathe of good actors- I do not consider myself a ‘name’, which may affect how I’m cast. I hope that my talent and professionalism marks me out!

DFI: Who are the filmmakers that marked you the most?
Nabil: I have a great admiration for directors as it’s a huge undertaking and takes the best part of two years out of your life!

Rachid Bouchareb’s film ‘Days Of Glory’ was self-affirming and an incredible achievement- I was so moved by the film and saw it three times! I’d love to work with him.

Emir kusturica’s films are complete theatrical masterpieces, celebratory and powerful.

Michael Winterbottom whom I’ve had the privilege of working with, is the example of a man who gets on with it- his spectrum and consistency is boggling!!

DFI: Would you be intrigued if you get a role in an Arab speaking film?
Nabil: I would be intrigued and flattered!! Would love to do an Arabic speaking film although I only speak Moroccan slang fluently and would need support for classical Arabic.

DFI: What is you message to young Arab actors, aiming for an international career like you?
Nabil: Firstly, think international. I have always been interested in world cinema and film is a fantastic way of exploring new cultures and peoples!

Second, aim high!

Third, Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to recalibrate your methods if you stopped getting results!

And if you’d like to be updated with Nabil’s news, follow him on Twitter @actornabil