Ajay Kapoor (Neighbours)
Ajay Kapoor | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, local councillor |
| Years active | 2011–2013 (in Neighbours) |
| Known for | Neighbours |
Ajay Kapoor is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actor Sachin Joab. He made his first appearance on 13 July 2011 following a successful casting process. Initially slated for a brief one-month stint, the character's role was expanded by the producers, who also introduced his wife, Priya (played by Menik Gooneratne), thereby creating a family unit. By early 2012, both Joab and Gooneratne were elevated to regular status, accompanied by their on-screen daughter, Rani (Coco Cherian). The Kapoor family represented the first Indian and Sri Lankan heritage family introduced since 2010. Ajay exited the series on 12 July 2013.
Ajay is portrayed as a local lawyer and member of the Erinsborough council, managing the demands of public service alongside his family life. He and Priya, who serves as the principal of the local high school, married at a young age and initially prioritized their professional lives over their relationship. Ajay’s involvement in community affairs led to a rivalry with Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis), who attempted to sabotage him after Ajay refused to back Paul’s re-election campaign.
Casting
Sachin Joab disclosed in an interview with BBC Asian Network that his agent arranged the audition for Neighbours. He was directed to perform using his natural Australian accent instead of adopting an Indian or Arabic one. Although the role was originally brief, positive audience response resulted in its extension. Subsequently, producers introduced Priya to establish a family storyline. Joab’s debut as Ajay occurred on 13 July 2011.
On 7 December 2011, it was revealed that Joab and Gooneratne would be promoted to regular cast members in early 2012, joined by Coco Cherian portraying their daughter Rani. The addition of the Kapoor family marked the first new family introduction since 2010. Executive producer Susan Bower emphasized that while their cultural heritage was notable, it was secondary to their roles within the community, underscoring the importance of featuring a family of Indian and Sri Lankan descent on the show.
Characterisation
Ajay is depicted as a devoted family man who grew up and received his education in Erinsborough. Although he initially built a successful career in finance as an ambitious lawyer, he felt compelled to pursue public service. Beginning as a local councillor, Ajay developed strong ties within his community. Joab described his character as "very family-oriented," motivated by integrity and passion, often putting his family first despite sometimes failing to spend adequate time with them. The actor noted parallels between himself and Ajay, particularly regarding their shared commitment to family values.
Marriage to Priya Kapoor
Ajay and Priya married at a young age following Priya’s pregnancy with their daughter Rani. Menik Gooneratne explained that this circumstance forced them to mature rapidly, concentrating on their careers and family responsibilities rather than leisure activities or purchasing a home. Both actors agreed that Priya is the more dominant partner in their relationship, making most challenging decisions; their demanding schedules have led to tension and communication breakdowns within their marriage.
In July 2012, Ajay made an impulsive decision to buy Number 24 Ramsay Street without consulting Priya, later realizing it was unwise. This move upset neighbour Lucas Fitzgerald, who had intended to purchase the property himself. Joab explained that Ajay saw this as an opportunity for his family to settle in the community where they worked and believed he could resolve any issues with Priya afterward. Gooneratne added that poor communication had caused Ajay and Priya to drift apart.
Subsequently, Ajay becomes aware of Priya’s stress and suspects it relates to her support for her friend Susan Kennedy. After asking Susan for some distance, Priya confides her dissatisfaction with their marriage, which deeply affects Ajay. Overcome with guilt, Priya immerses herself in preparations for Diwali, bringing joy to both Ajay and Rani and leading Ajay to accept her apology.
Competition with Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) tries to establish "an alliance" with Ajay, but Ajay declines the proposal, uncertain about its advantages. Angered by the rejection, Paul looks for ways to sabotage Ajay. Upon discovering that Ajay supports merging the local police station with one in a neighboring suburb, Paul denounces the idea as detrimental to the community. Taking advantage of a nearby house party, Paul encourages uninvited guests to create disorder and then delays police intervention to blame the station merger for the chaos. He even drafts an article condemning Ajay before any incident occurs. Susan Kennedy and Summer Hoyland (Jordy Lucas) uncover Paul's plot and press him to withdraw it, but he refuses. Summer urges Susan to reveal the truth. Shortly before the local council election, Paul releases a damaging piece about Ajay, contributing to Ajay’s electoral defeat. When asked about enjoying this rivalry, Dennis remarked that it brings humor and lightness amidst intense drama.
On 19 September 2012, Joab and Dennis filmed a physical confrontation between their characters—their first actual fight during their "tumultuous relationship." The actors did not disclose who initiated the conflict. Dennis clarified that any injuries were makeup effects and commended Joab’s physical condition. These fight scenes were broadcast three months later. Ajay’s "world collapses" after learning of Priya’s affair with Paul. Joab described Ajay’s feelings as shock, heartbreak, and temporary madness. Enraged upon seeing Paul, Ajay confronts him and lands a strong punch, leaving Paul with a black eye.
Exit
On 12 March 2013, it was announced that Sachin Joab would be departing Neighbours after his contract concluded in May as he pursued new opportunities. Joab filmed his final scenes as Ajay on 2 May. Executive producer Richard Jasek commended Joab’s talent and expressed hope that Ajay might return in the future. In an August interview, Joab revealed that the Kapoor family’s departure was unexpected, noting that all multicultural full-time cast members—including Menik Gooneratne (Priya), Coco-Jacinta Cherian (Rani), and Alin Sumarwata (Vanessa)—were written out within their initial contract year, which he considered a setback for diversity on the series.
The producers attributed Ajay’s removal to a shortage of storyline ideas and budget limitations. Joab disputed this reasoning, emphasizing untapped narrative possibilities given Ajay’s recent loss of his wife and responsibility for his teenage daughter. He suggested exploring fresh plots such as Ajay finding love again or engaging in an interracial relationship—topics relevant in Australia. Joab remained open to returning if invited by current or future producers.
Ajay and Rani exited on-screen on 12 July 2013 to care for an ill relative in India. Joab described their departure as "low-key," with some fans anticipating their return. He found this exit less satisfying compared to Priya’s more conclusive departure. Joab also questioned sending Ajay back to India given the character’s Australian upbringing and unsuccessfully proposed relocating him elsewhere within Australia. Ultimately, writers agreed that Ajay and Rani would visit their grandmother in India before moving to the UK.
Storylines
Ajay assesses the status of local community gardens and informs Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) about the council's intention to sell them. Several weeks afterward, Toadie interrupts Ajay and Priya’s anniversary dinner to present legal documents for signing; after Toadie offers champagne, Ajay consents. Summer Hoyland questions whether this was a bribe, which Toadie denies. Susan Kennedy requests that Ajay overturn the council’s decision to shut down PirateNet community radio; Ajay refuses, citing worries about media influence. Paul Robinson opposes a proposed shopping centre and employs his cleaner, Lorraine Dowski (Zoe Bertram), to spy on Ajay’s files. Ajay warns Paul to cease his interference.
Ajay campaigns for council re-election without accepting assistance from Paul. Their conflict intensifies when Ajay backs transforming the local police station into a community centre and merging the police force with West Waratah. After Ajay’s daughter Rani attends a disruptive party, he demands an inquiry; Paul blames the police merger for delayed responses and publishes damaging stories about Ajay. Before resigning, Susan reveals that Paul orchestrated the party chaos to undermine Ajay’s reputation. Ajay forms a band named The Right Prescription with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher). Troy Miller (Dieter Brummer) hires Ajay for a custody dispute, but Ajay quits after Troy takes hostages.
During a music video shoot, Ajay is filmed ignoring a call from the Mayor and making disparaging remarks; Paul uploads the footage online, damaging Ajay’s chances of re-election. On that same day, Ajay purchases 24 Ramsay Street at auction without consulting Priya. He meets Toadie’s superior Charlotte McKemmie (Meredith Penman) and accepts an offer for Toadie’s promotion, briefly upsetting Toadie. When Rani plans to attend a party with Harley Canning (Justin Holborow), Ajay intervenes; during their confrontation, Rani reveals Priya’s affair with Paul. Initially doubtful, Ajay confronts Priya, who admits the affair; he expels her and later assaults Paul. For Rani’s wellbeing, Priya returns home, and Ajay resigns from his job. After Rani vandalizes Lassiter's Hotel, Sergeant Matt Turner (Josef Brown) tries to question her; Ajay refuses but learns Paul will not press charges.
Ajay encounters Phillipa Curtis (Louise Rocchi), who flirts with him; he later assures Priya nothing transpired between them. Priya requests counseling; initially hesitant, Ajay agrees. When Priya experiences harassment from Brian O'Loughlin (Paul Denny), Ajay supports her and they reconcile. Shortly thereafter, Priya suffers critical injuries in a gas explosion; she does not survive, and Ajay blames Paul, initiating civil proceedings against him. Upon discovering defective gas supplies caused the blast, Ajay sues the supplier instead. He supports Rani through her mourning until she recovers. Ajay proposes a business partnership with Toadie; together they establish a law practice.
Ajay represents Mason Turner (Taylor Glockner) on attempted armed robbery charges; Mason briefly switches to Paul when offered free legal aid but returns to Ajay and Toadie after learning Paul's motives. Their next client is Caroline Perkins (Alinta Chidzey), who sues Paul for sexual harassment; after rejecting Caroline’s attempt to reduce fees through advances, they reach a settlement. Ajay receives $350,000 in compensation from the gas supplier due to Priya's death. He and Rani plan to travel to India but discover his grandmother is terminally ill; he decides to leave Australia immediately. He entrusts Karl and Susan with Rani’s care, though she insists on accompanying him. Ajay and Rani depart Ramsay Street; months later, Rani returns explaining that Ajay has secured employment in London.
Reception
After it was revealed that the Kapoor family would join the regular cast, the Neighbours website staff took down several racist remarks. Bower observed that these offensive comments, which expressed hostility toward a non-Anglo-Saxon family appearing on the show, originated from a "small minority." She also highlighted that positive feedback outnumbered negative responses by a ratio of ten to fifteen. Joab attributed the prejudice to a "lack of education" and stressed the importance of representing diverse families for the benefit of the community. He later described the audience's response to the Kapoors as "fantastic."
A contributor to What's on TV referred to Ajay and Priya as a "power couple." Cameron Adams from the Herald Sun dubbed Ajay as "Paul's latest nemesis," while a reporter from the Sunday Mercury wondered if Paul had underestimated him. Another article in the Sunday Mercury mentioned that Ajay encountered difficulties on election day and also faced his wife's displeasure after purchasing Number 24. Dianne Butler of news.com.au suggested that Ajay might have political aspirations following his enthusiastic distribution of how-to-vote cards but agreed that agreeing to film a campaign video with Karl was "career-limiting."
Butler later expressed she did not fault Priya for her flirtation with Paul, commenting that "her husband's a clown." In November 2012, she described Ajay as "deluded." A reporter from the Liverpool Echo characterized Ajay as a "nice-but-boring dad," whereas the Sunday Mail implied he was "struggling due to Priya's death."