Narges Rashidi: ‘Playing Lale Is Honestly A Gift’

2 days ago

We sat down with the Gangs of London star to talk all things season 3

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After two and a half years of waiting, season 3 of Sky’s explosive Gangs of London is finally here. We sat down with star Narges Rashidi, who plays Lale, to hear all about it.

Interview: Narges Rashidi On Gangs Of London Season 3

Hi Narges, how’s life going at the moment?

Hi! Life is full, intense, and beautiful. A roller coaster with all the blacks, whites, and grey tones.

You can currently be seen in Gangs of London season 3 – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show? What can we expect this season?

Gangs of London is raw, cinematic, and emotionally explosive. It’s about power, loyalty, and survival in a brutal underworld that mirrors society in unexpected ways.

Season 3 kicks off with a mass murder: a fentanyl-spiked drug shipment takes out a lot of people, and the mystery of who did it – and why – sets everything into motion.

There’s still the chaos and bloodshed fans expect, but this season also digs deeper. We explore the characters more intimately: see new sides, hidden vulnerabilities, and evolving dynamics. Plus, we’ve got some exciting new players like Zeek (Andrew Koji), the Mayor of London (T’Nia Miller), and Cornellius Quinn (Richard Dormer), who each bring something wildly fresh and dangerous to the table. Expect twists, betrayals, and moments that’ll leave you breathless.

You play Lale – how would you describe her? What’s it like playing her, and what was it like to return?

Lale is a survivor. She’s fierce, focused, and has been through more than most people could ever imagine. She’s got this hard shell, but there’s softness underneath and a deep sense of loyalty. She’s all about her cause – helping her people.

She’s often described as a lone wolf, and I think that really fits.

Playing her is honestly a gift. She allows me to go big: to be intense, emotional, strong, vulnerable, even a bit ugly at times. She’s both masculine and feminine, brutal and poetic. Characters like her are rare, and I feel incredibly lucky. Huge thanks to Kelly Hendry, our casting director, and to Gareth Evans for bringing me in.

Coming back to her in season 3 was something special. I know her well now, but she’s changed. The writers and creative team this season – Peter McKenna and Vikki Tennant – gave her room to grow, and I got to add new layers. It’s exciting to see how far she’s come since season 1.

Narges Rashidi as Lale in Gangs of London season 3. (Sky)

How do you get into character?

Besides the research, physical training, emotional prep, and learning Kurdish, what I do right before a scene is very physical. For Lale, I jump, scream, or shake to raise my heart rate and get the adrenaline flowing. She’s often in extreme situations, and that intensity has to be in my body. It’s technical in a way, but it really helps me drop in fast.

Any standout moments from filming?

Shooting episode five with Tessa Hoffe (director) and Nicola Daley (DP) was a huge highlight – maybe one of my top three career moments. We had very little time, so we had to be totally in sync. It felt like the three of us were one organism, just flowing together. It was physically exhausting, but I loved every second.

And yes, I also filmed a scene with a newborn baby who peed on me mid-take. Absolute scene-stealer – and the cutest baby ever!

Anything you can tease about a possible Season 4?

Let’s just say I’d love to do season 4. Nothing confirmed yet… Fingers crossed.

You’re also set to star in the BBC’s upcoming drama about Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. What can you tell us?

Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to say anything about that at this point.

You’ve also got Havoc coming up on Netflix. What can you share?

Yes! Havoc is my second time working with Gareth Evans. I have a small cameo: I play Tom Hardy’s ex-wife. It’s going to be an absolute action feast. The cast is amazing, and Gareth… He’s one of the best action directors in the world. What I’ve seen so far is jaw-dropping.

What was it like working with Tom Hardy?

Sadly, we didn’t meet on set. Our scene was filmed separately and edited together. Movie magic! But I did meet Jessie Mei Li, and she was absolutely lovely.

Any other upcoming roles you’re excited about?

My lips are sealed… For now.

Favourite project to date?

Besides Gangs of London, definitely Under the Shadow – and one I can’t talk about just yet!

Narges Rashidi as Lale & Sope Dirisu as Elliot Finch in Gangs of London season 3. (Sky)

Favourite actor you’ve worked with?

That’s a tough one – so many! I really loved working with Joe Cole. Also Peter Kurth. Both are incredibly present, generous, and brilliant at what they do.

Which co-star taught you the most?

All of them, honestly. You take something from everyone.

Dream role?

So many! But I’d love to play a lead in a psychological thriller – something that blends Bourne, Bond, and Taxi Driver. Gritty, layered, and emotionally driven.

What genre would you love to do more of?

Thrillers, especially action thrillers that have real emotional weight. And I love independent, character-driven films. I think I’m ready for a great auteur drama.

Anyone you’d love to work with?

That list is endless. But I’m a big Cate Blanchett fangirl – she’s the obvious one!

Anything fun coming up personally?

Right now, I’m with my family in Germany for Persian New Year. I live in the US, so we don’t get to see each other that often. Being together, eating my mom’s food, laughing, hugging – it’s the best feeling in the world.