Nikhil Sharma is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Rik Makarem.

[2] On 21 July 2009, Kris Green of Digital Spy reported Emmerdale's' new series producer, Gavin Blyth, would be introducing a new family called the Sharmas as part of an ongoing overhaul of the show.

[3] Of the siblings, Blyth said "The Sharmas are a young, contemporary family independent of their parents and will bring the factory into the heart of the village community.

[3][4] Makarem told Heather Greenway of the Sunday Mail that he could not speak when he learned he had gotten a role in Emmerdale.

[8] The announcement came shortly after Makarem's co-star and on-screen wife Sian Reese-Williams (Genesis Walker) revealed that she was also leaving the show.

[8] Of his reasons for departing, Makarem stated "When making my decision to leave, on both artistic and personal levels, I listened very closely to my heart.

I'm naturally ambitious – I believe in taking risks, as that's how we truly learn about ourselves, how we grow, and with this integrity in mind, I'm completely inspired for the journey ahead.

[10] Of his return, Makarem commented "With fresh energy and wisdom from playing other characters, I'm over the moon to be re-investing in Nikhil.

"[10] Series producer Kate Oates explained that it was inevitable that Nikhil would return to the village one day and be reunited with his family.

After successfully gaining entry, Lisa Dingle convinces Jai to give her husband Zak a job in the factory as the driver.

After briefly dating both Katie Sugden and Chas Dingle, Nikhil is shocked when Genesis Walker admits that she loves him.

During Chas's wedding reception, Gennie goes into labour and gives birth to her and Nikhil's daughter, who they name Molly.

After Gennie's death, Nikhil begins to behave strangely so his family try to get him to be there for Molly but this fails when he arrives at The Woolpack with her and gives her to Debbie before leaving.

After many attempts, people decide in order to get Nikhil to bond with Molly, they leave her at his home and guard all the exits to stop him from running off.

Brenda, Bob and Jai later call Nikhil to inform him that Gennie was murdered by Cameron Murray (Dominic Power).

However, he later turns up in the village to see David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) and agrees to take over the running of the factory.

Sadly the couple's euphoria following their engagement is short lived when Nikhil is summoned back to Canada by his employers.

Bob returned to Emmerdale earlier than the other two, while Rishi and Brenda stayed behind in Canada for a time to look after Nikhil and Molly.

A columnist for the Liverpool Echo branded the character a "heartthrob",[13] while the Daily Mirror's Jane Simon was unsure why Cain would object to Nikhil dating his daughter, noting "he's rich, single, goodlooking, successful and pathetically keen to do Debbie's bidding".

"[7] A reporter for The Bath Chronicle had a similar reaction, writing "Many viewers would argue that if there was a competition to find the most eligible man in Emmerdale, Nikhil would be a shoe-in.

However, it seems the village's female residents aren't quite so convinced of his charms, as the poor bloke really does struggle to hang on to his girlfriend.