Doctor Who's Sacha Dhawan Encourages Men to Talk More About Mental Health

Jodie Whittaker’s second series [Series 12] is well underway and we’ve already been treated to a number of shocks and surprises. Working backwards through the series, there have been three massive shocks and surprises.

Firstly, a new Doctor?! Jo Martin stepped into the Whoniverse in a glorious way by introducing herself to the Doctor as the Doctor. Of course, this has left fans questioning where in the line of the Doctors she fits. Secondly, John Barrowman epically made a return to the flagship show after being away for some time. Mistaking Graham [Bradley Walsh] for the Doctor and giving him a snog, Jack then finds out the Doctor is a woman. Finally, the big reveal in ‘Spyfall, Part 1’. O wasn’t who he said he was. Chris Chibnall brought back the Master in a neat and shockingly way.

Sacha Dhawan is the latest actor to become the Doctor’s arch enemy from Gallifrey, marking the end of the Missy [Michelle Gomez] era. Discussing taking on the role of the Master with the Doctor Who Magazine, Dhawan said “The Master is actually quite a lonely soul. He’s quite complex,” before explaining that he’s overwhelmed by the response from Doctor Who fans about his portrayal of the Master.

Taking on such a big role in a globally popular show is a massive role to accept, purely because, like the Doctor, there’s a lot of work involved. However, hard work pays off as Dhawan said former showrunners, Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat have both congratulated Dhawan on becoming the Master. As has Mark Gatiss. Explaining on working on Doctor Who, Dhawan said:

“The scale of this project was huge in terms of stepping into the Whoniverse. There’s the Doctor Who world that a lot of people know about: the universe, as it were. But people don’t know really know about the specific mechanics and relationships that formed behind the camera.”

As he continued to talk about what happens behind-the-scenes, Dhawan openly discussed his mental health and anxiety when working on the blockbuster series opener. He explained:

“Behind the scenes, everyone was so incredibly supportive and that has encouraged me to be more confident, particularly in talking more openly about mental health… I realised after that I suffer from anxiety. It’s very easy for people to think, because on the outside we’re on TV and we get celebrated, that it’s all great. But we go through things as well.”

Positively reflecting on this, Dhawan revealed he’s teamed up with the mental health charity Mind to help raise money in aid of the charity.

After Spyfall was broadcast on BBC One in January, Dhawan teamed up with the mental health charity Mind to help raise money for the charity. The Master actor participated in RED January 2020. This event helps people support their mental health with physical activity, in partnership with Mind, the leading mental health charity. Dhawan said:

“Since Spyfall aired, I’ve linked up with Mind and I’ve been running every day to raise money for their charity and to raise mental-health awareness.”

Further discussing his fundraising for the charity, Dhawan has encouraged men to talk more about mental health, as it’s “men in particular” that don’t talk as much about their problems. He stated:

“I think it’s important, if you’re in a position of profile, to reach out sometimes and talk honestly, especially to help those who don’t talk about stuff. Men in particular, I feel sometimes aren’t as open about their mental health. I’d be immensely proud if I can shine a bit of light on that.”

If you wish to sponsor Dhawan, you can do so by clicking here. He has raised more than £1,200 for the charity, helping people in need.

It remains unclear whether Dhawan’s Master will be in the Series finale this year, but all fans have their fingers crossed.

Source: Doctor Who Magazine.