Taj Atwal about self-care and her love for the strong women she plays

When you think about fashion, what comes to your mind first? 

Taj Atwal: "Effortless, cool, sustainable, and unique! That is what I look for in clothes and style."

Is there a designer you like? Or a certain style you developed and love? 

Taj Atwal: "For me, it's all about the fabric! Sustainable and eco-friendly materials. I avoid buying polyester as much as possible and opt for cotton, wools, silks, econyl or recycled fabrics. My style day to day is very laid back. Oversized boiler suits, dungarees, baggy jeans, and a crop tank top with chunky biker style boots, or tennis socks and sneakers. Or if I'm feeling fancy a smocked dress. I wear a lot of Calvin Klein because the fit for my body shape is perfect and I adore the cut and style. Super simple but unique."

Second-hand is becoming more and more part of the fashion industry. How do you feel about it? Is vintage part of your wardrobe?

Taj Atwal: "I'd say half of my wardrobe is second-hand! I buy a lot of second-hand Reformation clothing from Depop. Again the fit of their clothes is bang on and everything is so pretty! I think some of the new clothes I bought in my teens are now considered vintage. I keep and wear my clothes until they fall apart at the seams and even then I'll sometimes mend them."

Please tell us about the accessory you love most! 

Taj Atwal: "My gold chunky love heart ring. It's very bold but I love it."

... and a fashion item you connect fond memories with? 

Taj Atwal: "I have these huge chunky gold hoops that I've had since I was 16. They've made a comeback which I'm obviously thrilled about."

About your career! You are busy with a lot of film projects right now and you've done a lot in the recent past. Is there a character you did not want to part with and has grown on you? 

Taj Atwal: "I recently played two really badass women which felt so empowering to play. Rana in Hullraisers for Channel 4 and Linda Amistead in the movie Memory. They were so confident and assured in who they were and it was really refreshing to portray two characters like that. They were unapologetic about who they were and brilliant at their work."

What kind of characters would you love to play? 

Taj Atwal: "I'd love to play a villain! Characters so far removed from who I am. I think we've all got light and shade within us and to be able to tap into that for a role really excites me. But I'm always looking for multi-faceted, interesting characters that feel creatively expansive to play. I like to tap into the vulnerability of a character and its flaws. Also voicing a character in animation is at the top of my list!"

Would you like to switch sides and produce your own movie or TV series one day?

Taj Atwal: "I already am! It's wonderful having a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making. The movie is written by me and is currently in development with Fable Pictures, Hinterland Pictures, the BFI, and my own production company Paradise Films! Writing is definitely a labor of love and I have found it much more difficult than acting but equally rewarding and fulfilling."

How do you relax? Is there a specific self-care regimen you love? 

Taj Atwal: "I love to dance! So a good party or festival or night out with my mates is my way to unwind." 

You recently had two really exciting projects come out, Memory and The Control Room, could you tell us what it was like working on those?

Taj Atwal: "Memory was a dream project. My second time working with director Martin Campbell who is a perfectionist when it comes to detail and really got the best out of me for that film. It was my first time portraying a character from the US and I absolutely loved it. I learned so many new skills playing an FBI agent and worked with some acting greats such as Liam Neeson. I really got the bug for wanting to do more lead movie roles. The Control Room is a three-part thriller set in Glasgow and a joy of a project. From start to finish everyone was at the top of their game and it meant everyone got the best out of their performances. I play Leigh Cubbin the 999 call centre Duty Manager who has been having a secret fling with the lead character Gabe. It was nice to tap into the vulnerability of this character when she reveals she wanted more from their liaison later in the series." 

'BBC One's The Control Room is available to view as a boxset on BBC iPlayer'  and 'Memory' (with Liam Neeson) is currently in movie theatres across the US and coming to a streamer soon. 

Team Credits

Photographer: Christopher Fenner | @christopherfenner @raybrownpro

Talent: Taj Atwal | @tajatwal

Make-up: Lauren Griffin | @laurengriffinmua @raybrownpro using @urbandecaycosmetics 

Hair: Tyron Sweeney | @the_sweeney_

Styling & CD: Ben James Adams | @benjamesadams