IN CONVERSATION WITH TAJ ATWAL

interview by JANA LETONJA

With two BAFTA nominations already under her belt, Taj Atwal is stepping into one of her most dynamic years yet, showcasing her versatility across both drama and comedy. She stars as Nisha Lal in ‘Riot Women’, which premiered on 12th October on BBC One, Sally Wainwright’s hotly anticipated new series about working-class women fighting back against the system, where she delivers a fiery, uncompromising performance. She also returns as Cherry in the BBC hit comedy ‘Daddy Issues’, bringing equal parts chaos and charm as Aimee Lou Wood’s best friend, and has recently been announced as part of the cast for Season 2 of ‘Sweetpea’. With three major projects in play, Taj is cementing her reputation as one of the UK’s most versatile and exciting actresses.

jacket dress SAINT LAURENT

‘Riot Women’ is already being touted as one of the most exciting female-led series of the year. What drew you to the role of Nisha Lal?

Sally Wainwright. She could’ve asked me to be a lollipop lady in the back of someone else’s shot and I would’ve said yes. But thankfully I was blessed with such a full and nuanced storyline and character. 

How would you describe Nisha, and what makes her stand out from characters you’ve played before?

Brave. Her desire to be a police officer is because of her strong sense of justice and care for humanity. Unfortunately, her inexperience brings with it a naivety and lands her in really awful, harrowing situations, which I think Sally has encapsulated very authentically. Nisha has this energy and drive that fizzes throughout her storyline, and being able to bring her to life was such a privilege. It was handled with such care, because it isn’t an easy subject matter to tackle and that stood out to me. What was happening in the UK and globally was reflected in the script in real time, and it gave me a real steely determination to tell it as truthfully as possible. 

top and skirt LAURA PITHARAS
tights FALKE
shoes JW PEI

Sally Wainwright is known for writing complex, unapologetically bold women. What was it like working under her vision?

Sally is so precise and clear with her direction, which for me, makes her so easy and brilliant to work with. I know exactly what she needs from me to get what she needs for the story. She knows when to have her director head on, but also when to be our friend. There was warmth and joy which she exudes, but also laser sharp focus and detail in every inch of her creative process. 

The show tackles themes of class, power, and rebellion. Were there moments on set that felt especially resonant or urgent to you?

Absolutely. For my character, there were scenes that really brought home the stakes and the struggles she’s facing. Experiencing her journey up close made me think about how these dynamics of power and resistance still play out today. A moment that was particularly poignant for me was when the 2024 East Yorkshire race riots started and coincided with our filming.  No one could have predicted that such a difficult set of circumstances would arise, but what it shone a light on was how necessary, current and intuitive Sally’s writing is. 

When you get a script like ‘Riot Women’, and a storyline like Nisha’s, you know that this is someone’s reality and that it needs to be shared and discussed. Seeing what was going on in the world at that time was really challenging, but highlighted the importance of the work we were doing and art’s place in reflecting that. 

The dynamics of class and power are so intricately woven into the narrative, and portraying characters who are challenging societal norms felt both empowering and timely. It’s so great to be part of a project that doesn't shy away from addressing what women are forced to endure all over the world, not just Yorkshire.

top LAURA PITHARAS
skirt DIOR
tights FALKE
shoes JW PEI

You’ll also be returning in ‘Daddy Issues’. Cherry is such a fan-favorite, chaotic but deeply lovable. What do you enjoy most about stepping back into her shoes for Season 2?

Chaotic but deeply lovable is such a brilliant way to describe her. That is what draws me back. The chaos and the love. This whole show is such a joy to be a part of and we all spend most of the shoot days just laughing and feeling safe in being our silly selves. It’s cathartic to do a comedy and bringing other people joy brings me joy.

Comedy requires such sharp timing. How do you find the rhythm when balancing Cherry’s outrageous moments with her emotional depth?

We predominantly see Cherry in these outrageous, larger than life moments, but this series we get a more grounded version interwoven in the story. Shooting 6 30-minute episodes of comedy is fast and with a packed schedule, so I just turn up to set prepared and get stuck in. We are so lucky to be able to improvise in the scenes, allowing us to really own and build our characters worlds. 

top and skirt LAURA PITHARAS
tights FALKE

You’ve also just been announced for Season 2 of ‘Sweetpea’. What can you tease about your role and how it fits into the show’s darker, twisty world?

You’re in for a ride this season. Freya Khan is the new boss of the Carnsham Gazette and she sure does let everyone know who’s boss. She isn’t there to suffer fools and quickly shakes things up, and fast becomes embroiled in the dark, twisty world.

You’re starring in two of the BBC’s buzziest shows this year. How does it feel to have such momentum at this stage in your career?

Just so much fun. You spend months and months creating and hoping people will like what you’ve made or at the very least, watch it. You then birth it out into the world and it’s scary and exhilarating. Then you’re right back to set on another show and do it all over again. The feelings are fleeting and vast all at the same time. I feel the last 5 years have been a lovely steady growth and I’m in a position where I can be a little more selective and that is where I believe the power is, in having a choice. 

top LAURA PITHARAS
skirt DIOR
tights FALKE

As someone with BAFTA nominations already, what does recognition from your peers mean to you?

It’s lovely to be supported in this way and definitely gives you a little confidence boost, but if I’m totally honest, I forget. It’s wonderful because your friends and family are so proud and when I’m out and about they sometimes like to slip it into conversation with someone we may have just met. But it does feel nice. 

‘Riot Women’ centers on working-class women shaking up the system. Why do you think it’s important to tell stories like these right now?

Working class women have always been interesting, have always had interesting things to say and have always made huge contributions to society in an impactful way. It’s always been important to tell these stories because we’ve always existed. We’re now, finally, and little by little, being given space to do so. 

What keeps you grounded amidst such a busy schedule?

My lovely, new, fiancé. That feels good and cute to say. Being engaged has become my whole personality, I give myself the ick. But I’m enjoying this moment.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography DAVID REISS
styling HARRIET NICOLSON
make-up LAUREN GRIFFIN
hair SANDRA HAHNEL