Graduated 1982
Although Seeta is known to millions as WPC Datta from ITV's The Bill, for which she won the Asian Film Academy’s Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Awards, she made her West End stage debut as Cassandra in the original production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's CATS. In 1999 she worked on Rambert Dance Company's Cruel Garden as a singer.
Over the last few years Seeta has been made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, created a film production company MashMosh Films, performed her one woman cabaret, An Evening With Seeta Indrani. In 2004 she was presented with the Asian Women of Achievement, Arts & Culture Award.
Seeta takes some time out of her hectic schedule to tell us more about her career.
Seeta, you have had a tremendously successful career, spanning the stage and screen. What projects are you currently working on?
In the spring I left the BBC series Doctors where I played Dr Lilly Hassan, after 18 happy months and I have just returned from Australia where I was Co-Directing The Clare Valley Film Festival, to begin promoting The Sweeney, a documentary I produced and directed, charting Jim Sweeney, Comedy Store Player who retired from performing in 2007 due to MS.
What impact do you think training at LCDS has had on your career?
Well, I can remember quite vividly applying to come to the School. I was encouraged to apply, but I thought that it was way out of my league. In my first term I was simply blown away; coming to The Place was like walking through a door into a new world. I was so inspired by all the tutors, particularly Jane Dudley. I have certainly taken with me her uncompromising attitude to her art, her refusal to accept anything but one’s best and a connection back to the beginning of American modern dance. I was also quite fond of Bern Berndt, who seemed both bemused and confused by us, Molly Lake, who was with the Pavlova Company, for her grace, Jon Kelihor and Merion Bowen who have all inspired me throughout my career. I found the School such an incredibly intense and creative place to be. There’s no other school like it in Europe!
What excites you the most about the new LCDS Alumni Network?
The Place itself has been a touchstone for me. These things become more important the longer one works and runs around the world. I have always felt a strong connection and affection with The Place. I am really enjoying all of the Alumni Network events, particularly the 40th celebrations, and I am finding that once again The Place is the centre of my artistic community as I am reunited with former friends and make new contacts.