In The Closet: Bodyguard actress Anji Mohindra takes centre stage in flowing gowns

How would you describe your style?

I think it’s quite laid-back.

I certainly love fashion but it’s something that has come to me late in life.

I was a real tomboy when I was younger and would wear my brother’s hand-me-downs.

I don’t necessarily follow trends but instead I wear what feels right to me.

What colours and shapes suit you best?

When I’m thinking about it, I definitely prefer dressing in bright, statement colours, which suit my personality.

The shapes I like wearing always change, but at the moment I’m loving a flared trouser – I think they’re very flattering – with a more fitted top.

I love off-the-shoulder styles, too. I think it instantly makes things look dressier.

What is your favourite fashion era?

The 60s and 70s just keep coming back into fashion.

I love the floaty chiffon blouses, flared trousers, cool sunglasses and big hair.

Who is your style icon?

I love what the actress Ashley Madekwe wears and there’s an influencer called Megan Ellaby, whose style I love.

She’s very much into the big trousers and pieces that represent her personality rather than what’s in style.

I think her fringe inspired my fringe in Dark Heart. I definitely get inspiration from Instagram – it’s like curating your own magazine.

For anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, tell us about Bodyguard…

It’s centred on Richard Madden’s character David Budd, who is ex-military and is now the bodyguard for the Home Secretary, played by Keeley Hawes.

It’s his job to protect her but he finds himself at the heart of a bigger threat to the UK.

I play a character that feels as if she has no choice but to go about certain actions to honour her family.

She finds herself having to fight for what’s right in her heart.

It’s been one of my most favourite parts to play.

You are also in Dark Heart, out later this year.

What is that about?

It’s about Will Wagstaffe, played by Tom Riley, who is an insanely good copper with an incredible instinct.

He’s facing his own demons but he’s propped up by three very strong women: his sister, played by Charlotte Riley, his on-off girlfriend and his partner Josie Chancellor, who I play.

It’s very noire and filmic, and again, it’s brilliantly written, so it was a joy to work on.

Younger viewers perhaps know you best from The Sarah Jane Adventures – how have you found moving into more serious roles?

I was very much cutting my teeth on that show, so it holds a massive place in my heart.

It took a while for me to grow into the parts I’m playing, and I’m a very different actor and human being now.

Filming The Sarah Jane Adventures was bonkers and filming with green screen is really liberating – nothing is too big and you really can use your imagination.

What is the best costume you’ve ever worn for a role?

I’ve just filmed an episode of Legends Of Tomorrow and the costume I wore for that was incredible.

I was playing a punk from the 1970s so it was all fishnets, leather, rips and heavy Dr Martens boots.

Do you own more high street or high end?

Definitely high street, although I’m starting to look more at independent labels such as For Love & Lemons and Needle & Thread, who create brilliant, timeless pieces.

What are your favourite high-street stores?

I love Zara, Massimo Dutti and Topshop, and Asos is so easy to shop from.

Do you have any favourite designers?

I like Alice Temperley, Erdem and Prabal Gurung’s fusion style.

I love echoes of my Indian upbringing in contemporary fashion, like that mashup of chiffon and embroidery – it’s very similar to Indian wedding fashion.

My sister is my fashion advisor and she’s always bringing back trends from India.

Do you own anything vintage?

Not as much as I used to.

I’ve got a T-shirt from Reclaimed Vintage, some belts and a faux fur coat, but I want to get more into vintage clothing, from an ethical perspective, and also for that feeling of having a one-off piece.

Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe regularly?

I’m a huge hoarder.

I try to buy pieces that have a life beyond the current season’s trend, so I find it so hard to let go.

My boyfriend moved in recently, though, so I had to have a huge clear-out.

I made a big deal out of it: put some music on, poured myself a glass of prosecco and was ruthless.

How many shoes and handbags do you own?

I used to only own three pairs but in the past few years I’ve gone shoe crazy.

They’re probably the things I hold on to the most, and my next big purchase is definitely going to be a pair of Louboutins.

I’ve only got three handbags and a rucksack for everyday use.

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

A leather jacket from The Kooples, which was £280.

I don’t think that’s too bad for a leather jacket, but it felt like a big deal when I bought it.

How much do you spend on clothes a month?

About £100 to £200 a month.

I love that feeling of having a new outfit, but the shopping part I find quite laborious.

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have ever been given?

I’ve started hanging clothes backwards in the wardrobe and then hanging them the right way after you’ve worn them.

That way after six months you can see exactly what you haven’t worn.

What is your best beauty secret?

My sister told me that the best anti-ageing tip is to wear a face cream with SPF in – it also holds make-up really well and gives a nice dewy finish.

Bodyguard is on tonight at 9pm on BBC1.

Dark Heart will be on ITV later this year.