Celebrity actor Jassa Ahluwalia inspires CCC students for World Heritage Day

Last month, the staff and students at our Tottenham campus were buzzing to welcome an extra-special guest for a visit – actor and radio presenter Jassa Ahluwalia.

In celebration of World Heritage Day, Jassa, who has appeared in hit TV series including BBC’s Peaky Blinders and Unforgotten, spoke to over 250 students about his mixed British and Indian heritage and the idea of “otherness”, which are major themes in his latest book, Both Not Half.

“We were delighted to welcome Jassa Ahluwalia, author, actor and activist to our college to share his story about his heritage, his experience of dual heritage with a Punjabi father and English mum and his book #BothNotHalf”, says Bimmy Rai, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Capital City College.

“With over 250 students in attendance, his powerful talk sparked conversations about identity, belonging, and representation, and left a lasting impact on our learners. The standing-room-only event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and inspired.”

The visit was a resounding success, and following his inspiring talk, Jassa offered students a unique insight into his career and what it’s really like working as a professional actor in the creative industry. He spoke about the highs and challenges he has experienced, shared reflections and practical tips for aspiring performers and recalled what first drew him to acting.

His star power was evident from an early age, as shown in a heartwarming home video of him dancing as a child in India. Reflecting on the clip, Jassa spoke about the “deep sense of belonging and joy [he] has always found in performing”, and it’s clear that this natural stage presence has been with him since childhood.

When asked about the highlight of his work as an actor, Jassa had not one, but two answers – the flexibility and the opportunities for learning. “Whether it’s a new script, a new idea, or something new thematically, it keeps me flexible and open to learning,” he said. “No two days are the same.”

Yet while the variety is rewarding, Jassa was also candid about the flip side of the profession. The hardest part about being an actor, he explained, is “the precarity, the instability and the impact of the cost of living.” He wisely cautioned that “acting is not a stable profession.”

He also had useful advice to offer young people keen to break into the creative industry at the moment.

“Find people around you who are on the same path,” he said. “The creative industries often try and convince you that you need to be some sort of maverick, genius, or individual, going at it alone… but you’re not going to find happiness, joy, or success that way.”

working together, solidarity and collaboration…ultimately, that is where you’re going to find that day-to-day happiness

The most important thing, Jassa said, is “working together, solidarity and collaboration…ultimately, that is where you’re going to find that day-to-day happiness.”

He went on to advise that high moments in the industry, such as “performances, award ceremonies and book launches, are fleeting”, and that the friendships and relationships you build on the way to achieving success are far more valuable.

Jassa’s visit was more than just a talk – it was a celebration of identity, resilience and creativity. His honesty about the challenges of the acting profession, combined with his encouragement to value collaboration and community, left students feeling inspired and empowered.

Above all, his messages served as a reminder that success is not only about individual achievements, but about the connections we build, and the support we offer others along the way.

If you’re feeling inspired after reading about Jassa’s experiences, take a look at the acting and performance courses we offer. From theoretical knowledge to practical acting techniques, these courses are designed to equip students to pursue careers in performance.

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