Get to know Bend It Like Beckham's Parminder Nagra as its director announces the sequel

South China Morning Post

a day ago

In 2002, Bend It Like Beckham became a global sensation, inspiring countless teenage girls to chase their dreams on and off the football field. More than two decades later, director Gurinder Chadha has just announced that a sequel is in the works, with plans to release it in 2027 – right on time for the movie's 25th anniversary and the next Fifa Women's World Cup.
Jess (Parminder Nagra) is determined to play football against the wishes of her orthodox Sikh parents in the British comedy Bend It Like Beckham. Photo: AP Photo/Fox Searchlight Pictures
The film starred Parminder Nagra as Jess Bhamra, a British Indian teen who pursues her passion for football despite her parents' opposition, alongside
Keira Knightley as Jules Paxton. While Chadha is determined to get the original cast back together, Nagra has previously expressed hesitation in revisiting such a beloved movie.
Advertisement
Apart from Bend It Like Beckham, Nagra is also known for her roles in ER and DI Ray. Off screen, she married photographer John Stenson in 2009 after a seven-year relationship. The same year, the two welcomed their son, Kai David Singh Stenson, but ultimately parted ways in 2013.
Here's what else to know about the actress behind Jess Bhamra.
She started theatre with no training
Parminder Nagra's interest in acting began when she worked as an usher at a local theatre. Photo: @parmindernagra/Instagram
At the age of 16, Nagra's introduction to the world of acting came not under the spotlight, but as an usher at a local theatre in Leicester, UK, where she was born. Later, her former drama teacher encouraged her to join Haithizi Productions, a theatre company in her hometown.
Nagra landed a role in the musical Nimai and ended up stepping in for the lead role when the actress dropped out. With no formal training, Nagra managed to capture the audience's attention with her natural charisma and was recognised for her acting and singing abilities.
She is experienced in medical roles
Parminder Nagra as Neela Rasgotra on ER. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank
Nagra has portrayed doctors in multiple storylines. Most notably, she appeared in the US medical series ER as Neela Rasgotra, an intern who grows into a respected member of the hospital team. During filming, Nagra advocated for her character's story to focus on professional growth rather than a romantic interest.