Parminder Nagra

A distinctly alluring English actress of Indian descent (whose parents emigrated to Britain in the '60s), Parminder K. Nagra received her international breakthrough role as Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra, the lead character of Gurinder Chadha's delightful teenage soccer comedy Bend It Like Beckham (2002). That movie's status as an instant cult hit lifted Nagra sky-high and brought her legions of U.S. fans. She could soon be seen again in stateside cinemas in a warmly received supporting performance as Areida in the adolescent fantasy Ella Enchanted (2004), starring Anne Hathaway. Nagra's next major role was her multi-season portrayal of Dr. Neela Rasgotra (starting in season ten) on the blockbuster prime-time medical drama ER. - Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide