"I just loved it, and I had a really good laugh."
In Parminder Nagra’s impressive filmography, there are several movies that showcase her tremendous acting prowess.
Parminder was born in 1975, and from a young age, she made her mark as a talented actress with huge capabilities.
Her ability to portray diverse characters and her knack for conveying emotion sets her apart from her contemporaries.
She has appeared in acclaimed films, television movies, and has provided voiceovers in animated features.
DESIblitz proudly presents five great movies of Parminder Nagra that you must watch.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Stars: Parminder Nagra, Kiera Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Shaheen Khan, Anupam Kher
Gurinder Chadha’s classic, Bend It Like Beckham, firmly put Parminder Nagra into the limelight as an actress with great potential.
In the film, Parminder plays the central role of Jesminder ‘Jess’ Bhamra – an Indian girl with an unmatched skill in football.
However, her orthodox family does not appreciate her talent, particularly her mother, Mrs Sukhi Bhamra (Shaheen Khan).
With the support of her close friends Tony (Ameet Chana) and Juliette ‘Jules’ Paxton (Kiera Knightley), she overcomes her obstacles.
Jess must also deal with her growing feelings for her coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).
Tackling Indian stereotypes, challenging familial conventions, and asserting the willpower to follow dreams make Bend It Like Beckham an enduring film.
Parminder’s portrayal of Jess earned her worldwide acclaim and is the jewel that adorns the film.
One of the lines in the film is still remembered and loved: “Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?”
It is also one of the most popular British Asian family films.
Compulsion (2009)
Director: Sarah Harding
Stars: Parminder Nagra, Ray Winstone, Ben Aldridge
In this television film, Parminder inhabits the troubled world of Anjika Indrani.
Viewers see the actress as never before, as the role demands a lot of boldness and eroticism from her.
Anjika has sex with her chauffeur, Don Flowers (Ray Winstone), as part of a deal, but the pair later develop genuine feelings for each other.
Anjika and Flowers embark on a torrid and steamy affair, having sex at every opportunity they can. However, the affair soon leads to terrifying consequences.
Parminder is daring, and she makes Anjika an empathetic and unforgettable character. She is strong and unfazed, determined to get what she wants.
In an interview, Parminder admits she was worried about her nude scenes in the film.
She explains: “I was worried about the nudity.
“It’s a huge thing for me, but those scenes have to be in there because the story is about obsession and lust, so you can’t do it without them.
“So we just got on with the sex scenes. It’s funny; you talk about what position you’re going for, and then you just go for it.
“You do get nervous, but when you’ve been doing them for a while, the only way is just to tackle it.”
This shows Parminder Nagra’s passion for her projects, which is evident in Compulsion.
Horrid Henry: The Movie (2011)
Director: Nick Moore
Stars: Theo Stevenson, Anjelica Huston, Richard E Grant, Parminder Nagra, Kimberley Walsh
Based on Francesca Simon’s best-selling series of children’s books, Horrid Henry: The Movie tells the story of an ill-behaved schoolboy named Henry.
Horrid Henry has a younger brother named ‘Perfect’ Peter. Peter loves his teacher who is Miss Lovely.
Miss Lovely is played beautifully by Parminder Nagra.
In such a film, it would be easy to make such a character comical and unserious.
However, Parminder brings a tenderness and charm to Miss Lovely. She reminds you of that kind-hearted and compassionate teacher we all had in primary or lower school.
Unfortunately, the film was received unfavourably by critics, but what cannot be denied is Parminder’s sincerity and the light with which she fills the role.
Horrid Henry: The Movie is a fun ride for kids and should be celebrated as such.
Twenty8k (2012)
Directors: David Kew & Neil Thompson
Stars: Parminder Nagra, Jonas Armstrong, Nichola Burley, Kaya Scodelario, Michael Socha
In this racy thriller, Parminder brings Deeva Jani to life.
Twenty8k narrates the tale of a teenage boy being shot dead outside a nightclub.
A young girl also dies in a hit-and-run incident. The two deaths seem unrelated at first.
Vipon Jani (Sebastian Nanena) is implicated in the shooting.
Therefore, it is up to Vipon’s sister Deeva, a fashion executive, to help exonerate her brother.
However, in the process, she soon uncovers a much larger and deeper conspiracy.
Detailing her experience of working in Twenty8k, Parminder explains:
“It was a different experience, but it was nice to be with an all-English crew and just get stuck into trying to make a good movie.
“I just loved it, and I had a really good laugh.
“You just hope that when you get on board something that, the chemistry between the actors and everyone involved strikes right.
“It was good fun.”
Five Feet Apart (2019)
Director: Justin Baldoni
Stars: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moisés Arias, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Parminder Nagra
In Five Feet Apart, Parminder features in an ensemble cast. She plays Dr Hamid.
The film tackles the issue of cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disorder that damages organs and makes people vulnerable to infections and diseases.
The illness means that patients shouldn’t get closer than six feet to each other.
Teenagers Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson) and William ‘Will’ Newman (Cole Sprouse) both have cystic fibrosis. They fall in love but cannot get close to each other.
Five Feet Apart sees them navigate their circumstances and their disease.
As Dr Hamid, Parminder provides an anchor in the film. Hamid looks after these teenagers, and she is caring and dutiful.
Parminder shows that she is just as comfortable in supporting roles as the main leads.
She is an unmissable factor in the film.
Parminder Nagra has a unique zeal for performing and acting.
She takes the audience on memorable journeys with her films, and it’s no wonder that she is so appreciated as a creative person.
From dazzling as a football player, invoking empathy as a lustful graduate, to charming as a caring doctor, she has done it all.
She is an actress for the ages who deserves every ounce of euphoria that comes her way.
So, grab some popcorn and embrace the endearing star, Parminder Nagra.
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