The legacy of 'Bend It Like Beckham' feels more alive than ever.
Preeya Kalidas delighted fans by reuniting with some of her Bend It Like Beckham co-stars, sharing the nostalgic moment with a heartfelt Instagram post.
The actress wrote: “It’s been a while since we sat on that bench in Hounslow.
“‘The Cuzzies’ got back together yesterday, after all these years.
“Bend it like Beckham available to stream on @netflixuk.”
The 2002 sports comedy-drama, directed by Gurinder Chadha, starred Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Juliet Stevenson, Shaznay Lewis and Archie Panjabi.
Kalidas played Monica, one of Jess Bhamra’s friends involved in family and wedding preparations, in the film that became an international cultural landmark.
Made on a modest £3.5 million budget, Bend It Like Beckham went on to gross nearly £60 million worldwide, cementing its place in cinema history.
The story centred on Jesminder Bhamra, played by Parminder Nagra, and Jules Paxton, portrayed by Keira Knightley, two young women determined to chase football dreams against parental expectations.
Since their breakout roles, both Nagra and Knightley have built remarkable careers.
Parminder went on to star in ER, Bird Box, DI Ray and Maternal.
Keira became one of Britain’s leading actresses, starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and The Imitation Game, before returning to television with Netflix’s Black Doves.
Kalidas herself has enjoyed a diverse career across film, television and stage, including Four Lions, BBC Bodies, Britz and Mistresses.
She began her journey in the original West End production of Bombay Dreams, the Andrew Lloyd Webber and AR Rahman musical, before becoming a household name on EastEnders.
In 2015, she returned to the Bend It Like Beckham universe as the only cast member involved in the West End musical adaptation.
Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, the production featured Kalidas as Pinky, Jess’s marriage-obsessed sister, in a reimagining of the film’s beloved story.
Now, more than two decades later, fans have even more to look forward to, as a sequel has finally been confirmed.
Chadha revealed plans are underway to release the follow-up in 2027, coinciding with the film’s 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The director admitted she had been inundated with requests to revisit the characters and their journey ever since the original became a worldwide hit.
While details of the sequel remain under wraps, its announcement has reignited excitement among fans who have long hoped to see the story continue.
With Preeya Kalidas’s recent reunion photo sparking nostalgia and Gurinder Chadha’s plans for a sequel, the legacy of Bend It Like Beckham feels more alive than ever.
Loading ...