Parminder Nagra Biography: Movies & TV Shows, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Age, Height

Parminder Kaur Nagra, professionally known as Parminder Nagra, is a British actress celebrated for her groundbreaking role as Jess Bhamra in the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham, which propelled her to international fame.

Renowned for her portrayal of Dr. Neela Rasgotra on the NBC medical drama ER (2003–2009), Nagra has delivered nuanced performances across film and television, including Alcatraz (2012) and The Blacklist (2016–2021).

Her ability to navigate complex characters, often highlighting South Asian representation, has made her a trailblazer in Hollywood and British cinema, earning her accolades like a MIFA Best Actress nomination.

Profile

• Full Name: Parminder Kaur Nagra
• Stage Name: Parminder Nagra
• Born: 5 October 1975
• Age: 49 years old
• Birthplace: Leicester, Leicestershire, England
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.58m
• Parents: Sukha Nagra and Nashuter Nagra
• Siblings: 3
• Spouse: James Stenson (m.2009–2013)
• Children: Kai David Singh Stenson
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Parminder Kaur Nagra was born on October 5, 1975, in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, to Sukha Nagra and Nashuter Nagra, who immigrated from India to the UK in the 1960s and worked in a factory.

She grew up with two brothers and one sister, whose names remain private, in a working-class Sikh family that emphasized education despite financial challenges.

Nagra attended Soar Valley College and joined a local choir, sparking her interest in performance.

She later studied at Northfield House Primary School and trained with the Leicestershire Youth Theatre, but did not pursue formal university education, focusing instead on acting.

She is of Punjabi Sikh heritage, though she keeps her religious practices private.

Career

Parminder Nagra began her acting career on stage with Leicester’s Haithizi drama group, performing in local productions while working odd jobs, including as an usherette.

Her screen debut came in 1991 with a small role in the Indian film Dushmani Jattan Di, followed by British TV appearances in Casualty (1996) and Goodness Gracious Me (1998).

Her breakthrough arrived with Bend It Like Beckham (2002), where she played a football-loving Sikh teen, earning a MIFA Best Actress nomination and global recognition for its cultural impact.

The film’s success, grossing over $76 million, opened doors to Hollywood, where she landed guest roles in Second Generation (2003) and Ella Enchanted (2004).

Nagra’s career soared with her role as Dr. Neela Rasgotra on ER (2003–2009), appearing in 129 episodes as a skilled surgeon navigating personal and professional turmoil, earning her an Asian Excellence Award nomination.

She transitioned to diverse projects like Alcatraz (2012) as Dr. Lucy Banerjee and The Blacklist (2016–2021) as Agent Meera Malik, showcasing her range in sci-fi and crime genres.

Her voice work in Postman Pat: The Movie (2014) and lead role in Five Feet Apart (2019) as Dr. Hamid further highlighted her versatility, while stage work in London’s West End, like The Waiting Room (2000), cemented her theatrical roots.

Nagra continues to influence through roles in Pine Gap (2022) as Dr. Val Gupta and DI Ray (2022–present) as DI Rachita Ray, tackling racial and gender dynamics in UK policing.

Her advocacy for South Asian representation, seen in her patronage of the Women in Film and Television Awards, underscores her impact.

She mentors emerging actors and champions diversity in casting, leaving a legacy of breaking stereotypes while delivering authentic, layered performances across global screens.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @parmindernagra
• Facebook Handle: Parminder Nagra
• Twitter Handle: @parmindernagra

Personal Life

Parminder Nagra married photographer James Stenson in 2009, and they welcomed their son, Kai David Singh Stenson, in 2009 before divorcing in 2013.

She has remained single since, focusing on raising Kai in Los Angeles while maintaining ties to Leicester.

Filmography

• Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
• Ella Enchanted (2004)
• In Your Dreams (2008)
• Compulsion (2008)
• Postman Pat: The Movie (2014)
• Five Feet Apart (2019)

Net Worth

Parminder Nagra has an estimated net worth of $4 million, derived from her extensive television work, notably ER and The Blacklist, alongside film roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Five Feet Apart.

Her earnings are supplemented by stage performances and endorsements, reflecting her steady presence in both British and American entertainment industries.