Bend It Like Beckham Cast: What They Look Like Now…

It was THE feel good romantic comedy. However, do you know what the Bend It Like Beckham Cast look like now?

The movie’s director, Gurinder Chadra, even got a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film! In 2015, Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical premiered. However, the musical version did not do as well as the film. Maybe it was the fact that the Bend It Like Beckham Cast did not appear?

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Pinky Bhamra (Archie Panjabi) – THEN

We’re first introduced to Pinky as the spoiled brat, obsessed with fashion and make-up but by the end of the movie she begins to think about others rather than herself for a change (hoorah!).

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These days, Archie is best known for her role as Kalinda Sharma in the hit TV series, The Good Wife; a role which has bagged her a fair few awards!

Although acting is one of the most difficult jobs to make it in, she’s also appeared in big movies such as The Constant Gardener and San Andreas, as well as one of our fav TV shows Brooklyn Nine-Nine, proving she can do serious drama as well as comedy!

Archie Panjabi (Pinky Bhamra) – NOW

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Tony (Ameet Chana) – THEN

Tony is the kind of friend every girl needs – he’s supportive of Jess and her need to kick a ball around the park when she can, and is there for her in a tight spot.

Their parents hope that Jess and Tony will eventually get married – as most people don’t seem to understand that a guy and girl can be friends without it meaning anything romantic (#friendzone).

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If you’re an Eastenders fan, you’ll recognise Ameet for his role as Adi in the popular BBC tv series; but he’s also gone on to star in other films including Mr Steadman and The League of Gentleman. He’s also put his talents to a bit of disc jockeying, as he went on to present a show on the BBC Asian Network.

Ameet Chana – NOW

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Meena (Pooja Shah) – THEN

Meena is another superficial, look-obsessed giggling girl opposed to Jess’s new hobby and is often found sitting on a bench in the park and scowling a lot – with her henchmen, of course. Her fashion sense is also sort of cringe.

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Pooja went on to star some medical dramas, including Holby City. Her most well known role since the film is Kareena in Eastenders – but unfortunately her character was axed. These days, Pooja is concentrating mostly on writing and reviewing for Heart London Magazine!

Pooja Shah (Meena) – NOW

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Mel (Shaznay Lewis) – THEN

Mel was a fellow footballer on the inspirational girl’s team coached by Joe and could be spotted kicking the ball around with Jules and Jess on the football field.

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You’ll most probably recognise Shaznay from girl group All Saints; she is responsible for co-writing most of the group’s smash hits, such as Pure Shores and Never Ever. In 2016, the band released their fourth studio album after an on-off relationship meant the band’s road had been a little bit rocky.

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Shaznay Lewis (Mel) – NOW

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Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) – THEN

Joe is the talented coach of the Hounslow Harriers, and he’s sort of alright looking if you like that type of thing: tall, dark-haired, handsome, passionate… AKA pure perfection. So it’s no surprise that both Jules and Jess fell for him, which caused a little bit of friction between the pair, to put it mildly.

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Jonathan Rhys Meyers is definitely not just a pretty face – but he is that too, let’s be honest – as he’s proving himself more and more to be an awesomely versatile actor. Although having a very long film list under his belt, Jonathan is known more for his TV roles these days – most significantly as Henry VIII in The Tudors.

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Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Joe) – NOW

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Jules (Keira Knightley) – THEN

After noticing that Jess’s football talent could give David Beckham a run for his money, she invites her to join the girl’s team, which leads to a budding friendship for the two.

Jules constantly rebels against her mother’s wises for her to be more “girly” and halt her soccer infatuation. Her unrequited love for Joe has us feeling a little bit sorry for her, because we totally feel her pain.

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Keira Knightley has conquered the film world; you will probably recognise her from Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars. Most recently she can be seen in the film The Nutcracker. And we all remember that scene from Love Actually, don’t we?

She has a daughter with husband James Righton of The Klaxons fame and is absent from social media! For the current moment at least.

Keira Knightley (Jules) – NOW

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Jess (Parminder Nagra) – THEN

Jess is our leading lady rebelling against her traditional Indian parents to go and do what she loves: play football. she’s our fav in the Bend It Like Beckham cast.

She becomes firm friends with Jules – despite their brief scrap over the man they both love – and eventually finds her happy ending with coach Joe. As well as a trip to America to play football – proving that you should always follow your dreams.

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After winning several awards for her role in Bend It, actress Parminder went on to star in Ella Enchanted and good ol’ Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night; she’s also had roles in many TV shows, such as Fortitude and 13 Reasons Why.

Nagra did have some success with her love life, but the success was short-lived when she divorced James Stenson back in 2013. The couple have a child together, but it’s not clear whether Parminder is currently dating anyone – presumably she’s enjoying the single life.

Parminder Nagra (Jess) – NOW

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