5 Indian-Americans Who Rose To Fame Through Hollywood

By siliconindia   |   Tuesday, 04 March 2014, 01:23 IST
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Padma Lakshmi: Known for her love towards food, Padma Lakshmi adorns too many roles at the same time. Born in Chennai and grew up partly in New York, Padma went to Clark University in Massachusetts, where she started as a psychology major before graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in the field of theater. The much-needed break for her came after a modeling agent discovered her in Spain, and walked the ramp for famous designers including Armani, Versace and Ralph Lauren. Her modeling career led to offers in acting jobs. Padma began appearing in television shows telecasted in Hollywood, Bollywood and Europe. Some of her roles included a small part in the film Glitter, starring renowned singer Mariah Carey, and a part in the Italian miniseries.

Parminder Nagra: Born to Sikh parents who immigrated to the UK, Parminder Nagra growing up enjoyed a relatively ordinary English upbringing, which just consisted of school, friends, studying the viola, and performing in school theatrical events.

In her late-teens, Nagra planned to attend university and earn degrees in music and drama, after which she was asked by a former drama instructor to join a Leicester-based theater company. After accepting a small role, Parminder was asked to take over the lead as the original actress dropped out. Nagra later opted to give up her planned university studies and actively pursue a career as a professional actress.

Parminder is well-known for playing Jess character in Bend It like Beckham. Nagra also essayed the role of Dr Neela Rasgotra in the cult American medical drama ER.
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