Biography
Raven-haired actress Archie Panjabi claimed a unique, exotic, and alluring look that spoke to her Indian ancestry -- and that opened up a myriad of doors in Hollywood productions, usually in a supporting capacity. Raised in Britain, Panjabi first broke through to international acclaim as tomboy Meenah in the Damien O'Donnell-directed Miramax comedy
East Is East (1998), then graced the cast of one of the preeminent sleeper hits of 2002, the soccer comedy
Bend It Like Beckham. Additional assignments included a small supporting turn in
Fernando Meirelles' political thriller
The Constant Gardener (2005), a portrayal of Gemma in the
Russell Crowe/
Marion Cotillard-headlined,
Ridley Scott-directed romantic comedy drama
A Good Year (2006), and a role in the grueling docudrama
A Mighty Heart (2007) as Asra Nomani, a journalist and friend of the Pearl family, who helped in the investigation of his disappearance and murder. In 2006, Panjabi signed with the BBC to portray Maya Roy in the sci-fi-tinged police drama series
Life on Mars. In 2008, she appeared opposite
Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce in the summer thriller
Traitor. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide