Suddenly, the Leicester-raised British Indian found herself in Hollywood, where she landed the role of Dr Neela Rasgotra on ER, the long-running NBC hit medical drama.
Over the years, she's worked her way to the top of the ER ladder, and will leave the show as its leading lady. She'll forever be remembered as the first mainstream Indian character on newtork TV, a far cry from the Indian character on The Simpsons -- Apu -- who's little more than a walking, talking stereotype.
In the picture: Keira Knightley poses with her Bend It Like Beckham co-star, Parminder at the 2004 Hollywood Awards in Beverly Hills. Photograph: Fred Prouser/REUTERS
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