play movies
Our loyalty to this film is unmatched. So, as Bend It Like Beckham turns 20, let’s catch up with where the cast are today
JESS BHAMRA PARMINDER NAGRA
Remind me: Jess is the film’s lead, football legend and utterer of the phrase ‘bend it like Beckham’.
Iconic moment: The final, right at the end of the film, where she makes up with Jules and wins the game.
Where is she now? After roles in ER (above), Fortitude and 13 Reasons Why, Nagra has built a pretty solid career.
JOE JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS
Remind me: The Irish football coach who manages the Hounslow Harriers and is also Jess’s love interest. And Jules’s for a bit, but we’ll overlook that.
Iconic moment: His dance moves in the club when the team are in Germany for the tournament. Very neck-heavy.
Where is he now? Since his coaching days, JRM is best known for playing King Henry VIII in steamy series The Tudors (above).
MR BHAMRA ANUPAM KHER
Remind me: Jess’s dad has the character arc of the film. He starts off really resistant to his daughter playing football, but by the end, helps cover for her to play in the final.
Iconic moment: The scene where he speaks up about the racism he faced when trying to join cricket teams in England reminds us all why this film is as important today as it was back in 2002.
Where is he now? Kher’s an award-winning actor with hundreds of projects to his name, from Sense8 to Hotel Mumbai (above).
PAULA PAXTON JULIET STEVENSON
Remind me: Jules’s mum and local Karen-esque busybody. She wants her daughter to be less into football and more into kitten heels with bows on.
Iconic moment: Paula’s fairly blatant ho
