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Poorna Jagannathan

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Poorna Jagannathan
Jagannathan at the Lisner Auditorium in 2023
Born (1972-12-22) December 22, 1972 (age 51)
Tunis, Tunisia
NationalityAmerican
EducationUniversity of Brasília
University of Maryland, College Park (BA)
Pace University
OccupationActress
Years active2001–present
Spouse
Azad Oommen
​
(m. 2003)​
Children1

Poorna Jagannathan (/ˈpɔːrnə ˌdʒɑːɡəˈnɑːθən/ POR-nə JAH-gə-NAH-thən;[1] born December 22, 1972) is an American producer and actress of Indian descent. She is known for her portrayal of Safar Khan in the HBO drama miniseries The Night Of, as well as for her role as Nalini Vishwakumar in the Netflix teen comedy series Never Have I Ever (created by Mindy Kaling).

Jagannathan also co-conceived, produced, and acted in the play Nirbhaya,[2] which was considered "one of the most powerful and urgent pieces of human rights theatre ever made," and is regarded as a critical moment in India's history of women's empowerment.[3][4]

Jagannathan was named among the "Top 100 Most Impactful Asians" in America in 2021 and 2022 by Goldhouse.[5] People magazine featured her in their 2024 “The Beautiful Issue” while Verve magazine named her among the top 50 most powerful women in India in 2014.[6]

Early life

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Jagannathan was born in Tunis, Tunisia, to Vasantha Jagannathan and G. Jagannathan, an Indian diplomat, on December 22, 1972.[7] She grew up in Pakistan, Ireland, India, Brazil and Argentina, and speaks Tamil, Hindi, English, Spanish and Portuguese.[8] Jagannathan attended the University of Brasília before graduating in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned a scholarship to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in acting at the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.[9] Although she dropped out after the first year, she continued to study acting under her mentor, Elizabeth Kemp. Jagannathan went on to train at The Barrow Group where she is currently a board and company member. Before her career as an actor, Jagannathan spent 15 years working in advertising at agencies like TBWA\Worldwide, Ogilvy, and Deutsch Inc. before starting her own consultancy, Cowgirls & Indians.[10]

Career

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Jagannathan has had recurring parts on several TV shows like Big Little Lies, Better Call Saul and Ramy. She played Blacklister #44 on The Blacklist, and appeared as the guest lead on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for its 18th year's double-season-finale episodes.[citation needed] In 2017, she played one of the leads in A24's film Share.[11] Share premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and was immediately acquired by HBO.[12]

Jagannathan also won critical acclaim for her role as a journalist in the 2011 Hindi cinema film Delhi Belly. The Village Voice said that "the most enjoyably subversive element is Poorna Jagannathan as the self-sufficient bachelorette who waylays Tashi on his way to the altar. Rangy, corkscrew-haired, with a wary demeanor that can't long be upset by anything, she's a happy departure from the usual run of Xeroxed, pedestaled beauties."[13] Mumbai Mirror said, "Poorna Jagannathan, an offbeat choice, is remarkably subtle and does a brilliant job."[14] The Daily News and Analysis said that Jagannathan shines in the film, and that "her bohemian sex appeal" is "a refreshing change from the prim and proper 'heroine' we are used to watching."[15] The editor of Outlook Lounge said that Jagannathan's performance was a "masterclass in effortless acting." In 2019, Delhi Belly was named one of the top 25 Bollywood movies of the decade by Film Companion.[16]

In 2012, Deadline reported that Jagannathan had joined the cast of the HBO show The Night Of as a series regular.[17][18] Her performance in The Night Of received rave reviews. Vinnie Mancuso of Observer wrote, "Poorna Jagannathan, who has been putting in one of the year's most heartbreaking performances, continues to shine..."[19] Vikram Murthi from Vulture wrote "Poorna Jagannathan's subtle performance really shines... Her facial reactions convey such a profound array of emotions."[20] Variety's Sonia Saraiya wrote that her performance was "quietly devastating".[21]

While lauded for her dramatic performance, Jagannathan's comedic roles have gained her the most attention. Her episode in the Duplass Brothers Productions Room 104 was praised by critics. Kathryn VanArendonk of Vulture wrote, "But Jagannathan's Divya is even better. Even without a physical presence, Divya is still immediately recognizable as a character. At times she's breezily unconcerned, at other moments, she's sharply chastising her son for his brusqueness." Jagannathan's performance as Nalini Vishwakumar in Mindy Kaling's Never Have I Ever was lauded by critics. Her portrayal of an immigrant woman has been regarded as groundbreaking and a first for television. Sonia Saraiya from Vanity Fair said, "I've seen a lot of actors attempt to flesh out the stereotypically demanding Indian mom, but I've never seen anyone do it as well as Jagannathan does... It's the little things: the nearly untraceable Indian accent, the mumbled exclamations in a different language, the slight gestures and paranoiac side-eyes of the Indian aunty, the seemingly effortless bridging of the paradox between ancient tradition and modern necessity."[22] Jinal Bhatt from Mashable.com wrote, "Poorna Jagannathan has been a revelation in this series, and I'd say she puts forth one of the best portrayals of Indian-American mothers we’ve seen."[23] Never Have I Ever, which debuted in 2020, went on to win the People's Choice Awards for seasons 1, 2 and 3 consecutively.

In 2018, Jagannathan lent her voice to three podcasts in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, based on The New York Times Best Seller list books by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo. She read the stories of Mary Kom, Margaret Hamilton and Madam C. J. Walker. The series was named among the 50 best podcasts for 2018 by Time[24] and won the 2019 People's Choice Podcast Award in the Education category.[25]

Nirbhaya

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Moved by a gang rape and murder in Delhi on December 16, 2012, Jagannathan initiated, produced, and acted in a testimonial play called Nirbhaya (transl. Fearless, a pseudonym given to the victim).[26] The play uses the rape and death of Jyoti Singh Pandey to break the silence around sexual violence. Jagannathan collaborated with internationally acclaimed playwright and director, Yaël Farber, to build the play.[27][28] Nirbhaya opened at the Assembly Hall in August 2013 during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.[29] It won the coveted 2013 Amnesty International Award as well as the Scotsman Fringe First and Herald Angel Awards, and received favorable reviews from leading publications.

The Sunday Herald called Nirbhaya "one of the most powerful and urgent pieces of human rights theatre ever made".[30][31][32][33] In March 2014, Nirbhaya was the centrepiece performance for Southbank's "Women of the World" festival where it played to sold-out houses in the United Kingdom. After a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund an India tour, Nirbhaya opened to critical acclaim in India in March 2014, playing to sold-out houses in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.[34][35] In August 2014, The Guardian audiences voted Nirbhaya among the top 10 "best fringe moments" in the Edinburgh Festival's history.[36] Nirbhaya opened to rave reviews at The Culture Project in New York City in May 2015, and rose to become The New York Times Critics' Pick.[37] The play toured for three years in multiple cities in Ireland, Canada, India, the UK, and the United States. Some reviewers stated that it was one of the most political and deeply moving pieces of theater ever made.[38] Nirbhaya is considered one of the most impactful moments in India's history of the women's empowerment movement.[39]

Filmography

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Key
† Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2004 She Hate Me Song's Girlfriend
2005 The Weather Man NY Pedestrian
2007 Awake Dr. Neyer's Nurse
Montclair Dr. Blight
2009 Karma Calling Quality Control Supervisor
2011 Peace, Love & Misunderstanding Mira
Delhi Belly Menaka Vashisht
2012 Thanks for Sharing Dr. Kazhani
2013 Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Riana
2015 Growing Up Smith Nalini Bhatnagar
2016 Carrie Pilby Fliss
2017 The Circle Dr. Villalobos
Daisy Winters Annabel Kumar
2018 Mile 22 Dorothy Brady
An Actor Prepares Dr. Fisher
The Dead Center Sarah Grey
2019 Share Kerri
2020 Alia's Birth Jaime
2022 I'll Show You Mine Priya Sura
House Comes With a Bird Langley Short film
2023 The Out-Laws Rehan [40]
2024 Turtles All the Way Down Dr. Singh
Wolfs June
Goodrich † TBA Post-production

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2004 Law & Order Rehana Khemlani Episode: "Veteran's Day"
2005 Jonny Zero Dr. Shamira Episode: "Who's Your Daddy"
Starved PJ Episode: "The Breatharians"
2006 Love Monkey Director Episode: "Confidence"
Rescue Me Dr. Klein Episode: "Satisfaction"
Law & Order: Criminal Intent Dr. Sikh Episode: "Blind Spot"
2008 The Game Dr. Diamond Episode: "Just the Three of Us"
2009 Numb3rs Tech #1 Episode: "Con Job"
2010–2011 Royal Pains Saya 2 episodes
2015 House of Cards Dr. Lanjawni Episode: "Chapter 27"
2016 NCIS: Los Angeles Dr. Nitya Agarwal Episode: "Core Values"
Rizzoli & Isles Mrs. Jalbani Episode: "Dangerous Curve Ahead"
The Night Of Safar Khan 7 episodes
2017 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Maya Samra 2 episodes
Gypsy Larin Inamdar 10 episodes
Room 104 Divya (voice) Episode: "The Internet"
The Blacklist Nirah Ahmad Episode: "The Endling (No. 44)"
2018 Taken Judith Chapman Episode: "ACGT"
Better Call Saul Dr. Maureen Bruckner 2 episodes
Sorry for Your Loss Therapist Episode: "17 Unheard Messages"
2019 The Act Dr. Lakshmi Chandra Episode: "Teeth"
Ramy Salma 2 episodes
Big Little Lies Katie Richmond 3 episodes
2020 Messiah Sanjana Mirza 3 episodes
Defending Jacob Elizabeth Vogel 4 episodes
The Wilds Rana Jadmani Episode: "Day Seven"
2020–2023 Never Have I Ever Dr. Nalini Vishwakumar 40 episodes
2021–2023 Ten Year Old Tom Rahul's Mom (voice) 6 episodes

Accolades

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  • For her performance in Delhi Belly, Jagannathan won the Stardust award for Best Supporting Actress and the L'Oreal Femina Award for Breakthrough Performance in 2012.[41][42]
  • Jagannathan was named among the top 100 Most Impactful Asians in 2021 and 2022 by Goldhouse.[43]
  • In 2014, Verve magazine named Jagannathan among the top 50 most powerful women in India.[44]
  • Italian Marie Claire named Jagannathan as one of the 12 women from the East impacting Western cinema in 2012.[45]
  • Jagannathan is also a brand ambassador for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).[46]
Award Category
Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award 2013 Winner
Scotsman Fringe First Award 2013 Winner
Herald Angel Award 2013 Winner
L'Oreal Femina Women Awards 2012 Winner of Breakthrough Performance
10th Annual Kamala Pasand Max Stardust Awards Winner of Breakthrough Supporting Performance (Female)
18th Annual Colors Screen Awards Nominated for Best Debut Actor (Female)
Zee Cine Awards 2012 Nominated for Best Debut Actor (Female)
18th Annual Colors Screen Awards Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Female)

References

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  1. ^ "In Conversation With Poorna Jagannathan". Grazia India. July 30, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  2. ^ "Nirbhaya presented by Nightwood Theatre 2015". October 2015. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Fringe reviews: Nirbhaya / Somnambules & the 7 Deadly Sins / The Events - Sunday Herald view". August 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  4. ^ "The most impactful moments in the history of women's empowerment". January 26, 2019. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  5. ^ "A100 Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  6. ^ "Power Catalyst: Poorna Jagannathan | Verve Magazine". June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  7. ^ "Poorna Jagannathan, उम्र, हाइट, पति, बच्चे, परिवार, Biography in Hindi - बायोग्राफी". News Hindustan (in Hindi). May 15, 2022. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  8. ^ Banerjee, Debesh (July 9, 2011). "The Belly Button". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on July 10, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  9. ^ Appelo, Tim (May 4, 2012). "The Hollywood Reporter's List of the 25 Top Drama Schools". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  10. ^ "Poorna Jagannathan". August 22, 2021. Archived from the original on May 7, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  11. ^ McNary, Dave (November 1, 2017). "Film News Roundup: Poorna Jagannathan Starring in Pippa Bianco Drama (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  12. ^ "HBO News - HBO Acquires Pippa Bianco's 'Share'". HBO. Archived from the original on October 10, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  13. ^ Pinkerton, Nick (June 29, 2011). "Bollywood Gets Raunchy in Delhi Belly". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on July 5, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  14. ^ Anshuman, Karan (July 2, 2011). "Effing great". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  15. ^ Guha, Aniruddha (July 1, 2011). "Review: Delhi Belly will have you laughing your a$ off". Daily News and Analysis. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
  16. ^ "25 Greatest Hindi Films Of The Decade | Film Companion". filmcompanion.in. May 25, 2023. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  17. ^ Nellie Andreeva (September 19, 2012). "HBO Orders 'Criminal Justice' Drama Pilot Starring James Gandolfini, From Steven Zaillian & Richard Price". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  18. ^ "The Night Of: Miniseries". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  19. ^ "Was HBO's 'The Night Of' a Masterpiece? There Is Reasonable Doubt". Observer. August 29, 2016. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  20. ^ "The Night Of Recap: Ugly Cats in Small Cages". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  21. ^ Saraiya, Sonia (July 8, 2016). "TV Review: 'The Night Of'". Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  22. ^ Saraiya, Sonia (April 17, 2020). "Charming and Bright, Never Have I Ever Is Mindy Kaling's Best Show Yet". Vanity Fair.
  23. ^ "Never Have I Ever Review: Mindy Kaling's Netflix Teen Comedy Goes Down Like A Smooth Shot". Mashable India. April 24, 2020. Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  24. ^ Dockterman, Eliana (March 30, 2018). "The 50 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now". Time.
  25. ^ "Podcast Awards". Podcast Awards - The People's Choice. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  26. ^ Tuli, Aanchal (June 5, 2013). "Play on Nirbhaya in Edinburgh now". The Times of India. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  27. ^ Andrew Dickson (August 4, 2013). "Nirbhaya: the Edinburgh play telling the truth about abuse". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  28. ^ Trueman, Matt (May 14, 2013). "Nirbhaya: play exploring Delhi gang rape heads to Edinburgh festival 2013". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on October 29, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  29. ^ Nathan, John (May 14, 2013). "Nirbhaya: Play about the Delhi rape that shocked the world set for Edinburgh". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
  30. ^ "Nirbhaya". Assembly Festival. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  31. ^ "Fringe reviews: Nirbhaya / Somnambules & The 7 Deadly Sins / The Events". The Herald. Glasgow. August 11, 2013. Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  32. ^ Barnett, Laura (August 5, 2013). "Edinburgh Festival 2013: Nirbhaya, review". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  33. ^ "Poorna Jagannathan Movies & TV shows, Education, Husband, Child, Height, Net worth". Team Cinemchi. April 21, 2023. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Ranade, Ajit (March 22, 2014). "Breaking the silence". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  35. ^ Phadke, Mithila (March 18, 2014). "Mumbai gives Nirbhaya play a standing ovation". The Times of India. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  36. ^ Marta Bausells (August 2014). "Edinburgh festival: your favourite shows and memorable moments". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  37. ^ Brantley, Ben (April 27, 2015). "Review: 'Nirbhaya,' a Lamentation and a Rallying Cry for Indian Women". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  38. ^ "Nirbhaya". show-score.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  39. ^ "The most impactful moments in the history of women's empowerment". Vogue India. January 26, 2019. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  40. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 28, 2021). "'The Out-Laws': Ellen Barkin, Nina Dobrev, Michael Rooker, Lil Rel Howery & More Round Out Cast Of Netflix Action Comedy". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  41. ^ "Online Event promotion". meraevents.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  42. ^ "Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines". dailymirror.lk. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  43. ^ "A100 Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  44. ^ "Power Catalyst: Poorna Jagannathan". Verve Magazine. June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on November 2, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  45. ^ "ImperAttrici". Marie Claire Italy. September 28, 2012. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  46. ^ PETA (May 23, 2012). "Poorna Jagannathan: I Am a Vegetarian - Blog". PETA India. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
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