Poorna Jagannathan, aka Nalini Vishwa kumar from ” Never Have I Ever” is a popular name in Hollywood. Jagannathan’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced difficulties of navigating a highly competitive industry, particularly as a South Asian actress. However, her talent, and commitment to her craft have allowed her to overcome these obstacles.

Early career

Born in Tunisia to Indian parents,Poorna Jagannathan’supbringing was marked by a global perspective. She spent her early years in various countries, including Pakistan, Ireland, and India, gaining a deep understanding of different cultures.

Initially, she pursued a career in marketing and journalism, earning a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. However, the allure of storytelling and performance remained strong.

She gained experience by participating in theater and independent films in India. While she wasn’t part of mainstream Bollywood, her work in independent films provided a foundation for her future career.

We can see Poorna growing through Bollywood films like Delhi Belly or Yeh Jawani Hai Dewaani. She chose diverse roles which helped her carve a niche in her Hollywood career.

Poorna in Hollywood

Jagannathan’s move to Hollywood was a gradual process, marked by a series of small but significant roles. She didn’t arrive with a grand plan to conquer Hollywood; instead, she focused on building a portfolio of diverse and challenging characters.

Poorna started her career in Hollywood from ” The night of”. Some of her works are “The Blacklists”, “Better call a saul”, “Wolfs”. But the work that gave her a deep-rooted footing in Hollywood is Netflix series “Never Have I Ever” and“Deli Boys”.

Her work in the Apple TV+ series “Defending Jacob” (2020) and the HBO limited series “Room 104” (2017) further showcases her versatility. Her seamlessl transitions between different genres and characters, demonstrating her ability to adapt to diverse storytelling styles. Her role in the film “Share” (2019), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, tackled sensitive and timely issues related to sexual assault.

Her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood is a reminder that the path to success is not always linear. It is a journey marked by exploration, adaptation, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Her work serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that it is possible to break down barriers and create meaningful art.