Parminder latest news

      November 17th  2009 

Yesterday Parminder was reunited with some of her former 'ER' co-stars to celebrate the induction of John Stamos to the 'Walk of Fame' on Hollywood Boulevard. 
Linda Cardellini and Scott Grimes joined a host of other celebrities together with John's family and friends.

The 'star in the sidewalk' commemorates the actors close on 25 years in show business with a career encompassing work in theatre and film together with a number of high profile roles in American Television. He is also a musician and as a drummer of no mean ability has also found time to deputise as 'sticks man' for the likes of
The Beach Boys.

Click here to see Mindi with John and her old pals at the ceremony.


ERThe complete Fifteenth season

      September 21th  2009 


So, about now we would normally be eagerly anticipating a new season of our favourite weekly medical drama and another roller-coaster ride of emotional turmoil and professional misadventure. 

Fortunately, for those suffering the symptoms of ER withdrawal, help is at hand. At least for those in Europe, Japan et al or in possession of a Region free DVD player.
The emotional fifteenth and final season is released on DVD today.
Click here for a 'heads up' on where you can purchase the DVD box set online as well as a host of Parminder's other work on film and TV. 


      August 26th  2009 

The recently opened X Repertory Theatre (XRT) in downtown Los Angeles plays host to an industry panel discussion on the current influence of International artists in Hollywood this Thursday, August 27th.
The event also marks Parminder's return to the public arena following the birth of her first child in May.

Mindi and former ER co star David Lyons are slated to be among those joining the discussion. The debate is aimed to focus attention on the opportunities and challenges presented to non-indigenous performers presently working in the US and is scheduled to commence at 7:00pm.




      July 3rd  2009 

Parminder is amongst some illustrious company in a new project aimed at generating funds to support children in South Africa orphaned or impacted by HIV/AIDS.

'Nelson Mandela's favorite African Folktales' is released on Tuesday July 7th and is an audio book with a difference. The voices are provided by some of Hollywood's biggest players including Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlette Johannson and Charlize Theron.  

The collection of stories is drawn from the traditions of several countries across the African continent. The project is available as a three CD set or can be purchased as a digital download.
For more information visit the Audio book official website here.


      May 28th 2009 - It's a boy!!

Parminder's publicist has confirmed the fantastic news that she and hubby James became first time parents following the birth of their baby boy on Tuesday May 19th!
Son Kai David Singh Stenson, together with his proud mum and dad are reported to all be doing great.

All the PNO staffers offer huge congratulations to the new parents as we crack open a bottle of Lambrusco to wet the baby's head (we know how to live it up!) 

A 'heads up' for UK Parmaniacs:

Parminder's 'farewell' episode of 'ER' may have aired a couple of weeks ago, but Neela does make a fleeting appearance in tonight's grand finale to the medical drama.
The hour long retrospective documentary that precedes the broadcast features contributions from Mindi along from other cast members from the shows illustrious 15 year history is a also a 'must watch' for fans. (8.05pm on More 4 with the final episode from 9.00 to 10.45)

Meanwhile, if you're already suffering withdrawal symptoms following the curtain falling on our favourite hour of weekly med drama, take solace in a browse through PNO's fabulous new 'Compulsion Gallery'


      May 14th 2009 - Final Shift

Tonight UK fans get the opportunity to see 'Shifting Equilibrium', the story that provides Parminder's touching farewell to ER. Although 'Neela' makes a fleeting appearance in the shows final two episodes, this is her real 'swan song' and brings personal resolution to her sometimes triumphant but often turbulent six years at Chicago's County General Hospital.

In equal measure poignant, joyous and ultimately a satisfying conclusion to a journey many fans have followed since 2003 - More 4 at 9:00pm

      May 11th 2009 


Compulsion is released on DVD in region 2 format today.

The drama aired in the UK on Monday 4th and certainly had the 'water-cooler effect!
Parminder predicted before broadcast that the new film would likely cause 'a bit of a stir' with some fairly explicit scenes and provocative subject matter.

The overwhelming consensus of those motivated to post to the PNO mailbox was that it was a joy to see Parminder relieved of her surgical scrubs and immersed in a new and very different role. Those fans unfamiliar with some of Mindi's early theatre work and TV roles in productions such as 'Second Generation' should perhaps not be surprised that she would embrace the challenge of such potentially contentious material. 
Critical reaction, though divided on the piece as a whole, almost universally praised the performances of Parminder and Ray Winstone.

The 'Available Products' page now contains details of the DVD release and some suggestions as to where you can source it online. Region 2 availability only so far, so sadly you'll need a 'multi-region player if you live outside of areas where that is the standard.

May 1st 2009

C  o  m  p  u  l  s  i  o  n

So you thought things might be getting a little quiet around here - think again!

Parminder's first British TV movie since Second Generation in 2003 will premiere in the UK this Bank Holiday Monday (May 4th) on ITV1 at 9:00pm.

'Compulsion' has echoes of that earlier production in that it is a contemporary reworking of an historical drama.

The piece is based on a Jacobean tragedy called 'The Changeling' (the title was to have been retained but was changed post production, possibly to avoid confusion with the recent cinema release of the same name). In the original, a young woman called Beatrice-Joanna is unwillingly betrothed to Alonso who she arranges to have murdered by a character called De Flores in order that she might unite with her true love. Unfortunately De Flores is himself besotted with Beatrice-Joanna...

Joshua St Johnston's screenplay for 'Compulsion' transfers the plot to present day Britain. Parminder plays Anjika, the daughter of a wealthy Indian industrialist called Satvik, who
intends that his daughter marry Hardik, the son of a business associate. Anjika has other ideas and has formed a relationship with a fellow student from University.

The 'De Flores' character in this instance manifests in the form of Don Flowers (Ray Winstone), who is employed as Satvik's chauffer. Though no fan of her fathers 'bag man', Anjika is tempted by his unexpected offer to assist her in escaping from an arranged marriage. She is, however, repulsed to learn that his services come at a heavy price - she must spend the night with him.

'Compulsion' has provoked controversy even prior to broadcast due to some explicit scenes and its dark themes of exploitation and sexual obsession. Parminder herself has expressed an expectation that some may have an adverse reaction to the film's distinctly 'adult' content "I always said I'd never do a nude scene - but now I have. I know there will be a huge fuss when Compulsion comes out. It's partly because of the fact I'm Asian. People don't expect me to do that. I never expected myself to do that,"
"My mum will probably disapprove but I'll deal with that. I'm old enough now to make decisions like this".

Mindi was asked what encouraged her to take the role "Because Ray was attached. Initially, when I read the script I went, here we go, arranged marriage, don't want to do that again. But as I started working on it I thought "God, this is really dark! There's no redeeming quality in Anjika at all. It was quite nice to play someone...not nice!"

The choice of role (a spoilt rich girl with a seriously defective moral compass) and the films uncompromising approach to its subject matter may come as a surprise to some fans. The majority will likely celebrate the fact that, when presented with the opportunity, Parminder continues to embrace the challenge of defying conventions in her choice of work.

'Compulsion' will be available in Region 2 DVD format from May 11th.
Meantime, check out some fantastic visual tasters in the latest PNO Gallery

Images by kind permission of ITV and Size 9 Productions.
 



      April 1st 2009  

Parminder attended the 'ER' wrap party at Social Night Club in Hollywood on Saturday night (March 28th).

The event brought together cast and crew members past and present to celebrate the show's 15 year history in the week prior to the broadcast of its final episode.
The actors enjoyed individual video montage's of their characters journeys and Executive Producer John Wells recognized the work of all those who had contributed to the Medical drama's enduring success.

Parminder looked radiant and appeared to be hugely enjoying sharing memories of six life changing years as a member of the ER family.
Check out the Video Media page to view some footage from the event including Mindi's former 'on screen' husband Sherif Atkins recalling some memorable steamy scenes!


      March 30th 2009

New to the pages of PNO this week - a selection of images completing the Season 15 ER Gallery (Boo Hoo!!). Check out a pictorial passage through Neela's farewell scenes here.
Revisit some magical moments from Seasons 13, 14 and 15 via our ER Pages.


      March 18th 2009 - All Good Things...

Parminder fans stand by!

Stock up on the tissues to dry those eyes. After six years of sharing her highs and lows, bearing witness to the tears, traumas and ultimate triumphs of her professional life and riding the roller coaster of personal crisis and relationship turmoil, Neela Rasgotra this week takes her final rounds at County General.

Thursday night's episode of ER (in the US) will see Parminder's character bid farewell to her friends and colleagues at Chicago's famous fictional hospital. The big question remains - will one of longest 'slow-burn' relationships in TV history finally find resolution. We speak of course of Neela and former ER colleague Ray Barnett (Shane West), now a double amputee after being hit by a truck following a fateful night drowning his sorrows due to feeling spurned by the object of his affections.

The show trailer offers a teaser as to what may lay in store. You can catch a first look at 'Shifting Equilibrium' here.
ER remains a landmark show in TV serial drama, often imitated but rarely bettered.
(Medical professionals have regularly cited it as offering the most accurate representation of the workings of a hospital and its depiction of medical procedures)
The show has remained a staple of the prime time schedule in the US and overseas and will be sorely missed by it's legions of fans.
(Hey, don't despair - 'ER' is one of the most widely syndicated shows in the history of forever and every season will soon be available on DVD - see the 'Available Products' page).

Executive Producer John Wells deserves hearty congratulations for having the vision to cast Parminder in this groundbreaking role back in 2003 and for sustaining the productions consistent quality through to its curtain call.

Meanwhile... here's a neat little interview (for some reason seemingly conducted during a shopping trip) in which Mindi talks about the thrill of appearing alongside (gorgeous) George Clooney, recalls magical moments making ER and contemplates a major new role she is about to undertake! 


             
                       © msnbc.com 


      March 6th 2009 - In Your Dreams

Spring has sprung here at PNO HQ, though looking out of the window, we'll take some convincing!. We can at least celebrate a fresh season of news updates with a bright and breezy selection of images from the DVD release of 'In Your Dreams'.
Parminder stars alongside fellow Brit Dexter Fletcher and Linda Hamilton of Terminator fame in Gary Sinyor's cool and quirky comedy.

In common with many stars of TV drama, Mindi has had limited time to 'squeeze in' side projects between regular filming commitments on ER. This low budget but big hearted independent film was shot in just five weeks in 2007 and provides fans with an opportunity to enjoy our favorite actress out of surgical scrubs and the snowy environs of Chicago. Click here to view 'The In Your Dreams' Gallery. 
The Region 2 DVD of this movie has been available since February 16th with a Region 1 release scheduled for April 14th