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`Bend It Like Beckham` star lied about bending it
Washington, Apr 16: When she was being considered for the starring role in `Bend It Like Beckham,` Parminder Nagra told the director she had a little experience playing soccer. She really hadn`t.
Washington, Apr 16: When she was being considered for the starring role in "Bend It Like Beckham," Parminder Nagra told the director she had a little experience playing soccer. She really hadn't.
"It was my first experience in what it was like to play soccer even a little bit," said Nagra, who had to train for two month before filming could start. "There were times I was thinking, `Why exactly am I doing this?' Fortunately, it has been worth it." Nagra, 27, stars with Keira Knightley in the British comedy about soccer-playing girls. The two were in Washington over the weekend to meet pro soccer star Mia Hamm. Knightley's character idolizes Hamm in the film, while Nagra's character is obsessed with Manchester United star David Beckham.
The movie, directed and co-written by Gurinder Chadha, is Britain's top-grossing homegrown film with earnings equivalent to about $17 million. But the thrill of playing the sport didn't last with either of the stars after filming ended two years ago.
"We pretty much gave it up until yesterday actually, when we nearly ruined the hotel by kicking the soccer ball around," Knightley said. "I am very lazy."
Added Nagra: "I've had enough of those smelly shin pads for quite a while."
Bureau Report
"It was my first experience in what it was like to play soccer even a little bit," said Nagra, who had to train for two month before filming could start. "There were times I was thinking, `Why exactly am I doing this?' Fortunately, it has been worth it." Nagra, 27, stars with Keira Knightley in the British comedy about soccer-playing girls. The two were in Washington over the weekend to meet pro soccer star Mia Hamm. Knightley's character idolizes Hamm in the film, while Nagra's character is obsessed with Manchester United star David Beckham.
The movie, directed and co-written by Gurinder Chadha, is Britain's top-grossing homegrown film with earnings equivalent to about $17 million. But the thrill of playing the sport didn't last with either of the stars after filming ended two years ago.
"We pretty much gave it up until yesterday actually, when we nearly ruined the hotel by kicking the soccer ball around," Knightley said. "I am very lazy."
Added Nagra: "I've had enough of those smelly shin pads for quite a while."
Bureau Report