Poorna Jagannat

Poorna Jagannathan is a trailblazing actress and producer whose work spans film, television, theatre, and advocacy. Known for her standout roles in acclaimed shows like HBO’s The Night Of and Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, she has used her platform to challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices. With a global upbringing and deep-rooted commitment to social justice, Poorna has become a powerful voice for South Asian representation and gender equality—earning her a place among Verve magazine’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in India.

Before her rise in acting, Poorna began her career in advertising, working at companies such as Ogilvy and Deutsch before launching her own consultancy, Cowgirls and Indians. Although she entered acting later in life, her talent quickly set her apart. Her breakout role in the Bollywood film Delhi Belly earned her multiple awards. Her powerful performance in HBO’s The Night Of received widespread acclaim. Deeply affected by the 2012 Delhi gang rape, Poorna initiated, produced, and starred in the award-winning play Nirbhaya, which premiered at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and became a landmark in India’s women’s empowerment movement.

Her role in Never Have I Ever was a significant milestone in mainstream media, portraying an immigrant South Asian mother with authenticity and depth. The series won the People’s Choice Award for three consecutive seasons and helped break new ground for South Asian representation on screen. Poorna was also named among the Top 100 Most Impactful Asians by Goldhouse for two years in a row. More recently, she has appeared in the Netflix comedy The Out-Laws and Max’s Turtles All The Way Down, further showcasing her versatility.

Beyond television and film, Poorna is also active in audio media. She lent her voice to three episodes of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls podcast, expanding her reach as a storyteller. Her unique background as a multilingual woman raised across several continents fuels her dynamic perspective and passion for change.

As a speaker, Poorna is celebrated for her insights on racial representation, identity, and cultural challenges. She is especially sought after to speak about her experience as a South Asian woman navigating Hollywood, and how she uses storytelling to advocate for equality and inclusion. Whether discussing gender justice or South Asian visibility in media, Poorna’s message is powerful, relatable, and inspiring. If you’re looking for a compelling and multicultural BAME speaker, hire Poorna Jagannathan today!