Sarita has been making waves since her film debut in Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala. Her character Mina’s on-screen romance with Denzel Washington was a watershed moment for South Asian representation at the time – and it continues to be one of the few portrayals of interracial love in modern cinema to date. 

Mississippi Masala went on to become an arthouse favourite, and set the unconventional tone for Sarita’s early career. She went on to appear in two more Mira Nair films, Kama Sutra: A Tale Of Love and The House Of The Spirits, as well as other indie productions. Sarita’s later roles were more mainstream, and included the hit TV show Homeland – for which she won widespread acclaim and recognition. She has also appeared in the hugely successful Hunger Games films, and popular streaming series Jessica Jones, Little Fires Everywhere and Modern Love. 

Decades on, Sarita is showing no signs of stopping. She’s most recently been seen in the Sex And The City reboot, And Just Like That as outspoken real estate agent Seema Patel. In many ways, the role has brought Sarita full circle. Much like Mina, Seema’s character also chooses to live and love on her own terms. And, with the show being renewed for a second season, it’s clear that even after 30 years on screen, Sarita isn’t planning on going anywhere yet.