Poorna Jagannathan bags role in HBO's 'Criminal Justice'

Jagannathan, 39, plays Safar Khan, a Pakistani woman whose son is accused of committing a murder in the pilot, which has Oscar-winning writer Steven Zaillian of 'Schindler's List' as co-writer with Richard Price. Zaillian is also directing.

The A-list ensemble cast is headlined by James Gandolphini of The Soprano's fame and also includes Riz Ahmed The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Bill Camp and Peyman Moadi. Filming is expected to start mid-October.

'Criminal Justice' is a New York-set crime drama loosely based on Peter Moffat. The show has been awarded BAFTA Awards for best drama and best writer, three Royal Television Society Awards and an International Emmy.

Talking about her role Jagannathan said, "This is one of the most incredible projects I've ever been a part of: everyone involved is best in class.

"Safar Khan is the polar opposite of my character in 'Delhi Belly'. I've never played someone like her but the writing is so strong that it makes playing her feel like second nature. Her journey is a roller coaster: she goes from knowing her son is innocent to eventually thinking he might be guilty."

An Indian actress born in Tunisia, Jagannathan currently lives between New York and Mumbai.

She first came into limelight with her debut role of a journalist in Aamir Khan Production's 'Delhi Belly' opposite Imran Khan.

Her movie 'Peace Love & Misunderstanding' alongside Jane Fonda released earlier this year and her new movie 'Thanks For Sharing' by Stuart Blumberg will release end of this year.