---
name: "Indira Varma"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/indira-varma"
fi1m_id: "indira-varma"
imdb_id: "nm0890055"
tmdb_id: 30430
wikidata_id: "Q463585"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "27 September 1973"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 12
average_fi1m_score: 66
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 12
updated: "2026-10-07T16:05:43.019785+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Indira Varma

## Identity

Indira Varma

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/indira-varma
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** indira-varma
- **IMDb ID:** nm0890055
- **TMDB ID:** 30430
- **Wikidata ID:** Q463585
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Varma, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q463585, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0890055/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/30430

Actor. Born 27 September 1973 in Bath, Somerset, England, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 27 September 1973, Bath, Somerset, England, UK
- **Active:** 1999–present
- **Also known as:** Indria Varma, Індіра Варма, 인디라 바르마, ایندیرا وارما
- **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 12 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 59 (3), 2010s 69 (5), 2020s 68 (4)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 66 to 63 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 7 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 9, Mystery 4, Comedy 3, Crime 3, Thriller 3, Action 2
- **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $888m across 4 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Varma, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q463585, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0890055/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/30430

## Coming up

- *Frank & Louis* (2026-12-10), as Dr Watts

## Streaming the US now

- **Apple TV:** [*The Other Bennet Sister*](https://film.one/tv/the-other-bennet-sister.md) (78), [*Disclaimer*](https://film.one/tv/disclaimer.md) (56)
- **AMC+:** [*Luther*](https://film.one/tv/luther.md) (72), [*Official Secrets*](https://film.one/film/official-secrets.md) (68)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Night Manager*](https://film.one/tv/the-night-manager.md) (81)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Indira Varma

> Indira Varma makes authority convincing through precise delivery and composure. We value her in supporting parts, but her screen work too often gives her fewer chances for comedy and emotional complexity than the stage does.

A composed woman who expects to be obeyed is familiar territory for Varma. The precision of her delivery makes that authority credible, and the suggestion of conflicting feelings keeps it from becoming merely stern. She brings care to smaller parts. Our reservation is that screen casting can stop there, satisfied to have found someone who looks capable.

An early substantial part was Maya in Mira Nair's *Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love* (1996), followed by Niobe in *Rome* (2005). Ellaria Sand in *Game of Thrones*, from 2014 to 2017, brought wider recognition. Her theatre work includes Liz Essendine in *Present Laughter* (2019). Comedy and emotional complexity have had more space on stage than her screen roles generally allow. Looking formidable is only part of what she has been employed to do.

We enjoyed *The Night Manager* (2016), particularly the wary attention Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie pay to each other. Susanne Bier keeps familiar spy business entertaining, though the moral complications remain slight. As Mayra Cavendish, Varma supplies the quiet authority that makes her valuable in a smaller role. It is a series we recommend, but our enthusiasm rests chiefly on that central pairing; we would not make it the sole evidence for what Varma can do.

*The Other Bennet Sister* (2026) casts her as Mrs Gardiner in another series worth recommending with a caveat. Ella Bruccoleri makes Mary Bennet worth following, while the writing sometimes makes her family crudely unpleasant to secure our sympathy. Bruccoleri does enough without that assistance. We like the warmth of the programme, but the central performance is again the first reason to watch.

The stage work suggests how much more a screen role could ask of her, especially in comedy. She has spoken of wanting parts with an emotional journey and an inner life, not simply information to pass on. We would welcome a screenwriter who took that request seriously.

## Biography

Indira Varma is a British actress. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1995, and was a member of the Musical Youth Theatre Company. Her screen debut came in the film *Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love* (1996).

Varma is known for television roles including Niobe in *Rome* (2005–07), Zoe Luther in *Luther* (2010), Ellaria Sand in *Game of Thrones* (2014–17), Mayra Cavendish in *The Night Manager* (2016), and Mrs. Gardiner in *The Other Bennet Sister* (2026). She has also appeared in *Obi-Wan Kenobi* (2022) and *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023). In theatre, she won a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in *Present Laughter* (2019).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (12)

- *The Other Bennet Sister* (2026), Fi1m 78, as Mrs. Gardiner — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-other-bennet-sister.md)
- *Disclaimer* (2024), Fi1m 56, as Narrator (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/disclaimer.md)
- *Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023), Fi1m 74, as DIA — [page](https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one.md)
- *The One and Only Ivan* (2020), Fi1m 64, as Dr. Maya Wilson — [page](https://film.one/film/the-one-and-only-ivan.md)
- *Official Secrets* (2019), Fi1m 68, as Shami Chakrabarti — [page](https://film.one/film/official-secrets.md)
- *The Night Manager* (2016), Fi1m 81, as Mayra Cavendish — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-night-manager.md)
- *Exodus: Gods and Kings* (2014), Fi1m 52, as High Priestess — [page](https://film.one/film/exodus-gods-and-kings.md)
- *Silk* (2011), Fi1m 71, as George Duggan — [page](https://film.one/tv/silk.md)
- *Luther* (2010), Fi1m 72, as Zoe Luther — [page](https://film.one/tv/luther.md)
- *Basic Instinct 2* (2006), Fi1m 36, as Denise Glass — [page](https://film.one/film/basic-instinct-2.md)
- *Rome* (2005), Fi1m 82, as Niobe of the Voreni — [page](https://film.one/tv/rome.md)
- *Little Britain* (2003), Fi1m 58, as Actress — [page](https://film.one/tv/little-britain.md)

## Complete filmography (97)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Frank & Louis* (2026), as Dr Watts
- *The Other Bennet Sister* (2026), series, as Mrs. Gardiner — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-other-bennet-sister.md)
- *Young Sherlock* (2026), series, Actor
- *Coldwater* (2025), series, as Fiona
- *The Assessment* (2025), as Ambika
- *Creature Commandos* (2024), series, as The Bride (voice)
- *Dune: Prophecy* (2024), series, Actor
- *Disclaimer* (2024), series, as Narrator (voice) — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/tv/disclaimer.md)
- *Doctor Who* (2024), series, as Duchess of Pemberton
- *National Theatre Live: Macbeth* (2024), as Lady Macbeth
- *The Trouble with Jessica* (2024), as Jessica
- *Maya: Birth of a Superhero* (2024), as Maya (Superhero)
- *Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023), as DIA — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-one.md)
- *Obsession* (2023), series, as Ingrid Farrow
- *Extrapolations* (2023), series, as Gita Mishra
- *National Theatre Live: The Seagull* (2022), as Arkadina
- *Obi-Wan Kenobi* (2022), series, as Tala Durith
- *The Legend of Vox Machina* (2022), series, as Lady Allura Vysoren (voice)
- *Silent Hours* (2021), as Dr. Catherine Benson
- *INVINCIBLE* (2021), series, as Volcanikka (voice) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/invincible-2021.md)
- *Crisis* (2021), as Madira Brower
- *Spitting Image* (2020), series, as Voice Artist
- *Faith Healer* (2020), as Grace
- *The One and Only Ivan* (2020), as Dr. Maya Wilson — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-one-and-only-ivan.md)
- *Lost Pyramids of the Aztecs* (2020), series, as Narrator (Voice)
- *Rebuilding Notre-Dame* (2020), series, as Narrator - (Voice)
- *For Life* (2020), series, as Safiya Masry
- *National Theatre Live: Present Laughter* (2019), as Liz Essendine
- *The Capture* (2019), series, as Khadija Khan
- *Official Secrets* (2019), as Shami Chakrabarti — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/official-secrets.md)
- *Carnival Row* (2019), series, as Piety Breakspear
- *This Way Up* (2019), series, as Charlotte
- *Secrets of Egypt's Valley of the Kings* (2019), series, as Narrator (Voice)
- *Close* (2019), as Rima Hassine
- *Early Days* (2018), Executive Producer
- *Patrick Melrose* (2018), series, as Anne Moore — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/patrick-melrose.md)
- *Unspeakable* (2017), as Jo
- *The Great British Skinny Dip* (2017), as Host
- *The Machine* (2017), as Hannah
- *Una* (2017), as Sonia
- *Silent Hours* (2017), series, as Dr. Catherine Benson
- *Paranoid* (2016), series, as Nina Suresh
- *New Blood* (2016), series, as Lisa Douglas
- *The Night Manager* (2016), series, as Mayra Cavendish — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-night-manager.md)
- *Vintage Blood* (2015), as Izzy
- *National Theatre Live: Man and Superman* (2015), as Ann Whitefield/Ana
- *Indian Summers* (2015), series, Executive Producer
- *Hampstead Theatre At Home: Tiger Country* (2014), as Vashti
- *Exodus: Gods and Kings* (2014), as High Priestess — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/exodus-gods-and-kings.md)
- *Titus Andronicus - Live at Shakespeare's Globe* (2014), as Tamora
- *Anna* (2013), as Judith Morrow
- *What Remains* (2013), series, as Elaine
- *Hunted* (2012), series, as Natalie Thorpe
- *World Without End* (2012), series, as Mattie Wise
- *Game of Thrones* (2011), series, as Ellaria Sand — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/game-of-thrones.md)
- *Silk* (2011), series, as George Duggan — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/silk.md)
- *Luther* (2010), series, as Zoe Luther — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/luther.md)
- *Human Target* (2010), series, as Ilsa Pucci
- *Moses Jones* (2009), series, as Dolly
- *Inside the Box* (2009), as Catherine Powell
- *Comanche Moon* (2008), series, as Therese Wanz
- *The Whistleblowers* (2007), series, as Alisha Cole
- *Sex and Death 101* (2007), as Devon Sever
- *3 lbs* (2006), series, as Adrianne Holland
- *Torchwood* (2006), series, as Suzie Costello — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/torchwood.md)
- *Basic Instinct 2* (2006), as Denise Glass — Fi1m 36, [page](https://film.one/film/basic-instinct-2.md)
- *A Waste of Shame: The Mystery of Shakespeare and His Sonnets* (2005), as Lucie "The dark lady"
- *Love Soup* (2005), series, as Suzanne Daley
- *Bones* (2005), series, as Inspector Cate Pritchard — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md)
- *Rome* (2005), series, as Niobe of the Voreni — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/rome.md)
- *The Quatermass Experiment* (2005), as Judith Carroon
- *Peppa Pig* (2004), series, as Female Phone Voice (voice)
- *Hustle* (2004), series, as D.C.I. Lucy Britford
- *Bride & Prejudice* (2004), as Kiran
- *Donovan* (2004), series, as Cara Mathis
- *Reversals* (2003), as Kathy Irwin
- *Little Britain* (2003), series, as Actress, Babysitting Mother, Health Spa Receptionist — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/tv/little-britain.md)
- *Canterbury Tales* (2003), series, as Meena
- *Mad Dogs* (2002), as Narendra
- *The Inspector Lynley Mysteries* (2002), series, as Melissa Booth
- *Rockface* (2002), series, as Alison
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Bela Khan
- *One for the Road* (2001), as Gila
- *The Whistle-Blower* (2001), as Diane Crossman
- *In a Land of Plenty* (2001), series, as Sonali
- *Attachments* (2000), series, as Sasha, Sacha
- *Other People's Children* (2000), series, as Amy
- *Zehn wahnsinnige Tage* (2000), as Ra
- *Psychos* (1999), series, as Dr Martine Nichol
- *Jinnah* (1998), as Ruttie Jinnah
- *Sixth Happiness* (1997), as Amy
- *Clancy's Kitchen* (1997), as Kitty
- *Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love* (1997), as Maya
- *Crucial Tales* (1996), series, as Manreet
- *Arena* (1975), series, as Gila, Various
- *Mother Daughter*, Actor
- *The Beacon*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Indira Varma at the Game of Thrones Season 8 World Premiere at Radio City Music Hall, April 3, 2019. Photo by Sachyn Mital.](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-c5a4ccd34fd9.jpg) Indira Varma at the Game of Thrones Season 8 World Premiere at Radio City Music Hall, April 3, 2019. Photo by Sachyn Mital. — Sachyn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Indira_varma_by_sachyn_mital.jpg/1280px-Indira_varma_by_sachyn_mital.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-94e8ac7e5bf5.jpg) Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany — Raboe001, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_001.jpg/1280px-Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_001.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-cd05e9ac6c92.jpg) Indira Varma — Raboe001, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_001_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_001_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-0cdf22e39042.jpg) Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany — Raboe001, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_002.jpg/1280px-Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_002.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-bd6da62ff395.jpg) Indira Varma — Image via TMDB
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-072b034dafcd.jpg) Indira Varma — Image via TMDB
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-a5725bf3a25a.jpg) Indira Varma — Image via TMDB
- ![Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-7b4ac0dd3236.jpg) Stuttgart 2022 -Comic Con Germany — Raboe001, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_003.jpg/1280px-Stuttgart_2022_-Comic_Con_Germany-Indira_Varma-_by-RaBoe_003.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-18a553d12e9d.jpg) Indira Varma — Image via TMDB
- ![Indira Varma](https://film.one/media/person/22235/gallery-3e1e66216372.jpg) Indira Varma — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/indira-varma