Manjinder was born in Coventry, England, to a car factory worker father and his wife, who had immigrated to the country from the Punjab. Her parents, described as "very liberal," played a significant role in shaping her upbringing. Her father's involvement with the Indian Workers Association and his encouragement of her and her sister's tomboyish behavior, which included dressing them like boys, instilled a sense of independence and confidence in her. Additionally, her parents fostered her love for the arts, which became a vital part of her life.
Manjinder's early exposure to the world of theatre began at the Belgrade Youth Theatre in Coventry. She went on to become an artistic director at Pangran Dance Theatre and later pursued a degree in contemporary dance at De Montfort University in Leicester.
Manjinder made her television debut in 1999 with a role in the medical drama "Holby City." She has since appeared in various medically-themed dramas, including "Monroe," "Call the Midwife," "Doctors," and the sitcom "Green Wing." In 2015, she joined the cast of the long-running series "Midsomer Murders" as the new pathologist.
In addition to her television work, Manjinder has received critical acclaim for her film performances. She was nominated for best actress for her role in the film "The Arbor" and was named one of Screen International's Stars of Tomorrow in 2007. That same year, she met her husband, writer/director Neil Biswas, with whom she has two children.
As an accomplished writer, Manjinder has penned the play "Glow" about a female boxer, which was performed by the touring company "Theatre Centre" in 2003. She has also written and directed several short films, including "Forgive" in 2008 and "Out of Darkness" in 2012, which starred Tom Hiddleston. In 2016, she completed the short film "With Love from Calais," which addressed the refugee crisis.
