Gurinder Chadha was born in Kenya, and grew up in Southall, London, England. She began her career as a news reporter with BBC Radio, directed several award winning documentaries for the BBC, and began an alliance with the British Film Institute (BFI) and Channel Four. In 1990, Chadha set up her own production company: Umbi Films.
Married a Japanese-American. She was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to the British Film Industry. Moved to the UK in 1961 from India. Started her own production company, Umbi Films, in 1990.