London, April 24- Director Gurinder Chada, who launched Keira Knightley in her hit film 'Bend It Like Beckham', didn't think the actress would be so successful.

However, the helmer admitted that she found something special in Knightley, who has starred in hits such as 'Pirates Of The Caribbean'.

"There was something very special about Keira when she walked through the door," the Mirror quoted her as saying.

She added: "And I knew there was because I cast her, but I didn't realise she would be perhaps the most bankable star in Britain today." (ANI)