+ Follow
Image by x.com/realpreityzinta

In 1997, a bubbly-faced girl accompanied a friend to an audition in Mumbai, where director Shekhar Kapur spotted her. The director asked her to go on an audition. He was so impressed by her audition that he insisted she become an actress.

Although her debut film with Kapur didn’t materialize, she made her acting debut in 1998 with the film ‘Dil Se. . .’ followed by ‘Soldier’ in the same year.

Yes, she is the ‘Pretty Woman’ of India: our very own Preity Zinta.

Recently, she made a stunning presence at the May 2024 Cannes Film Festival. It was a breathtaking red-carpet moment for her fans whether it was the enchanting white gown or the sequence-adorned gorgeous pink saree that graced her.

The jolly, chubby, energetic lady mesmerised our minds with her unique acting talent and strong personality since the late 90’s. She made a strong debut in the movie ‘Dil Se. . .’; the trail of her successful film continued later.

After a gap of almost six years, we will see her back on the screen with the upcoming film ‘Lahore 1947’.

Ever since Bollywood began numerous actors and actresses have made their presence felt with their creativity. Every hero and heroine has embossed the film industry with their characteristic expertise.

So, what makes the ‘Veer Zaara’ actress phenomenal? Let’s find out more about her.

Early Life:

Preity Zinta was born on January 31, 1975, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Born into a military family, her childhood was a whirlwind adventure across India.

Tragedy struck at 13 when she lost her father in a car accident. Her mother was also severely injured, leaving her to mature quickly and develop a deep bond with her brothers.

She graduated with degrees in English Honours and Criminal Psychology from St. Bede’s College in Shimla.

Career Highlights:

The Zinta girl has had a remarkable career in Bollywood. After her debut, she delivered stellar performances in films like ‘Kya Kehna’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Veer-Zaara’, and ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’.

Her roles often portrayed independent, modern Indian women, earning her recognition and several accolades.

She starred in two consecutive annual top-grossing films in India, “Koi Mil Gaya…’(2003) and ‘Veer-Zaara’ (2004). Her performances in ‘Salaam Namaste’ (2005) and ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’ (2006) were also highly appreciated.

Her portrayal of a teenage single mother in ‘Kya Kehnaa’ and an independent, modern Indian woman in ‘Salaam Namaste’ and ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehnaa’ were particularly noteworthy.

Her other movies including ‘Mission Kashmir’, ‘Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega’, ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’, ‘Lakshya’, ‘Dil Hai Tumhaara’, and ‘Armaan’ showcase her ability to handle intense roles with sensitivity.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Preity won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut in 1998 for her roles in ‘Dil Se…’ and ‘Soldier’.
  • She received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2003 for her performance in ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’.
  • For her first international role in the Canadian drama ‘Heaven on Earth’, she was awarded the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2008.
  • Her contributions to cinema were recognized when she was honoured with the Mind of Steel Award at the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Awards in 2003 for her courageous act of standing against the Mumbai underworld.
  • She was also celebrated for her achievements in films with the GR8! FLO Women Achievers Award in 2008.
  • Additionally, she was named among the “Most Powerful Entertainers of the Decade” at the IIFA - FICCI Frames Awards in 2009, highlighting her influence and impact in the Indian film industry over ten years.

Comeback to Bollywood:

Preity Zinta is returning to the silver screen after a gap of about six years with the film ‘Lahore 1947’. The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and also stars Sunny Deol. It’s certainly an exciting time for her fans who are eagerly awaiting her return.

Off-screen Ventures:

The bubbly talented actress is also a successful entrepreneur. She co-owns the Indian Premier League cricket team Punjab Kings. Her journey as a team owner began in 2008 when she bought the team along with her ex-boyfriend Ness Wadia.

As a team owner, Preity has been involved in the team’s operations. Her passion for the game and her team is evident in her enthusiastic presence at the matches cheering for her team.

Former Punjab Kings player Irfan Pathan has praised Preity for her dedication and emotional investment in the team. He mentioned that she would always be there to motivate the team, whether they won or lost.

Preity’s venture into sports ownership showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and love for cricket.

Philanthropy and Social Work:

The ‘Veer-Zaara’ actress has shown immense love and generosity by adopting 34 orphan girls from the Mother Miracle school in Rishikesh in 2009. She has taken responsibility for their entire upbringing, including education, food, and clothing.

She is associated with several other charitable organisations and has been actively involved in social causes such as the fight against AIDS and the empowerment of women.

Personal Life:

The dimple-smiled actress is married to Gene Goodenough, and they have twins, through surrogacy. She enjoys cooking, trekking, dancing, reading, writing, and travelling.

Well, coming to her writing skills, she has penned several columns and articles for BBC News Online South Asia. Her writings have been well-received, with reviewers praising her insightful and candid style.

The Brave Heroine in Real Life:

In 2003, during the shooting of the film ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’, she received threatening calls from the underworld demanding extortion.

While many others in the film industry retracted their initial statements about being threatened, Preity stood firm and testified in court. She described the experience as scary but didn’t back down.

This brave act of standing up against the underworld won her immense respect and admiration.

What young acting aspirants can learn from the great actress?

  • Versatility: Preity’s diverse choice of roles, from a teenage single mother in “Kya Kehna” to a modern Indian woman in “Salaam Namaste”, showcases the importance of versatility in acting.
  • Courage: Her brave stand against the underworld, refusing to retract her statements despite the danger, teaches the value of courage and integrity.
  • Adaptability: Preity’s successful transition from acting to entrepreneurship with the IPL team Punjab Kings highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to explore new avenues.
  • Philanthropy: Her adoption of 34 orphan girls and other philanthropic efforts underline the significance of giving back to society.
  • Passion: Preity’s comeback to films after a long hiatus shows that it’s never too late to follow your passion.
  • Self-Made Star: She is not a product of Nepotism, she is an outsider who made it big in the Bollywood industry on her own merit. Her journey is a testament to the fact that talent, hard work, and determination can help one achieve success.

Preity Zinta’s journey in Bollywood has been remarkable. She has delivered memorable performances and won several accolades. Her off-screen ventures and philanthropic efforts further highlight her versatility.

Glamour and awards alone don’t make an actor successful, the true reflection is in the message the fans carry in their hearts. Her roles have not just entertained but also inspired, making her an actor whose legacy will be cherished for generations to come.

As we look back on her illustrious career, we are reminded that true success lies not in transient fame, but in the enduring impact on society and the art of cinema.

.    .    .

References:

Discus