Controversies galore have shined through her way but she has kept her head strong and shoulder up straight. Be it her career, her bold statements, her social work or even her affairs; she has done everything with a topping of a difference that has set her apart from all the actresses of her genre. Acclaimed as an actress, a stunning looker as well as a commercial star, Preity Zinta has come a long way.
When fate changed directions
Born on 31st January 1975 in an army milieu, Preity did not have the slightest influence of Bollywood or the glamour world. She grew up on the ideals of discipline and punctuality. Her father was an officer in the Indian Army and heavily influenced Zinta in her early years. His death caused by a car accident when she was just thirteen was one of the most traumatic experiences for her till date. Her mother, who was in the accident herself, was bed ridden for two years. Preity was forced to grow up at the tender age of thirteen. Her two brothers were a source of strength and growing up with them turned her into the self confessed tomboy she is today.
Having studied in a convent in Shimla, she went on to pursue a course in advanced psychology. She graduated with a degree in psychology but fate had a different plan in store. She chanced upon a commercial director at a friend's place who asked her to audition for an ad film. She went along just for kicks and at the end of the audition found that she was the chosen as the face for Perk chocolate. The Liril advertisement followed and her face started registering in the media.
How it all began
This was still not the break that awaited her. Bollywood came into her life by chance and made her stick by. Preity accompanied a friend for an audition for Shekhar Kapur's film. But she ended up auditioning as well and floored Kapur. He insisted that she become an actress and cast her opposite Hrithik Roshan for a film titled Tara Rum Pum Pum. The film was shelved but Kapur recommended her to Mani Ratnam. Mani liked her potential and cast her for Dil Se, which went on to become her debut film since the two other films that she had shot for, Soldier and Kya Kehna, were delayed. Starring in a 10-15 minute role as Shah Rukh Khan's fiancée was an unusual debut but she was recognised all the same and bagged the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award in 1998 and the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for Soldier. For sometime after this she moved down South and acted in two Telugu films which were well received there. Her role in Tanuja Chandra's Sangharsh opposite Akshay Kumar was what carved a niche for her as an actress. Even though the film rang poorly at the box office, her potential shone and the industry took note. Kya Kehna released in 2000 and moved the box office better. Preity was loved as the young girl who makes a mistake and takes up the responsibility of a woman. Preity had arrived, but even then there were still some specks left.
No looking back
A series of films followed but it was not until Dil Chahta Hai released that she stuck a cord universally. Even amidst a sea of talented actors like Aamir Khan, Preity's charm was discerned in the film. The otherwise tomboy shone as the feminine and docile love interest of Aamir and won accolades from the audience as well as the press. The race was steady then. Koi Mil Gaya happened in 2003 followed by Kal Ho Na Ho, two films that broke records worldwide and pushed Preity into the range of big banner actresses. From being one of the best actresses she slashed the charts and came right on top to the bracket of A-level actresses. With two firm hits she beat counterparts like Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai and all the reigning actress of that time.
What followed is a history we all know. Lakshya, Veer Zara, Salaam Namaste and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna all made strokes of a different variety and she nestled a place amongst the top actresses. Today at 33, she is still regarded as the hottest and most desirable actresses in the industry.
A star with a difference
Through the tussle of surviving in Bollywood, Preity was not just another good looking bimbo fighting to make her way to the top. She has been frequently involved in several social service projects and has done them without trying to stir the media light unlike several others in the industry. She has supported a number of causes for the upliftment of women, Aids awareness and even cleanliness drives. In August 2007, Preity along with artist Gurcharan Singh painted for raising money for street children for an NGO called Khushi. Two months later, she joined the endeavours of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to curb human trafficking in India. She has also been the ambassador for the Godrej Phillips National Bravery Movement and was also the first recipient of Godrey's Mind of Steel Award at the annual Red and White Bravery Awards (for speaking up as witness in the Bharat Shah case).
What is most noteworthy is that despite being strung by controversies about her love life as well as her professional life, Preity has been unperturbed and never tried to stick to a stoic 'no comments' demeanor. From her relationship with Marc Robinson (back in 2000) to her current relationship with airline owner Ness Wadia, she has been very vocal about her involvements and her intentions. Link ups did follow and many may have been true as well, but Preity did manage to come clean with the media as well as the audience. She was dragged into Shekhar Kapur's divorce as well when his ex-wife Suchitra Krishnamurthy cited that Preity was the reason for the divorce. Preity kept a steady bearing and plainly stated, "It is unfortunate that I am bearing the brunt of someone else's paranoia. She's clearly unstable and I wish her a speedy recovery."
She is the blend of glamour peppered with sprinkles of simplicity. Although not very religious by nature she believes in Karma and good deeds. When the nation was singing praises of Preity for standing up in the Bharat Shah controversy, Preity simply maintained that she did what she should have done, that's all. In 2004 when she had a near death experience twice, she told the media, "I believe in good deeds, in Karma. I don't believe in going to temples. For me, religion is very personal. It's all about having faith. We have heard and read that all religions are equal. Now I increasingly believe in this."
That is Preity for you - glamorous yet simple, bubbly yet frank and notorious yet out rightly idealistic. At 33, she has achieved what very few people could have, without sacrificing her ideals and character.
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