Har Pal not an art film: Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta has rubbished reports that her next film Har Pal with multiple National Award wining director Jahnu Barua is an art film.

"Everyone thinks it's an art film but it's not. It's a beautiful story with an amazing music. Har Pal is super commercial," Preity said.

Slated for a summer release, the film also stars Shiney Ahuja, Dharmendra and Eesha Koppikhar.

The Day Bollywood Got Even Sweeter...Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak

What, you mean Bollywood didn't always have the dynamic Aamir Khan and the lovely Juhi Chawla?

Nowadays, its hard to imagine Aamir Khan being in amateur--and even in his first leading role he is hardly that. Arguably one of the most gifted and powerful actors Indian cinema has ever seen, Aamir's success can be traced through more than two decades, from classics like Lagaan and Rang De Basanti to recent triumphs such as Taare Zameen Par and Ghajini. Yet it had to begin somewhere, and that somewhere was Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak--a story about first love caught up in a web of fueding families.

This film was recommended to me by The Bollywood Fan, and after realizing we both had yet to write about it, we decided to collaborate and compile a joint review; I knew I was in for a real treat--Writing with the big Aamir fan would add an entertaining yet informative spin to the review, as well as my viewing experience (not only that, but I'd get to hear him say "Haye Allah--Juhi Chawla!"). We talked about all of my questions (and then some)--What was this film's reception by its target audience when in came out back in 1988? What was the general response to Aamir and Juhi? Which songs were embraced? The Bollywood Fan has written his part to this review here.

On first glance, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak seemed to be yet another young love story to emerge from the whole "DDLJ and HAHK Era", despite being released prior to those two films. However, after watching this I realized I was wrong--very, very wrong. QSQT is anything but "typical", espically for a Bollywood film. But then again, has Aamir Khan done anything typical, ever? This is one of those films that must be watched in its entiriety before you even begin to judge it. In other words, stick with it--You may think you've been down this road before in Bollywood, but rest assured, by the end you will see what separates QSQT from its counterparts.


The Story

Again, the story--on the surface, at least--is basic. Raj and Rashmi meet and unexpectedly fall in love, yet their families have been enemies for years. Raj's father, Dhanraj, even spent years in prison as a result of a tragic event related to this feud. And, yes,(following the stereotypical mold) Rashmi is already engaged to somebody else. Yet the film does such a good job of telling us this story that we don't seem to mind if we can guess how it will all turn out in the end (or will it?).

The Beginning

Unlike most films from this era (at least the ones I've seen anyways, Ahem, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun), QSQT does not drag in the beginning. Quite the contrary, the beginning was so strong and made such an impact that I instantly trusted its ability to entertain me for the next 2.5 hours. Those of you who have sat through an hour plus of boring dialouges and shoddy character development just to get to the good stuff in other Hindi films will truly appreciate this; QSQT gives the backstory to the feuding families in a way that gets to the point and yet is believable-- By the time the opening credits roll, we know why these guys don't like each other, and can even sympathize with both sides.

Aamir

Aamir Khan (as "Raj") makes his entrance to the film shortly after the backstory is told, in the vibrant song "Papa Kehte Hain"(Ironically enough, baby Imran Khan is seen first in the film as the young Raj). Babyfaced and charming, I saw Aamir in a whole new light here--I'd always found him attractive, sure, but in a sort of intelligent, smarty pants way. Here he's just a total heartthrob, plain and simple!

Aamir wears short-shorts!

But don't let Aamir's daisy dukes fool you--he was just as talented then as he is now. A natural screen presence, his Raj was the "perfect" hero; Sweet and senstive yet strong and protective. And although Aamir's talent was obvious to the viewer, it seemed somewhat unapparent to Aamir himself; A glimpse of a more naive version of the actor, perhaps, before he unevitably realized just how good he was (I'm not saying anything negative about the man--I'm just saying he didn't seem to have any idea how big he would become, and it was endearing to see him when he was somewhat "untouched" by fame).

Juhi (Haye-Allah!)

So I'd never considered myself a Juhi Chawla fan, and still don't, exactly, but...well, I can see why men all over were smitten with this actress after QSQT. Though her character annoyed me at first, there was something different and special about Rashmi which grew on me as the film went on. For one, she was kind of flighty, but as I got to know her, I realized this was genuine to her character and not just a ploy to look cute. Further, her love and devotion to Raj was adorable-As the Bollywood Fan pointed out, she won the hearts of many with her debut as a heroine.

Secondly, Rashmi's character seemed to break the conventional heroine mold I'd become accustomed to in Bollywood. You know, the one where the actress looks cute, flips her hair and lets her saree blow in the wind while the hero stalks her from behind the trees and pursues her with a song. In Bollywood (as I've known it to be so far, anyways) the hero practically worships the heroine, while she, in many cases, can't even stand the mere sight of him until he sings a song or two (See Kajol in DDLJ, Rani in Hum Tum, and Nargis in Shree 420 to name a few). Rashmi is sooo different. Although its Raj who notices her first, that's only because she's not paying attention. Once Rashmi lays eyes on Raj, its she who does the pursuing (and even follows him in the forest, signing a song that isn't subtitled, urgh!). There's a scene that makes me laugh out loud where Rashmi and Raj spend the night by the campfire--Rashmi makes it clear she would like Raj to sleep next to her, and is quite forward about it. After refusing, Raj literally turns his back on her and goes to sleep!

Raj turns his back on Rashmi...

Rejected!

The Chemistry

Once Raj stops putting up a wall and admits his true feelings for Rashmi, sparks fly. There's a lot of chemistry between these two, though in a pretty subtle way (think HAHK and DDLJ again). But that's what makes it so sweet--Every time Raj would blow a kiss or flash a dazzling smile at his love, my heart would flutter. I'd love to see these two paired up now, as they're both older and it would be interesting to see how they'd match up today.

The Music

The music was another strength of the film. Though the picturizations were kept fairly simple, they were also woven into the story so well that I can remember each one vividly. Aamir's song entrance was a favorite (and as noted in part one of this review, his real-life wife at the time even makes in appearance), and both of the love songs between Aamir and Juhi were touching (I especially liked the one at the end). The only one I didn't really care for was the song where Rashmi follows Raj through the forest--her facial expressions bothered me.

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

The Ending

Like the beginning, the ending to Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak leaves an unshakable impact. I was completely and totally shocked by the turn of events, and sat like a statue staring at the screen long after the last credits rolled. The Bollywood Fan and I discussed how an audience that immersed itself in rainbow and sunshine endings could have possibly reacted to such a tragic climax, and agreed that its uncommon ending is what made it memorable. So, while I wished things would have turned out differently for Raj and Rashimi, I understood and appreciated the filmmaker's choice. Had it turned out any other way, I may have been less moved by the film as a whole.

***SPOILER END***

A fitting film for the starring debut of a legend, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak must not be missed by any Hindi film fan. Thank you to Bollywood Fan for recommending and sharing this experience with me!

Preity surprises in Heaven on Earth

When the first slap comes, it hits us, the audience hard across the face.

Spousal abuse as a theme is not new to cinema. What sets Deepa Mehta’s Heaven On Earth apart from other films on the theme including Jagmohan Mundhra’s Provoked is the fusion of unspoken unexpressed terror with mythological elements all packed with sardine-like compactness into a small apartment in Ontario where Chand newly-packed into a flight that takes her to her wedding in Canada, arrives fearful and hopeful.

What she brings with her is her mother’s tales and homilies, songs and mythology that follow the bride into her chamber of horrors.

What follows in Chand’s new life is a Kafkaesque nightmare that could claim the life of any Indian bride transported into a foreign country after marriage . Absolute authenticity is the hallmark of Deepa Mehta’s vision. Her permanent cinematographer Giles Nuttgens enters Chand’s adopted Canadian home with her and remains by her side, living her pain, experiencing her humiliation and agony, as within no time Chand becomes that nightmarish entity whom we all read about in crime sections of the papers.

The abused wife

The film’s greatest triumph is its economy of expression. The tightly-wound tale of the tormented wife is never allowed to have loose moments. Ironically, outwardly, we see a warm home filled with a Sikh family, half of whom seem to have absolutely nothing to do. Within their abject nullity lies the secret to the violence that claims possesses and tries to smother Chand’s domestic dreams.

We know from the start that she’ll escape the nightmare of a brutal marriage. That she lives to tell her tale is self-evident. The magic of her existence in the trap of an arranged marriage lies in the illusion of normalcy and compassion that she creates within the ambience of abject terror by inventing a double for her husband... a doppelganger, a spirit in human form, if you will, who applies balm to all of Chand’s wounds and gives her the courage to survive when the very breath of her existence is being choked out.

The snake-god from Chand’s backyard in human form assuming the physical traits of her violent husband is a metaphor that illuminates the darkest recesses of Chand’s godforsaken life. Every time she hides in her bedroom for a dialogue with her phantom-soul mate, Preity Zinta’s face lights up with thousands of unexpressed yearnings trapped in a heart that aches for release. Zinta lights up the darkest corners of her tortured and frightened character’s heart.
Thoroughly deglamorized and devastated by destiny’s cruel blows, Preity plays Chand with a dignity and depth that take us by surprise.

She and director Deepa Mehta keep the hysteria completely in check. The drama is generated completely from the normal domesticated sounds and sights.
The film creates the growing claustrophobia of Chand’s marital domesticity with acute austerity. The spurts of on-screen violence are all the more shocking for the way they erupt within the workaday milieu.

The one big sequence of violence erupts in the kitchen when Chand’s somewhat confused and altogether out-of-control husband Rocky thrashes his wife... for his outwardly-stoic mother’s sake, of course.
There are no villains in Heaven On Earth—not even the husband Rocky (played with understanding by newcomer Vansh Bhardwaj) who hits out at wounds that are never allowed to heal.

There are only victims in Deepa’s scheme of presentation. Silently-screaming puppets on a string being manoeuvred into a life of domesticated dereliction by forces that we could designate as fate or just cruel blows of workaday drudgery.

The mythic intervention that creeps into the plot with the appearance of the naag in Chand’s backyard, slithers into the scenario with surreptitious grace, creating for the theme a residue of myth and dream that nourishes the wife’s bereft kingdom.

The borderline between illusion and reality, between Chand’s violent reality and the world of harmony and love she creates in the womb of her heart, is so superbly seamless we never know when Chand’s smothered scream transforms into a silent whoop of triumph.

Heaven On Earth is not a film that offers easily digestible solutions to the complex problem of domestic violence. It neither takes sides nor allows the bride to turn into a pitiable victim. Preity Zinta standing supremely dignified at the centre of the conflict firnishes the theme with amazing grace. She’s the only known face in the crowded Punjabi home of patriarchs, matriarchs, victims and perpetrators of bitter violence. But Preity never lets it known she’s a star.

She merges into the terrifying domesticity of Deepa’s household. The character steps out occasionally into the workaday world of a migrant job (the friendship with the feisty Jamaican woman at her workplace rings a little hollow when compared with the reality that envelopes the rest of the plot) and returns to her horrific home space where she creates a mythical merger between illusion and reality.
Finally, when Chand says goodbye to a life of married trauma we see on Preity’s face a mixture of distant triumph and immediate self-realization.

Chand has finally come home.

Preity stressed as IPL goes 'videsh'

Preity Zinta has no players from South Africa, neither does SRK. The star is hassled but ever-optimistic about the repercussions of the IPL being re-located to South Africa.

You sound very stressed?

These last few days have been very hard on me, thanks to all the hassles connected to the Indian Premiere League (IPL).

Was it a shock to you when the IPL was relocated to South Africa?

The situation is such, what to do? The option was to either have it outside India or not at all. No one is happy to shift from home ground. That thrill of playing across our own country at domestic tournaments is gone. Going to various cities with the matches is a high. However people can still watch it on tv. That’s still there.

But an Indian event shifted to South Africa?

I know. But we’ve to be optimistic. Last year when the IPL started everyone thought it would flop. It became the biggest hit ever. Likewise, the shift to SA could make the IPL bigger. What else can I do except be hopeful?

But it’s being translocated to a new culture and environment?

Of course it is! But what can we do? I’ve always believed whatever happens in life happens for the best. The timing of the IPL crisis was unfortunate. My most challenging film Heaven On Earth is on release. I’d have liked more time nurturing it. You know I did Heaven On Earth for myself. Lots of times I’ve done things for this reason and that. But this time it was entirely for me. And I don’t mean that in any selfish way. I just needed to connect more with my inner self. This film made me do that.

Tell me about your preparation for the role.

I’ve worked quite a lot with battered women. I’ve studied so many kinds of mental disorder. Domestic violence comes much after other forms of disorder. Every scene in Heaven On Earth rings true. I had a hundred notions on how to play the role. But when I met abused women I decided it has to be very real. I’m very proud of it. Let’s see how audiences in India react.

So the timing of IPL was unfortunate?

Yes, it was a little unfortunate. No matter how positive we try to be about the situation there’s undoubtedly a feeling of dismay about the IPL moving out of India. It’s amazing how such a thing could happen.
It’s like uprooting a national event?

Exactly. It’s like asking an actor to perform in a theatre where nobody knows him. But we’ll make sure that the quality and profile of the game doesn’t change. Only two percent of the audience watches the game in a stadium. Most of them watch the game on television. But there’s that vibe when the game happens on home ground. That spirit can’t be captured anywhere. Having said that I don’t want to sound whiny and petty. I want to thank South Africa for agreeing to host the IPL games. They’ve gone out of their way to accommodate us, flung their fields open to us. I think South Africa will make a beautiful home for the games.
Wasn’t the choice between South Africa and England?

Yes there were several options. But it finally came down to chosing between those two countries. We didn’t want to go into a place where there was too much rain. I think SA will be fun. Who knows, they might even allow me to play. That’s my secret fantasy. Miracles do happen, you know.

So is South Africa going to be the permanent venue for the IPL?

If India decides to have elections every year, who knows? Ironically, South Africa is also holding elections.

Is it just elections that ousted IPL from India? Or was there a security scare after what happened to the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan?

I refused to believe India is scared about the security. Does the country shut down because we can’t get enough security? I think we need to vote even more carefully. We must put the proper people in places of power. I don’t think we should vote for anyone —ANYONE — who has got criminal records. See their track records and then vote.

How will you be ready with the IPL in SA in time?

We Indians don’t only exist in chaos. We thrive in it. Even last year when IPL happened for the first time we grappled with all odds. I know I’m going to have sleepless nights. But that’s a different story. I can’t pretend I’m not disappointed by the relocation. But South Africa is a terrific country. I’ll have lots to do besides cricket. In Punjab it was difficult for me to move out. Preity Zinta will have a blast shopping in SA. Preity Zinta the team owner is worried. We’ve no players from SA. Neither does Shah Rukh.
Are the boys demoralized by the relocation?

Their choice was between no IPL and IPL in South Africa.

‘Videsh is about abuse, immigration & imagination’

Preity Zinta has always been Bollywood’s brave babe. Her ‘bravery’ should not be confused with the shallow ‘boldness’ that her contemporaries exhibit by showing off their bodies in skimpily clad outfits. The feisty actress’ strength lies in her selection of roles as well as her ability to speak her mind even off the screen. No wonder Deepa Mehta chose Preity to be a protagonist in her women-oriented social drama Videsh, earlier known as Heaven on Earth. Renuka Vyavahare met Preity Zinta to know more about her internationally acclaimed film Videsh.
What is Videsh all about?
Videsh is a film which shows how the power of imagination helps us elevate our lives when reality becomes simply unbearable. It’s not just a story of Chand who leaves her family residing in India’s small village and goes abroad after marriage only to get subjected to abuse, it’s a story of millions of girls who go through the same dilemma and have no support system in Videsh. It’s a full bodied film in which abuse just plays a small but integral part. The film is also about immigration.

What prompted you to do an off-beat women-oriented social drama?
India has a great culture but there are certain rituals that are often hidden under the carpet. Someone had to talk about these issues that continue bothering women even till today! I was glad Deepa thought I was the one. Also, Videsh was a huge departure from the roles that I was bored doing. I was frustrated playing a woman who knew where she is going in life.

SRK Preity To Campaign For Congress

Congress has said that Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta will canvass for the party in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls.

Union minister of state for home and Congress' third-time candidate from the city Sri Prakash Jaiswal said that filmstars Shah Rukh Khan
, Preity Zinta, Govinda and Nagma will campaign for the party and participate in rallies and roadshows.

He said though Govinda is a Congress leader, Nagma had been an active worker and campaigned for the party in earlier elections.

Asked if Khan and Preity will be able to campaign following the busy IPL schedule, Jaiswal said they will spare time for the purpose.

On party's alliance with SP in Uttar Pradesh, the leader said that he had met party general secretary Amar Singh in this regard on High Command's order and the final decision will be taken by the party.

Jaiswal, however, said whether Congress reaches an alliance with SP or not will have no bearing on its relationship with the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led party and the two parties will continue to support each other.

Videsh Heaven on earth Gets A Grade

Deepa Mehta’s film on domestic violence has been given an ‘A’ certificate by the Censor Board.

Videsh , starring Preity Zinta and Vansh Bhardwaj , is the story of a Punjabi woman who marries an NRI in Canada. But as she settles into her new life, she is repeatedly at the receiving end of domestic violence from her husband.

Censor Board officials saw the film last week and found it too violent to be given ‘U’ (Unrestricted Public Exhibition) or ‘U/A’ (Unrestricted exhibition under parental/adult guidance) certificate. They asked director Deepa Mehta to cut down on the violent scenes in the film.

The movie is produced by BR films and its CEO Sanjay Bhutiani told reporters: “The censor board objected to brutality in a few scenes and therefore Deepa and B R Films have decided to go along with the 'A' certificate which would not compromise on the creative integrity of the film.”

Upon the reason for accepting the ‘A’ certificate at the cost of losing young audiences, Bhutiani said: “The essence of the film is to highlight social issues and domestic violence is one of them.”

‘Videsh’ or Heaven On Earth is set to release on March 27.

Preity Zinta's Videsh in Trouble

Filmmaker Deepa Mehta whose forthcoming film is the Preity Zinta starrer Videsh (earlier titled Heaven on Earth), has run into a spot of trouble with the Censor Board.

During a screening session last evening, the Censor Board felt that the film shows too much violence being inflicted on Preity and consequently insisted on some cuts, which would make the film look less gory. The film is based on domestic violence.

Now, Deepa Mehta has to once again show the edited version to the Censor Board before she gets the green signal to release the film.

Deepa Mehta’s representative who was present at the screening wanted a U/A certificate, but the Censors refused to relent unless several violent scenes where Preity is battered by her husband (played by Vansh Bhardwaj) are toned down.

Vinayak Azad, Regional Officer, Censor Board, confirmed and said, “We have asked them to tone down the domestic violence scenes by 50 per cent. And we had one more objection. The film has used expletives too, which will have to be either beeped or deleted.”

“We will review the film once again after they make the cuts which we have asked for,” Azad added.
Incidentally, Preity received the Silver Hugo Award for best actress in the Feature Film Competition section at the 44th Chicago International Film Festival, for Videsh.

Preity was quite disturbed after she shot for the scenes in which she was beaten up and humiliated by Vansh. Talking about the experience of working in Videsh, Preity had said in an interview, “I remember asking a woman, who was a victim of domestic violence and had left her husband, what the turning point in her relationship was and she said, ‘I told my husband if you want to beat me, beat me in the bedroom, don’t beat me in front of the family.’ I could never understand that. It’s terrible. I really didn’t know what it was to be in a situation like this till I actually did the film.”

Preity Zinta Global Movie Magazine March 2009

Preity Zinta is quickly becoming one of Bollywood’s most decorated stars. Now Preity has arrived on the global scene. She just featured on Global Movie Magazine March 2009 issue. Here are the scans.

Preity Zinta-Every scene in 'Videsh' is some woman's story

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta believes that every scene in her forthcoming release "Videsh", a film about a battered Punjabi housewife in Canada, is some woman's story.

The movie deals with domestic violence and Ms. Zinta is confident that women will identify with her character.

"Every scene in this film is some woman's story. It is intense and beautiful. I can't talk enough of the film. I just want every woman, man and family to go and watch this film. It is very important for people to support films like these, which showcase a real slice-of-life," Ms. Zinta told reporters here Friday.

The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta, is about a battered Punjabi housewife in Canada. Ms. Zinta, who plays the lead in the film and has already bagged the best actress award at the Chicago Film Festival, says the subject of the film touched her and it was the realistic nature of the script that she found challenging.

"When Deepa offered me this role, it was a dream come true. I knew it would be a huge step towards something different in my career. It was definitely a difficult role. But it has touched me. Normally we see either black or white characters in films. But very few films offer an actor to play grey characters that are closer to reality. But with this film I got an opportunity to play such a true character," she said.

In "Videsh", which released as "Heaven On Earth" abroad, Zinta is sharing screen space with newcomer Vansh Bhardwaj, but she also has another co-star - a giant snake, that "scared the hell" out of her.

"Vansh, my co-star in the film really surprised me. I was nervous to be cast opposite a newcomer, but he was very good. And I had a snake as my co-star who scared the hell out of me.

"When I was told to shoot with the snake, I acted bold and told the unit that I want a real snake for the scenes, but when I saw the snake I got extremely scared. Still working on this film was the most enriching experience as an actor. When I am 80 years old and I'll look back, I'm sure 'Videsh' will be among the top five in the list of my favourite films," Ms. Zinta said.

The film, slated for release March 27, was mainly shot in Toronto with a short sequence filmed in Chandigarh. It was shot in both Hindi and Punjabi.

Since the actress hails from Himachal Pradesh, she faced problems delivering dialogues in Punjabi.

"Language was an issue with me, I had to learn it. I had to struggle with it. People think that I know Punjabi very well, but that's not true. I had to work on that. The only four words I knew were 'sasriyakaal', 'chak de phatte', 'balle balle' and 'aaho'," she said.

Ms. Zinta also underwent a workshop for the film and her efforts have paid off with a nomination in the best actress category of the 24th Genie Awards, to be held in Canada in April.

Preity Zinta Back on IPL Campaign

“Sometimes in life, you have small mountains to climb and small fears to conquer,” states actress-cum-entrepreneur Preity Zinta No, she didn’t expound these words of wisdom at a philosophical meet; on the contrary, the bubbly Preity was talking about her first-time experience at bungee-jumping and sky-diving! The always-full-of-life actress was in New Zealand last week for the India-New Zealand cricket matches, and she’s come back super excited. No, not just because India won but because of the mind-blowing adventure sports she did there, courtesy, she says, New Zealand Tourism.

“This has been a complete action-packed, adrenaline-pumping trip,” says an excited Preity, as she talks of her sporting encounters in the adventure capital of the world. For not only did she take the gigantic leap from the 47 metre-high Waikato River Valley, but she also indulged in sky-diving and the heart-pounding Huka Jet Boat ride. “I have always wanted to do bungee-jumping, but somehow never got the chance before. So it was literally a dream come true for me,” says Preity. Her only thoughts as she was being strapped on, she says, were of all the Indian Gods! “There are certain moments in your life when you think of your whole life in two seconds... this was one of those moments. My heart was pumping so fast with excitement, and then suddenly I went blank. I had no thoughts. I just knew I had to jump!”

Although the daredevil Preity isn’t scared of heights, she admits she is, er was, scared of water. But after taking the Jet Boat ride, that too is a thing of the past. “After doing the bungee-jump, the Jet Boat was a piece of cake,” she laughs. Ask her to sum up her free fall experience and she tells us that “it’s an inexplicable high. Bungee-jumping goes well with my theory on life, that when you’re down, the only place you can go is up!”

What also made the entire experience more special was the place — besides the fact that both the bungee-jump and the Jet Boat were invented in New Zealand, Preity shares a special connection with the country. “My first major commercial hit, Soldier, was shot there as well as many of my other hits. Besides, it’s a lovely country with amazing scenic beauty.” So she would do it all again, huh? “Absolutely! I’d do it anytime I get the opportunity!” says the self-proclaimed adventure junkie.

Veer towards cricket and the upcoming IPL and Preity beams again. “But before the IPL, I’ve got Deepa Mehta’s Videsh – Heaven on Earth releasing. And I’m shooting for other films too. People say Preity Zinta’s gone, but I’m back in business!” she signs off, the excitement still ringing through her voice.

Preity Zinta Interesting Facts and Figure

Preity Zinta: Preity Zinta shot to fame as the refreshing, cool, wet model in the Liril ad. She also modeled for Perk and her dimpled smile won the hearts of million. Preity never thought she would be an actress. Kapoor saw her in the Liril ad and liked her so much that her instantly decided that the next film he would announce would have her in the lead. However ‘Tara Rum Pum’ never got made and is still pending since the director got very busy with his other projects.


Birthday: January 31, 1975 in Shimla.

Debut Film: Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se (1998).

Major Impact: Kya Kehna (2000).

Successful Films: Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Veer Zaara (2004), Salaam Namaste (2005), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006).

International Film: Heaven on Earth.

Awards: Won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for Kal Ho Naa Ho.

Forthcoming Film: Har Pall.

Facts we didn’t know:

Graduated in Psychology

Preity Zinta Becomes Active this days

The sudden tremendous visibility of Bollywood actor Preity Zinta in international cricket circles, international political circles and in Bollywood circles as well, makes one wonder if the pretty actor isn’t eyeing an alternative to the Mumbai film industry: politics or Hollywood are perhaps what she is eyeing right now?


When you are watching, listening to or reading the cricket news these days, in all probability you will chance upon a mention of Bollywood actor Preity Zinta or probably see her smiling, dimpled visage beaming up at you from a picture. If the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is in progress you will certainly see Zinta as one of the most visible personages there. When there is the toss of an international cricket match as in the 1st ODI of the current Indian tour of New Zealand, who should accompany the skippers on to the pitch for the toss but Zinta!


Then there was the official function hosted for the Indian team and the Kiwi team by the Prime Minister of New Zealand John Keys, for which also Zinta was seen resplendent. She made all the right noises when she spoke admiringly of the Indian team and about her host saying "John Key is so young and so charming. It was a pleasure meeting him. He's extremely dynamic and so much loved by the people. So down-to-earth and so interested in India and Indians."


Moreover, the appalling attack by militants on the Sri Lankan cricket team also elicited a horrified response from her, when she went on record to say, "It's a horrific occurrence not just for cricket but sports in general. What can I say? My prayers are with the families of the cops who lost their lives. They're the first to be forgotten. Terrorism has no home today. It can happen anywhere. But let's not get cowed down. It's important for us to not live in the shadow of fear. They can't kill our spirit.” Well said Preity!


This is not to say that she is visible only in the cricket news or that she is giving films a miss; she was also clearly in evident for the Filmfare Awards Function! Well one hates to say it but Zinta is hardly to be seen in any films these days, so could it be that this paucity of films in her kitty, is leading her to seek fresher, greener pastures. Is perhaps this new global visibility aimed at getting a shot at Hollywood?


Word also has it that Zinta is considering a career in politics; that she has been offered a ticket from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. So is Zinta going to use her new found visibility for pursue a political career; seeing a waning of her film career? One wonders!

Katrina Kaif and Preity at IPL Shoot

Rajasthan Royals has come up with five fan categories: Maharaja Club, Captain’s Club, Royal Lions Club, Royal Bugles Club and Young Royals Club, under The Royals Army membership programme. The membership fees start from Rs 2,500 and go up to Rs 1.5 lakh. This month, the Royals kick-started contests like Royals Diva, Kaptano Ke Kaptan, Boundary Ka Baadshah, Toss Ka Boss and Googly-Shugly for its fans. Raghu Iyer, chief marketing officer, Rajasthan Royals, says, “This is one of our initiatives for our fans to get to know the players better.”

The team has also chalked out extensive licensing and merchandising plans that will cover India, the US, the UK and Australia.

WATCH OUT FOR: This time the cheerleaders for the team won’t be dancing on the field, but will be sitting in the captain’s lounge wearing Rajasthan Royals T-shirts and pagdis. The team will also have a new jingle called Halla Bol. A promotional DVD with a video featuring Shilpa Shetty will be out on March 20.

The Daring Lot

No cheerleaders or brand ambassadors this time for all you Delhi fans. “Akshay Kumar is busy shooting and no one else fits the bill. Cheerleaders are not a priority,” says Amrit Mathur, vice-president, Delhi Daredevils, explaining the absence of both. The coordinators have, however, planned some on-ground entertainment for their fans. “We’re looking at having various acrobatic and musical performances on the field to engage the audience,” says Amrit.

WATCH OUT FOR: Following the launch of a major fan club on March 2, members can avail special tickets and coaching sessions with the team.

Charging ahead

The Deccan Chargers team believes in keeping it professional. “Cheerleading is a profession. So, we will be flying in a professional troupe from abroad,” says Darshan M, vice-president, commercial operations, Deccan Chargers. Talking about the look of the group, Darshan says, “The performers will bring their costumes and we will work around that design,” says Darshan. The brand managers for the team are also looking at having a lot of on-ground promotional activities.

WATCH OUT FOR: Activities to engage college-level fans. The promoters also plan to have on-field musical performances.

Balle Balle!

The Kings XI Punjab team’s objective is two-fold and simple. “We’re trying to reach out to our fans across the region and generate interest about the team, leading to ticket sales in areas closer to our stadiums. This year, we aim to involve every fan interactively in everything we do through a world-class website, which is undergoing changes at the moment,” says a spokesperson.

WATCH OUT FOR: Jhankar — the Punjab University Festival and the Fan Zone.

Riding a challenge

This time the Royal Challengers Bengaluru plans to play it safe when it comes to cheerleaders. “We’re flying in a team of cheerleaders from abroad that’s been selected by Vijay Mallya. Their look will be glam and contemporary, yet sensitive to local sensibilities,” says Vijay Rekhi, president and managing director, USL. Katrina Kaif will be the brand ambassador.

WATCH OUT FOR: Cheerleaders who will be performing acrobatic routines.

Here come the Knights

Joy Bhattacharya, director of Kolkata Knight Riders says, “The idea of our new show Knights and Angels is to increase the fan base.” Up to six cheerleaders will be selected from the show and the costumes will be within the limit of decency, says Joy. “They should also be passionate about the team,” he adds.
WATCH OUT FOR: A new set of uniforms and a King Khan jersey.

Mumbai Meri Jaan

The team is still planning its promotional activities and also looking at various options for the team’s cheerleaders, a national dance troupe being one of them.

All the King’s men

The strategy for the Chennai Super Kings is simple: woo fans. “We’ll select the top four cheerleaders from the different groups auditioning for the job,” says Rakesh Singh, marketing head, Chennai Super Kings. The team has chosen three agencies to design the costumes of the cheerleaders. “Our cheerleaders will follow the tradition and values of our country,” says Rakesh.

WATCH OUT FOR: This time along with Sivamani, there will be four more drummers positioned at different corners of the field to add a dramatic effect to the theme song. Also look out for Junior Super Kings.

Preity Zinta With Sachin Tendulkar

Many Fridays have gone by since we last saw Preity Zinta on the big screen. But the actor has a lot to keep her busy otherwise.

The dimpled dazzler, who is in the Maori Nation on an invitation by New Zealand Cricket and New Zealand Tourism Board, attended the official reception where the Prime Minister of the country, John Key, was also present. Talking about the reception, which had Indian as well as New Zealand players, Preity says, “I interacted with the players and Prime Minister Key, and it was nice to hear the captains, Daniel Vettori and MS Dhoni, give their short speeches.” Ask her how the invitation happened, and she breaks into her trademark giggle, “It just happened! I had some free time and thought I could manage to come here.”

Preity, who is the co-owner of Team Mohali, can’t stop talking about one particular player she met during her trip — the Little Master. “I was looking forward to meeting Sachin Tendulkar here. Naturally, I was very excited when we finally met. It was wonderful to see him get that wonderful century,” she gushes. And did she interact with the rest of the Men in Blue? “Yes, briefly. India is playing great cricket at the moment and I wished them good luck for the series,” says Preity. With the New Zealand Prime Minister, the conversation veered round “cricket, India as a country and general stuff on politics”. She adds, “He was telling me that he used to be an investment banker before he came into politics.”

Speaking of politics, Preity dismisses rumours that she will be contesting the Lok Sabha polls: “It is totally untrue. I have no interest in politics. I’m amazed how a silly story becomes news overnight.”

But despite choosing to stay away from the soap box, Preity is aware that international relations with our neighbouring country is in the news, especially after the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan players in Pakistan. “It was an unfortunate incident. I assured the players that IPL 2 would go off smoothly. Last year, the BCCI went out of its way to provide security and this time too, they will leave no stone unturned to make the players feel safe. I have complete faith in the BCCI and the security arrangements by all the agencies concerned.”

But it wasn’t all work in New Zealand, as Preity indulged her taste for adventure. “I did bungee jumping, sky diving and other casual stuff. It gives me such a rush of adrenaline! It is always wonderful to come to New Zealand, where I shot for Soldier and a few Telugu films. The country, which is known for its scenic beauty, is a haven for adventure sports freaks,” says an excited Preity, who’s recharging her batteries for busy times ahead — both on the field and film sets.

“I will have to bring in a balance. There is so much to do in so short a time. I wish I could get more than 24 hours in a day! On the film front, I have Videsh coming up this month, and then I have Har Pal and Main Aur Mrs Khanna. I am back with a bang after a break!” Well, we wouldn’t have it any other way, PZ.

Preity Zinta Videsh movie review-movie preview-snapshot

              Videsh

   Tagline : Heaven on Earth
     Release Date : 20 March 2009
     Runing Time : 106 Minutes
     Genre : Drama
      Director : Deepa Mehta
Cast : Preity Zinta, Vansh Bharadwaj, Balinder Johal, Rajinder Singh Cheema, Gourrav Sihan, Geetika Sharma, Ramanjit Kaur
Music Director : Mychael Danna
Story Writer : Deepa Mehta

Synopsis : Chand, a young woman, leaves her home and loving family behind in India to build a new life in Canada. She moves to Brampton, Ontario and marries Rocky, a man she has never met.Rocky is overwhelmed by all the pressures that rest on his shoulders: dealing with his controlling mother and confused father and supporting his sister, her husband and two children who are all crowded into a small house in the suburbs. To make matters worse, he is solely responsible for putting up the money that will allow his extended family to immigrate to Canada. And all of this on a cab drivers salary.Educated and bright, Chand feels trapped in a world she cannot connect with. Estranged and mistreated by her new family, she feels homesick and misses her family in India but cannot reach out to them. Chand enters this life to find that the family is expecting her to become a slave to their needs and her new husbands life pressures wear down his basic decency to the point where Chand becomes the brunt of all of his frustrations.While working in a factory cleaning and pressing hotel napkins, she meets ROSA who sees past the make-up that covers her badly bruised face. Streetwise yet mystical, Rosa gives Chand a magical root that is supposed to bring out the love of the recipient. Chand administers the potion but finds the results of the ministration confusing. Lacking any of the support systems of her family and desperate for somewhere to turn Chand begins to fantasize another version of her life which interlaces an ancient Indian fable about a King Cobra.

Preity Zinta Lucky charm for Dhoni

The ever bubbly Preity Zinta was in New Zealand enjoying the ongoing India-New Zealand cricket series.


And the woman is totally living it up in Kiwi land. “It is Preity’s presence in New Zealand that is drawing more crowds to the stadium than cricket itself. She even comes and joins Dhoni during the toss and the team now considers her to be their lucky charm!” says a member of Team India. Never mind her roles in B-wood, Miss Zinta is surely bagging some important ones on cricket maidans.

Preity Zinta's VIDESH to be early

Deepa Mehta the talented director is back with a bang! VIDESH starring Preity Zinta and Vansh Bhardwaj releases in both Hindi and Punjabi and will now hit the theatres on 20th March 2009.

CHECK OUT: Preity's HEAVEN ON EARTH is now VIDESH!

Sanjay Bhutiani, CEO of BR Films, the co-producers, informed us that Deepa Mehta would be flying down from Toronto to Mumbai to join Preity in the promotions of VIDESH. They will also be taking on a multi-city tour to promote the film

This maverick director who has time and again highlighted tragedies and travesty faced by women is now going to unveil yet another aspect of society which stays behind doors. The film has already released in Canada to an overwhelming response; with Preity Zinta winning the 'Best Actress' award at the Chicago film festival, and also getting nominated at the 29th Genie Awards which is the Canadian equivalent to the Oscars.

Preity Zinta Visits New Zealands PM

Preity Zinta is on an adrenaline high. And it’s not only because she indulged in adventure sports like bungee jumping and sky diving. In New Zealand, on the invitation of New Zealand Tourism Board and New Zealand Cricket, Preity hobnobbed with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, yesterday and has not stopped smiling since then.

Confirming the news, Preity said, “The New Zealand PM hosted a reception for the Indian and NZ cricket teams and a couple of dignitaries including yours truly. We talked about India and cricket. I am surprised at how clued-in he is to the happenings and developments in our country. I felt so proud of our Indian cricketers wearing their jackets and all. It was awesome.”
Mr Key took Preity aside for a good half an hour to discuss Indian politics and cricket. Preity gushed, “John Key is so young and so charming. It was a pleasure meeting him. He’s extremely dynamic and much loved by the people. I was bowled over by his down-to-earth attitude. He was so keen on knowing more about India and Indians.”

Preity has gone solo to New Zealand. “I am alone and having a ball. I love adventure sports. And I love New Zealand. It’s the land of the Lord of the Rings. But it’s also a rugged adrenaline-racing country.”

On a more sobering note, Preity is horrified by the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. “It is a horrific occurrence not just for cricket but sports in general. What can I say? My prayers are with the cops who lost their lives.”

Preity Zinta going GA GA over cricket

Bollywood star Preity Zinta made a surprise visit to the McClean park, moments before the toss in the first ODI between India and New Zealand here on Tuesday.The Kings Eleven Punjab, an IPL franchisee co-owned by Zinta, is in New Zealand at the invitation of the New Zealand government.


Ever since she took the gamble of her life and bought an IPL team, Preity Zinta has been a familiar face at cricket grounds.It was, however, utterly but pleasantly surprising to see her all the way here in New Zealand too.Sporting her favourite colour, red, in the form of a jacket this time, she stood out in a haze of blues and blacks. With her hair thrown open, and dimples dancing on her pretty face, she cheered excitedly from the ropes as the Indian batsmen exploded into fours and sixes.

" will be no hugs for the team, though, as was customary during those halcyon evenings. Oh, we didn’t have parties after every victory in the IPL,”" she said. “We just had a little bit of fun.”Zinta, who co-owns Team Mohali, is here on an invitation from the New Zealand tourism board. “There is a government reception for the two teams here on Thursday,” she explained. NZ Prime Minister John Key will felicitate both captains.


“I am not here to see my IPL players,” she said. “But yes, I’ve met Yuvraj. And said hello to some others too, including Dhoni, Ishant, Irfan,” she added. Zinta said she was disappointed with the results in the T20 series, which India lost 0-2 but hoped India would do very well in the one-dayers.



Cheering Indian cricket fans……

Preity zinta Dhoni Da Luck

In a departure from the norm, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta was a surprise presence on the pitch today ahead of the start of the ODI in Napier. She accompanied skipper M S Dhoni onto the pitch for the toss. Perhaps she was lucky for the team since Dhoni won the toss and Ms Zinta was seen clapping in delight.

In another episode of the ongoing Bollywood meets Cricket saga, Preity Zinta was a surprise package on the pitch earlier today at Napier for the first ODI. According to the cricket news, the Bollywood actress accompanied the captains on to the pitch and when M S Dhoni won the toss, she was obviously delighted. ‘Preity’ lucky for India, wouldn’t you say; especially considering that India lost both tosses in the two T20 matches that preceded the one day series.

reity already has a close association with international cricket as part owner of the Indian Premier League team Kings XI Punjab and is perhaps looking to cement her cricket connection. According to Preity, "I have been invited by the New Zealand Prime Minister and will be attending the official function hosted for the Indian team on March 5 at Wellington."

Earlier Zinta had met briefly with other Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan and had wished them luck for the game. "I met Yuvraj, Dhoni and Irfan briefly. Nothing much," she said. Yuvraj being part of the Kings XI Punjab, Zinta would have a vested interest in seeing him perform well.

While she expressed disappointment at the loss suffered by the Indians in the T20 matches, she was hopeful of better results in the ODIs. Preity was also asked questions about the fate of another of the member of the Lady Luck Zinta For Indian Skipper in NZ!Punjab team; that of Brett Lee who is bound by of the Punjab team; that of Brett Lee who is bound by contract to the team. In this connection Preity was non committal as she said, "I have heard he has had a surgery. Let's see how it goes."

Later she was seen enjoying the match, restless when there were dull moments and on her toes when the Indian innings was going well. Seeing the position of the match and the fact that the Indians are on the brink of victory, certainly does seem to show that Preity is indeed pretty lucky for the Indians! Perhaps she was a lucky mascot for the team!

Worth The Wait---Arth

Oooohhh, Arth is an incredible film!

Every bit worth the wait it took it get my hands on a copy that actually played (Special thank you to Nicki for sending me one--you're a sweetheart, girl!), Arth was probably one of the best Hindi films I've ever seen. First of all, it stars not one, but two remarkable women in Indian cinema--Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Need I say more?



The Plot

The movie is about a woman named Pooja(Shabana Azmi) whose husband, Inder (Kulbhushan Kharbanda)is having an affair with a film actress(named Kavita, played by the late Smita Patil!). When news of Inder and Kavita's tryst comes to light, Pooja finds herself alone and abandoned. With nowhere to go, she ends up living at a women's hostel, having to learn how to support herself as a newly single woman. She finds solace in friendship with Raj (Raj Kiran), a musician who appreciates what Inder did not.

A stunning Shabana Azmi--who would cheat on her?

Sounds simple, right? Well, actually it is. Unlike most Bollywood films, there aren't many plot twists or side stories going on in Arth--for the most part, it manages to stick to the issue at hand. And that's when it really shines, thanks to the smooth, controlled performances from the three leads!

The Women

I've wanted to see both Shabana and Smita onscreen for quite some time, but hadn't really seen anything until now (If anybody has any recommendations on these two, please do share!). Both women were deliciously good in Arth. There's a scene when Pooja confronts Kavita and Inder at a party, and let me tell you, sparks fly! Its one of the most effective scenes in the film, and fortunately, in Arth there are plenty.



Smita'a performance as the glamorous yet insecure Kavita rang so true that I really felt worse for her character than I did for Pooja. Pooja was strong-willed, and I knew she would recover once the pain of losing Inder lessened with time. But as Kavita unraveled, she showed true fragility despite her fame and beauty. Moreover, her guilt in having "stolen" Inder from Pooja haunted her to no end, turning to psychotic paranoia that prevented her from the life she had wanted so badly in the first place. She was also extremely passionate--there was a scene where she literally licks Inder's tears. As I watched Smita at work, one thing was clear--I finally understood just what a loss the untimely death of this talented actress was to the Indian film industry!

The legendary Smita Patil.

The Loser

Though he was more often than not overshadowed by the two actresses, Kulbhushan Kharbanda's understated portrayal of Inder was just what Arth needed its leading man to be; He had to convey just the right amount of emotion with saying and doing very little. He did a perfect job of this--Anything more from him would have been too much given the intensity of the two women.

Kulbhushan Kharbanda looks so young!

The music

The music of Arth was not you typical Bollywood fare. Most of the songs were woven into the story, since Raj was a musician and liked to sing to Pooja. Overall, I enjoyed the songs very much; They were few and far between, but welcomed nonetheless. Yet it was the eerie melody that played during the opening credits that reeled me right in--I knew trouble was ahead, and I was at the edge of my seat with anticipation as the story began to play out. It was almost as if I was watching a thriller or a horror film! Funny, isn't it? Sometimes the actions of humanity are scarier than monsters and murderers.



The Ambiance

In addition, the film had a sort of sepia tone, which added to the unshakable sense of foreboding. I'm not sure if this was the director's intention, or the quality of the actual film being used, but it worked.

The Backstory

After watching Arth, I found out it was supposed to have been based on director Mahesh Bhatt's real-life affair with yesteryear actress Parveen Babi. First of all, I was already intrigued with Parveen Babi after seeing a couple of her films with Amitabh, because she was just so fascinatingly beautiful! But after reading up on the stories (whether they are true or not), I learned what a sad life she is said to have had. Her issues with paranoia and schizophrenia bore an uncanny resemblance to Kavita's...

Kavita loses her mind...

Second of all, the fact that Mahesh chose to focus on Pooja's character, Pooja's strength, and Pooja's fate said a mouthful. If Mahesh was in fact trying to tell a story based on his own actions with Parveen, he certainly humbled himself enough--Inder ended up looking like a big fat loser up to the very end.

(**WARNING*****SPOILER ALERT)

It was a no-brainer that Pooja would end up with our Teddy Bear Musician, Raj, by the end...but, wait....she didn't!?! Nope, that's right folks, even in 80s Bollywood you don't need a man to feel good about yourself(well, that's rarely true in Indian cinema, but let's just enjoy it here, shall we?)! Pooja's rejecting of Raj in the final scenes showed her strength and sensitivity at the very same time. She didn't need to replace Inder to make herself feel complete, and she wasn't going to be unfair to Raj by using him as a rebound boyfriend. Hooray!!!

(****SPOILER END****)

Have I convinced you to see this film yet? It's truly amazing, and I'm so glad I didn't give up on the search!