Preity Zinta

Infobox actor
name = Preity Zinta

---

caption = Preity Zinta at the "Jaan-E-Mann" and UFO tie-up party (2006).
birthdate = birth date and age|1975|1|31
location = Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
yearsactive = 1998–present
domesticpartner = Ness Wadia (2005–present)
spouse = None
occupation = Film actress
filmfareawards = Best Female Debut:
1999 "Dil Se" & "Soldier"
Best Actress:
2004 "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
website = http://www.preityzinta.com/

Preity Zinta ( _hi. प्रीति ज़िंटा, pronounced|priːt̪ɪ zɪɳʈaː; born January 31, 1975)cite web|author=Joshi, Shriniwas|publisher="The Tribune"|title=Glamour girls from Himachal Pradesh|date=March 16, 2007|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070316/hp1.htm#21|accessdate=2008-05-08] is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu and English-language movies. After graduating with a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in "Dil Se" in 1998 followed by a role in "Soldier" the same year. These performances earned her a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award, and she was later recognised for her role as a teenage single mother in "Kya Kehna" (2000). She subsequently played a variety of character types, and in doing so has been credited with changing the image of a Hindi film heroine.

Zinta received her first Filmfare Best Actress Award in 2003 for her performance in the drama "Kal Ho Naa Ho". She went on to play the lead female role in two consecutive annual top-grossing films in India: the science fiction film "Koi... Mil Gaya", her biggest commercial success, [cite web|title=Most Grossing Movies by actresses|url=http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/clsFilmography.asp?class=actor&id=Preity+Zinta&layout=TABLE&sortorder=adjusted_gross|publisher= [http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/topactors.asp?isactress=true&filter=h&index=_RAW IBOS] |accessdate=2007-04-10] and the star-crossed romance "Veer-Zaara", which earned her critical acclaim. She was later noted for her portrayal of independent, modern Indian women in "Salaam Namaste" and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", top-grossing productions in overseas markets.cite web|title=Overseas Earnings (Figures in Ind Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|accessdate=2008-01-08] These accomplishments have established her as a leading actress of Hindi cinema.cite web|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita|title=The unanimous No 1: Preity Zinta|year=2003|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/08sld1.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-04-06] [cite web|title=Exceptional roles in Hollywood acceptable : Priety|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200609201360.htm|publisher="The Hindu"|date=September 20, 2006|accessdate=2007-11-06]

In addition to movie acting, Zinta has written a series of popular columns for BBC News Online South Asia, is a regular stage performer, and along with boyfriend Ness Wadia she is a co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Kings XI Punjab. She is known in the Indian media for publicly speaking her mind and openly expressing her opinions, occasionally sparking controversy.cite web|author=Mukherjee, Madhureeta|date=October 17, 2006|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2191016.cms|title=Preity manages traffic on the road!|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-11-04] cite web|author=Sharma, Madhvi|date=March 7, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1732791.cms|title=Women need no inspiration|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-11-22] These controversies include her being the only witness not to retract in court her earlier statements against the Indian mafia during the 2003 Bharat Shah case, for which she was awarded the
Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award.

Early life and background

Zinta was born into a Hindu Rajput family from Rohru in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an officer in the Indian Army.cite web|author=Sharma, Mandvi|title='I would've been the PM'|date=June 24, 2006|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1676771,curpg-1.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2006-06-24] He died in a car accident when she was 13 years old; the accident also involved her mother, Nilprabha, who was severely injured and consequently remained bedridden for two years. Zinta has stated that the tragic accident and her father's death was a significant turning point in her life, which forced her to mature rapidly.cite web|author=Khubchandani, Lata|title='I had this illusion that filmstars are like kings and queens'|date=May 22, 2000|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/may/22preity.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-09-15] She has two brothers; Deepankar and Manish, a year older and a year younger respectively. Deepankar is a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, while Manish lives in California.cite news |first=John |last= Lancaster|title= Bollywood Star's Act Makes Her a Hero, and Possible Target |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-71222822.html |work=Washington Post |page=A16 |date=January 23, 2003 |accessdate=2008-05-24|publisher=The Washington Post Company (Registration/purchase required)]

Zinta, who describes herself as a tomboy as a child, has emphasised her father's military background as having a lasting impression on how family life was conducted. He asserted the importance of discipline and punctuality to the children.cite web|author=Khubchandani, Lata|title=My Fundays — Preity Zinta|date=May 4, 2006|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060504/asp/telekids/story_6177744.asp|publisher="The Telegraph"|accessdate=2007-05-07] She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary boarding school in Shimla. Although she confesses to loneliness in the boarding school, she noted that it was compensated by her finding a "... perfect set of friends" there. [cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/09/stories/2002090900390100.htm|title=Poised for pretty good times!|accessdate=2007-11-09|author=Siddiqui, Rana|date=September 9, 2002|publisher="The Hindu"] As a student, she developed a love for literature, particularly the works of William Shakespeare and poetry. According to Zinta, she enjoyed schoolwork and received good grades; in her free time she played sports, especially basketball.

Upon graduating from the boarding school at age 18, Zinta enrolled at St Bede's College in Shimla. She graduated college with an English honours degree, and then started a graduate programme in psychology.cite web|author=Hahn, Lorraine|title=Bollywood Actress, Preity Zinta Talk Asia Interview Transcript|date=January 11, 2005|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/11/talkasia.zinta.script/|publisher=CNN.com|accessdate=2007-11-08] She earned a postgraduate degree in criminal psychology, but later took up modelling. Zinta's first television commercial was for "Perk chocolates", the result of a chance meeting with a director at a friend's birthday party in 1996. The director persuaded Zinta to audition for the spot, and she was selected. Afterwards, she appeared in other catalogues and commercials, including one for the soap Liril.

Acting career

Early work (1997–99)

In 1997, Zinta met film-maker Shekhar Kapur when she accompanied a friend to an audition, and was asked if she would audition too. Upon seeing her audition, Kapur insisted that she become an actress. She was originally scheduled to make her screen debut in Kapur's "Tara Rum Pum Pum" opposite Hrithik Roshan, but the filming was cancelled. Kapur later recommended her for director Mani Ratnam's movie "Dil Se".cite video|date2=2006-08-15|title=BAFTA Goes Bollywood: Preity Zinta|url=http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6011067964535350642&q=preity+zinta&ei=ydkuSOfIC43-2gKth5iDCw&hl=en|accessdate=2008-05-17|time= 01:40 - 05:30]

Zinta commenced shooting for Kundan Shah's "Kya Kehna", whose release was delayed until 2000.cite web|author=Chopra, Anupama|title=Sassy Sirens|url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20000918/cinema.shtml|publisher=The India Today Group|accessdate=2007-01-01] The delay of another film, "Soldier", meant that her first release was "Dil Se" (1998) opposite Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. She was introduced as Preeti Nair, a middle-class Delhi girl and Khan's fiancee. The film was considered an unusual launch for a newcomer, as her role called for only 20 minutes of screen time. However, she was eventually noticed for her role, particularly for the forthright character she played. Her scene with Khan, in which she asked him, "Are you a virgin?", became well-known, and her portrayal earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award nomination. She played her first leading role in the action-drama "Soldier" (1998), a commercial hit of the year. [cite web|title=Box Office 1998|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=204&catName=MTk5OA=|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|accessdate=2008-01-08] She won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for her performance in both "Dil Se" and "Soldier".

Zinta next acted in two Telugu films, "Premante Idera" (1998), opposite Venkatesh; and "Raja Kumarudu" (1999), opposite Mahesh Babu. She followed with the leading role in the thriller "Sangharsh", alongside Akshay Kumar. The film, based on "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991), [cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/63638.cms|title=Bollywood plays the aping game|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|date=July 7, 2003|accessdate=2008-05-24|work=The Times of India|publisher=Times Internet Limited] was directed by Tanuja Chandra and written by Mahesh Bhatt. Zinta portrayed the character of Reet Oberoi, a CBI officer who falls in love with a captured killer played by Kumar. The film was not a box-office success, although Zinta's performance was appreciated by critics.

Breakthrough (2000–02)

Zinta's first role in 2000 was in the drama "Kya Kehna", which unexpectedly became a box-office success. [cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/09/stories/2002090900440300.htm|date=September 9, 2002|author=Us Salam, Ziya|title=The week of affairs of the heart...|accessdate=2007-12-26|publisher="The Hindu"] The film addressed themes of single parenthood and teenage pregnancy, and gained Zinta wider recognition from the public as well as film critics. Her portrayal of a teenage single mother who fights social prejudice earned her several award nominations, including her first nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards. "India Today" reported that Zinta belonged to a new breed of Hindi film actors that breaks away from character stereotypes.

Later that year, Zinta starred in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's drama "Mission Kashmir" alongside Sanjay Dutt and Hrithik Roshan. Set in the valley of Kashmir during the Indo-Pakistani conflicts, the film dealt with the topic of terrorism and crime. Zinta's role was that of Sufiya Parvez, a TV reporter and Roshan's childhood love. A review in "The Hindu" said about her performance, "Preity Zinta is her usual cherubic self and lends colour to the otherwise serious proceedings". [cite web|author=Padmanabhan, Savitha|title=Film Review: Mission Kashmir|url=http://www.hindu.com/2000/11/03/stories/09030222.htm|publisher="The Hindu"|date=November 3, 2000|accessdate=2007-11-06] It was an economic success, becoming the third-highest grossing film of the year in India.cite web|title=Box Office 2000|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA=|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|accessdate=2008-01-08]

In 2001, Zinta earned positive reviews for her role in Farhan Akhtar's National Film Award-winning "Dil Chahta Hai", co-starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. Depicting the contemporary routine life of Indian affluent youth, it is set in modern-day urban Mumbai and focuses on a major period of transition in the lives of three young friends. [cite web|author=Arora, Pratiksha|title='It's the maddest unit I've worked with'|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre2.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-11-19] Zinta starred as Aamir Khan's love interest, Shalini. According to critics, the film broke new ground by showing Indian youth as they are today. Despite the critical reception, it was only a moderate box office success in India; it performed well in the big cities but failed in the rural areas, which was attributed by critics to the urban-oriented lifestyle depicted in the movie. [cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ=|title=Box Office 2001|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|accessdate=2008-07-09] [cite book|author=Gulzar; Nihalani, Govind; Chatterjee, Saibal|title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema|year=2003|publisher=EncyclopaediaBritannica (India) Pvt Ltd.|id=ISBN 8179910660|pages=p. 128] Rediff.com wrote of Zinta that she "... is beautiful and vibrant, wavering between endearingly naive and confused". [cite web|author=Menon, Sita|title=Trip on Dil Chahta Hai|date=August 10, 2001|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/10dil.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-11-12]

Three more 2001 releases featured Zinta, including Abbas-Mustan's romantic drama "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke", which was released after a one-year delay due to the trial of producer Bharat Shah. This film was one of the first Bollywood movies to address the controversial issue of surrogate childbirth. [cite web|title=Chori Chori Chupke Chupke|date=March 8, 2001|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/entertainment/movies/2001_03/09/chorichori.shtml|publisher=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2008-05-16] [cite web|author=Prasad, Meghna|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5699357.cms|date=April 2, 2002|title=Experts back 'rent-a-womb' bill|publisher=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2008-05-16] Zinta's performance as Madhubala, a golden-hearted prostitute hired as a surrogate mother, earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nomination. "Rediff.com" noted, "Preity Zinta, who clearly has the meatiest part of all, makes the best of it. Her transformation from the cocky and unabashed prostitute to a sensitive and warm person is amazingly believable." [cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|title=Preity Trite|date=March 9, 2001|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/09cccc.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-09-12] Following her portrayal of a range of characters in "Kya Kehna", "Sangharsh" and "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke", Zinta was often recognised for her versatility as an actress. Critics attributed her roles in these films as to establishing a new image for leading actresses in Bollywood.cite web|title=Now showing Chakde! - Fiesty foot forward|date=August 14, 2007|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/local-news/fullstory.php?newsid=250929|publisher="The Indian Express"|accessdate=2007-09-14] cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/2005/06/19/stories/2005061900110500.htm|title=On the verge of extinction|author=Duara, Ajit|publisher="The Hindu"|date=June 19, 2005|accessdate=2008-05-05] [cite book|author=Omar, Fuad|title=Bollywood: An Insider's Guide|year=2006|publisher=Mayhem Pub.|id=ISBN 1847280099|pages=pp 161–162]

In 2002, Zinta collaborated once again with director Kundan Shah, as the protagonist in the family drama "Dil Hai Tumhaara", alongside Rekha, Mahima Chaudhry and Arjun Rampal. Although the film did not succeed at the box office, her portrayal of Shalu, an adopted daughter craving love, was critically acclaimed. Taran Adarsh from "indiaFM" noted, "... Preity Zinta, in an author-backed role ... steals the show with a sterling performance. Her scenes with Rekha (second half) and Alok Nath (pre-climax) are simply outstanding. Here's a performance that is sure to win accolades from the junta and critics whole-heartedly." [cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|title=Dil Hai Tumhara movie review|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/11565/index.html|publisher=indiaFM.com|accessdate=2007-10-24]

uccess (2003–present)

Zinta was the female lead in India's three highest-grossing films of 2003: "", "Koi... Mil Gaya" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho".cite web|title=Box Office 2003|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=209&catName=MjAwMw=|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|accessdate=2008-01-08] "The Hero", co-starring Sunny Deol and Priyanka Chopra, is a patriotic drama about a spy network involving terrorists and an Indian army officer. Zinta played the part of Reshma, a villager who falls in love with the officer and becomes part of this network. The film, involving stunts never seen before in the cinematic history of Bollywood, became the most expensive Hindi film ever produced at the time. [cite web|title=The Hero: Love Story of a Spy|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/2003/04/the_hero_index.shtml |publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-05-08] [cite web|author=Gangadhar, V|title=A dauntless hero|date=May 16, 2003|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/05/16/stories/2003051601120200.htm|publisher="The Hindu"|accessdate=2008-05-27] Despite being the third highest-grossing film of that year, it failed to recover its production costs at the box office. [cite web|title=Bold themes and pretty faces|date=December 28, 2003|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/spectrum/main5.htm|publisher="The Tribune"|accessdate=2008-05-08] She next starred in Honey Irani's directorial debut, "Armaan", alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. This drama is set in a hospital and follows the travails of its personnel and its principal, Dr. Akash, who struggles arduously to sustain the institution financially. Zinta played Akash's schizophrenic wife Sonia Kapoor. The film received predominantly positive reviews, and Zinta's role was particularly praised. Taran Adarsh noted, "Preity Zinta comes up with another superb performance, essaying her part with utmost sincerity"; "The Tribune" concluded, "Zinta has outclassed everyone with her convincing performance." [cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|date=May 17, 2003|title=Film reviews — Armaan|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6951/index.html|publisher=indiaFM|accessdate=2007-09-13] [cite web|author=Bariana, Sanjeev Singh|title=Preity Zinta all the way|date=May 18, 2003|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030518/cth2.htm#7|publisher="The Tribune"|accessdate=2008-02-01] For her performance, she received nominations for "Best Villain" at different award ceremonies, including Filmfare.

Rakesh Roshan's science-fiction film "Koi... Mil Gaya", about a developmentally disabled young man, followed. Co-starring with Rekha and Hrithik Roshan, Zinta played the role of Nisha, a young woman whom Roshan befriends. She received another "Best Actress" nomination at the Filmfare for the role. The movie was a financial and critical success and became the most popular film of the year, as well as Zinta's highest-grossing movie, with a domestic total of Rs 489 million; it won the Filmfare Best Movie Award, among others.

Zinta's final release of 2003 was "Kal Ho Naa Ho", a tearjerker set in New York City. It was directed by Nikhil Advani and written by Karan Johar, co-starring Jaya Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. The film was received favourably by critics and became India's second-biggest hit of the year after "Koi... Mil Gaya". It also did well internationally and became top-grossing Indian film of the year overseas, earning over Rs 600 million worldwide. [cite web|author=J Pais, Arthur|date=December 3, 2003|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/03kal.htm|title=KHNH makes waves in UK too!|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-02-10] Zinta played the role of Naina Catherine Kapur, an insecure and angry young Indian-American woman who falls in love with a man who has a fatal heart disease. She won several awards for her performance, including the Filmfare Best Actress Award. Derek Elley from "Variety" wrote, "Zinta, who's been carving a growing following the past three years or so, has never been better, definitively moving from juve roles to a charismatic young woman with her sexy, assured Naina." [cite web|author=Elley, Derek|date=December 10, 2003|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117922631.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0|title=New international release Kal Ho Naa Ho|publisher=Variety (magazine)|accessdate=2007-11-20]

In 2004 she starred as TV journalist Romila Dutta in Farhan Akhtar's war drama "Lakshya", co-starring with Hrithik Roshan. The film was based on the historical events of the 1999 Kargil Conflict; Zinta's character was modeled after TV journalist Barkha Dutt, the only female reporter assigned to the story. The film was a critical success, yet her performance received mixed reviews; Rediff.com noted, "Zinta has quite a good role and a good deal of footage in the film, and she does a fairly decent job of it without ever being spectacular." [cite web|author=Pai, Rajeev|title=Watch Lakshya. You won't be disappointed|date=June 18, 2004|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/18lakshya.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-11-06]

Later that year, Yash Chopra cast her opposite Shahrukh Khan as the female lead in the love saga "Veer-Zaara", the top-grossing Bollywood film of that year in both India and abroad, earning over Rs 750 million worldwide. The film, which relates the love story of an Indian officer, Veer Pratap Singh, and a Pakistani woman, Zaara Haayat Khan, had a strong international release, including a screening at the Berlin Film Festival, [cite web|title=Yash Chopra On Berlin Film Festival Jury|date=January 18, 2006|url=http://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm|publisher=YashRajFilms.com|accessdate=2007-10-17] and won several "Best Movie" awards in major Indian award ceremonies. Zinta's portrayal of Zaara, a smart Pakistani girl, was praised; she received her fourth Filmfare Best Actress nomination and won the Stardust Star of the Year Award for the second consecutive year. "Variety" hailed her as "the most interesting young actress of her generation," writing that she "is her usual lively self as the willful Zaara." [cite web|author=Elley, Derek|title=New Int'l. Release Veer-Zaara|date=December 6, 2004|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117925580.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0|publisher=Variety.com|accessdate=2007-10-21] "Veer-Zaara" was Zinta's second highest-grossing film and third major success in two consecutive years. It marked the beginning of her work with Yash Raj Films, one of the largest production houses in Bollywood.cite web|publisher=BoxOfficeIndia.Com|title=Top Actress|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress|accessdate=2008-01-08]

In 2005, Zinta appeared in two movies. Her first release was the folk comedy "Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen", co-starring Govinda, a production that had been delayed since 2002. The film garnered negative reviews and poor box office returns. Zinta's role was small, and was not well received. [cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|title=The Review: Khullam Khulla Pyar Karen|date=April 29, 2005|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/7283/index.html|publisher=indiaFM|accessdate=2007-03-22] Her next release was Siddharth Anand's comedy-drama "Salaam Namaste", co-starring Saif Ali Khan. Produced by Yash Raj Films, it was the first Indian movie to be filmed entirely in Australia and went on to become the year's highest-grossing Bollywood production overseas, with revenues of Rs 430 million internationally. The film tells the story of a contemporary cohabiting Indian couple. Zinta played the female protagonist Ambar Malhotra, a single modern young woman who leaves India to make her own life in Australia. The film was well received by critics, and Zinta's performance earned her nominations for "Best Actress" at a number of award ceremonies. Taran Adarsh wrote, "After "Kya Kehna", Preity Zinta accepts the challenge of portraying an unwed mother yet again in "Salaam Namaste". The actor is terrific, delivering her most accomplished performance to date. Her lip locks with Saif Ali Khan will catch a lot of people unaware, but that's the sign of a thorough professional." [cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|title=Movie Review: Salaam Namaste|date=September 9, 2005|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/12490/index.html|publisher=indiaFM|accessdate=2007-09-15] "The New York Times" noted, "She is cheerleader-homecoming queen-fraternity sweetheart pretty, so even when her characters are being unkind it's hard not to like her." [cite web|author=Gates, Anita|title=True to the Bollywood Look, While Defying Traditions|date=September 10, 2005|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/2005/09/10/movies/10nama.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|publisher="The New York Times"|accessdate=2008-02-07]

Zinta received further success in 2006, starring in Karan Johar's drama "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" with an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Kirron Kher. The film became one of the biggest box office hits in India, earning Rs 464 million, and grossed over Rs 445 million overseas, the biggest Bollywood success of all time in the overseas market. It was her fourth overseas top-earner in four consecutive years. The film tells the story of two unhappily married couples in New York, and an ensuing extramarital affair. Zinta played the role of Rhea Saran, a fashion magazine editor. She described the role as an attempt to shed her vivacious public image.cite web|title=I'm sick of my bubbly
Sify|accessdate=2007-11-05] "The Indian Express" concurred that this was successful, stating, "The lady has not just looked glamorous but she has walked with poise, sat with grace, smiled with composure and spoke with calmness. Who would have thought that the bubbly girl could so skillfully shed her age-old tag and walk away as the don’t-mess-with-me lass. So all those who are in search of the peppy Preity, well guys you’ve dialed the wrong number this time." [cite web|author=Anil, Aprajita|title=Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna|date=August 12, 2006|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=72324|publisher="The Indian Express"|accessdate=2008-08-30]

She then starred in Shirish Kunder's romantic musical "Jaan-E-Mann", a story set in the United States about two men, played by Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, who love the same woman. The film received positive reviews from critics, yet performed poorly at the box office. [cite web|title=Don beats Jaan-E-Mann at the box office|date=October 23, 2006|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23box.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2008-05-13] Zinta played the role of Piya, the cynosure of two men. Although she was mostly criticised for taking a small role, her performance was generally well-received. [cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev|title=Masand's verdict: Jaan-e-mann jars|date=October 20, 2006|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/masands-verdict-jaanemann-jars/24411-8-p1.html|publisher=IBNLive.com|accessdate=2006-11-20] Raja Sen described her role as "ornament throughout," but further stated that she "comes vividly alive in the film's last scene, a moment that makes you lament why filmmakers today don't let the babyfaced actress have more fun instead of forcing her to sob copiously. She doesn't have much to do in "Jaan-E-Mann", but looks appropriately attractive." [cite web|author=Sen, Raja|title=Akshay's goofy laugh wins you over|date=October 20, 2006|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/20jaan1.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2006-11-20] Zinta said that the film was a great relief after the more emotionally intense "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", as "Jaan-E-Mann" was "easy, happy and much more simple". [cite web|author=Banerjee, Akanksha|title=Success came early to me: Preity|date=September 26, 2006|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/success-came-early-to-me-preity/22574-8-p1.html|publisher=IBNLive.com|accessdate=2008-01-31]

In 2007 Zinta portrayed a British Pakistani woman, Alvira Khan, in her third project with Yash Raj Films, Shaad Ali's comedy "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta. The film was a critical and commercial failure in India. [cite news|title=Jhoom Barabar Jhoom flops; Sivaji is box office boss |last=Krishna|first=Sonali|coauthors=Govardhan D|date=June 21, 2007
url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment__Art/Entertainment/Jhoom_bombs_Sivaji_is_box_office_boss/articleshow/2137553.cms
work=The Economic Times|publisher=Times Internet Limited|accessdate=2008-04-09] [cite news|url= http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061750150200.htm|title= 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' goes bust film reviews| last=Salam|first=Ziya Us|work=The Hindu|date= June 17, 2007|accessdate=2008-04-09] She was criticised for her performance; "The Times of India" wrote that "she is too plastic as the Paki-Brit girl". [cite web|author=Kazmi, Nikhat|title=Jhoom Barabar Jhoom|date=June 16, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2127129.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-09-14]

Later in 2007, Zinta began working with art film directors, and turned towards neo-realistic movies, known in India as parallel cinema. [cite web|author=K Jha, Subhash|title=Deepa Mehta signs Preity Zinta for Heaven on Earth|date=September 27, 2007|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e2770cd7-93e2-47d0-a64c-ee21de669e25&MatchID1=4586&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=8&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1151&MatchID2=4588&TeamID3=3&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1152&PrimaryID=4586&Headline=Deepa+Mehta+signs+Preity+Zinta+for+EMHeaven+on+Earth%2fEM|publisher="Hindustan Times"|accessdate=2007-11-16] She acted in her first English film, Rituparno Ghosh's "The Last Lear", as a struggling theatre actress opposite Amitabh Bachchan. The film premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, and was received well. The first reviews were approving, with one critic writing "It's great to see her doing a completely natural role. She played her role with real dignity and it was a pleasure seeing her getting back to her initial style of acting."cite web|author=IndiaFM News Bureau|publisher=IndiaFM|title=This is Amitabh's best performance after Black|date=September 11, 2007|url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/09/11/3020/index.html|accessdate=2007-09-13] Zinta said about her first art film, "I did think with art films that they don't pay you, they don't feed you, but I was wrong, and I'm so happy to be here." [cite web|author=Yelajam, Prithi|title=India's top stars not afraid to take risks|date=September 10, 2007|url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/254778|work=Toronto Star|publisher=TheStar.com|accessdate=2007-11-06]

As of April 2008, Zinta has completed shooting for Jahnu Barua's drama "Har Pall", as well as Deepa Mehta's Canadian movie "Heaven on Earth", a Punjabi language drama based on the true story of a non-resident Indian battered wife. Another project, Sameer Karnik's adventure film "Heroes", is scheduled for release on October 24, 2008. [cite web|author=Jain, Princy|title=Heaven on Earth is my most challenging film: Preity Zinta|date=March 10, 2008|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=6692e8e9-38bf-44a8-8e37-d4185c43e7d6&&Headline=EMHeaven+on+Earth%2fEM+my+most+challenging+film%3a+Preity|publisher="Hindustan Times"|accessdate=2008-05-27]

Other work

Column writing

In 2004, Zinta joined a group of South Asian commentators for BBC News Online. [cite web|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k4/jan/jan228.htm|title=Actor Preity Zinta to pen column for BBC website|publisher=indiantelevision.com|accessdate=2007-11-04] She expressed joy at participating in the project, saying, "I am pretty outspoken and have my own view on every subject. So it will be a good platform for me to air my views." [cite web|author=Pillai, Sreedhar|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/16/stories/2004021600560200.htm|title=Preity turns columnist|publisher="The Hindu"|accessdate=2007-11-07] Her first column, "The changing face of Bollywood", published in January 2004, [cite web|author=Zinta, Preity|title=The changing face of Bollywood|date=January 29, 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3445467.stm|publisher=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-09-12] discussed the evolution of Bollywood in the past decade. The column became one of the site's ten most read stories of the day. In her second column, "Odds stacked against Indian women", Zinta analysed the eve teasing phenomenon in India, and criticised those who practice it. [cite web|author=Zinta, Preity|title='Odds stacked against Indian women'|date=April 1, 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3572553.stm|publisher=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2005-03-02] She wrote, "Incidences like these take away a woman's dignity, her space and her freedom ... why the state is so helpless in protecting the women. Why should women feel unsafe in a country which had an internationally revered woman prime minister?" The column caught the attention of readers worldwide, and she received thousands of e-mails about it.cite web|title=Preity Zinta attacks eve teasers in the BBC column|date=April 20, 2004|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/tube/y2k4/apr/aprtube27.htm|publisher=indiantelevision.com|accessdate=2007-09-12] It was applauded particularly by women for its stand against abuse of Indian women. Her third column, "The darkness that all actors fear", was a more personal column and dealt with her stardom, fans, insecurity and fears as an actor. [cite web|author=Zinta,Preity|title=The darkness that all actors fear|date=June 22, 2004| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3804471.stm|publisher=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-09-12] Her fourth and final column, titled "Facing death in Sri Lanka and Thailand", described her two near-death experiences in late 2004.cite web|author=Zinta, Preity|title=Facing death in Sri Lanka and Thailand|date=February 28, 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4268387.stm|accessdate=2006-04-16|publisher=bbc.co.uk]

tage performances

Zinta has taken part in several stage shows and world tours since 2001. Her first world tour, a series of concerts called "Craze 2001", was performed across the U.S. alongside Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Gracy Singh. The show faced early cancellation due to the September 11, 2001 attacks, and the team prepared to return to India as soon as possible. However, the shows continued successfully in Canada. [cite web|title=Whispers — Tour stop|month=November | year=2001|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/whisper.html|publisher=Indiatimes|accessdate=2007-07-24] In 2002, she participated in the show "From India With Love" in the UK, along with Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. The show took place at two outdoor venues, Manchester's Old Trafford Football Stadium and London's Hyde Park, with over 100,000 spectators. [cite web|title=From India with Love|date=April 30, 2002|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/1959022.stm|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2007-11-16] Zinta's largest world tour was in 2004, when she joined a group of stars (Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra) in the "Temptation 2004" tour. Showcased in over 22 countries across the world, [cite web|title=Shahrukh may attend cinema festival|date=December 20, 2004| url= http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?CategoryId=7&ArticleId=55031 |publisher="Bahrain Tribune"|accessdate=2007-11-13] it became Bollywood's most prominent international concert. [cite web|title=Bollywood's Day Out...|date=December 2, 2004|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-943930,prtpage-1.cms|publisher="Times of India"|accessdate=2007-11-02] In 2006, Zinta was part of the "Heat 2006" world tour, along with Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley. [cite web|title=Akshay Kumar & Preity Zinta in Bollywood New York Shows for Aron Govil Productions|date=March 10, 2006|url=http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=9273|publisher=Business Wire India|accessdate=2007-03-16]

Humanitarian work

During her years in the film industry, Zinta has been involved with different charities, [cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021221/nation.htm|title=National Briefs|publisher="The Tribune"|date=December 21, 2002|accessdate=2007-12-02] [cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/691108.cms|title=Bollywood stars play soccer|publisher="The Times of India"|date=May 22, 2004|accessdate=2007-12-02] and has supported women-related causes in India, for instance protesting female infanticide.cite web|author=Tiwari, Nimish|publisher="The Times of India"|title=Preity Zinta wants a new face|date=October 18, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Preity_Zinta_wants_a_new_face/articleshow/2467934.cms|accessdate=2007-11-22] She has also participated in AIDS awareness drives and campaigns to clean up Mumbai. [cite web|publisher="The Hindu"|title=Preity Zinta says she is an actress with a conscience|date=February 13, 2007| url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/009200702131340.htm| accessdate=2007-12-04]

In 2005, along with other Bollywood stars, Zinta performed at the "HELP! Telethon Concert" raising money for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. [cite web|title=Bollywood unites to present caring face|date=February 8, 2005|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050208/asp/nation/story_4351693.asp|publisher="The Telegraph"|accessdate=2005-02-21] The following year, as an ambassador of the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Movement, Zinta attended a blood donation camp organised by the Rotary Club of Delhi and the Godfrey Phillips Awards. She lent her support to the cause of women's empowerment and promoted blood donation. She said, "Donating blood doesn't kill one but goes on to save somebody's life .... Once blood is donated it becomes universal and might be used by anyone in need, irrespective of community, caste or region. It binds people together."cite web|author=Tankha, Madhur|title=In the service of a cause|date=July 29, 2006| url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/07/29/stories/2006072908860200.htm|publisher="The Hindu"|accessdate=2007-12-04]

In 2007, Zinta along with Rani Mukerji, donated Rs 250,000 of her winnings from "Kaun Banega Crorepati" to the Shimla District Red Cross Society in Himachal Pradesh. [cite web|title=Preity's mother hands over Rs 25 lakh to Red Cross|date=April 5, 2007|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070405/himachal.htm#10|publisher="The Tribune"|accessdate=2008-02-07] In January, Zinta visited Hisar, Haryana, where she spent a day at the army training base to boost the morale of the jawan troops. The visit was conducted for an NDTV show, "Jai Jawan", on which entertainers and actors visit Indian troops. While there, she also met children with disabilities at a special school maintained by the army. [cite web|author=Mohammed, Khalid|title=Preity reunited with Army brother|date=January 26, 2007|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24sd1.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-09-29] In August, along with Mumbai-based artist Gurcharan Singh, Zinta painted for the cause of street children for the non-governmental organisation "Khushi". [cite web|author=A. Khan, Rubina|title=Preity artistic!|date=August 24, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Preity_artistic/rssarticleshow/2304140.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-09-27] In December, she joined the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to curb human trafficking in India. She spoke on behalf of awareness against the practice, the need for protection and rehabilitation for those rescued from it, and punishment for perpetrators. [cite web|author=Indo-Asian News Service|title=Bollywood stars join UN drive against human trafficking|date=December 19, 2007|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=b6743e5b-2efa-4103-89bc-d014db4fb8b4|publisher="Hindustan Times"|accessdate=2008-01-07]

Ownership of IPL cricket team

Along with Ness Wadia and others, Zinta acquired ownership rights in 2008 for the Mohali-based Twenty20 cricket team of the Indian Premier League (IPL). [cite web|author=Bollywood Hungama News Network|title=King Khan, Preity Zinta bag teams in IPL bidding|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/01/24/10788/index.html|publisher=indiaFM|date=January 24, 2008|accessdate=2008-02-27] The group paid $76 million to acquire the franchise, and have since named the team Kings XI Punjab. [cite web|author=Loudon, Bruce|title=Instant cricket: just add Preity|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23561883-2722,00.html|publisher="The Australian"|date=April 19, 2008|accessdate=2008-04-19] Zinta is the only woman to own an IPL team, and is the league's youngest owner.cite news|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2997631.cms|title=Preity's winning spree!|last=Vyavahare|first=Renuka|date=April 30, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01|work=India Times Movies|publisher=Times Internet Limited] She has been involved with launching ticket sales and promoting the team.cite news|url=http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?id=14648251|title=Preity Zinta, Brett Lee launch sale of tickets in Mohali|date=April 12, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01|work=Sify Sports|publisher=Sify Technologies Ltd] She said, "My involvement with the team is total. I am extremely passionate about our team and I do believe that I am the team's good luck factor, so I want to be there for everything."

Personal life

Zinta used to visit her native town Shimla when not busy in shooting. In 2006, she moved into her own home in Mumbai. [cite web|author=K Jha, Subhash|title=Preity's home sick|date=May 26, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2074719.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-11-07] She does not identify with any particular religion. In an interview with "The Times of India", she comments, "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 am increasingly believing in this." [cite web|author=Afsana, Ahmad|title=Ganpati Bappa Morya:Preity|date=September 25, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Ganpati_Bappa_MoryaPreity/articleshow/2397863.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-10-23] She narrowly escaped death twice in late 2004: first after an explosion at a Temptation concert in Colombo, Sri Lanka; and second during the Indian Ocean earthquake.

Zinta has been the subject of several controversies. [cite web|url=http://www.indiafm.com/features/2007/06/09/2746/index.html|title="One habit of mine that drives Ness up the wall is my perfection!" - Preity Zinta|accessdate=2007-11-06|author=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=June 9, 2007|publisher=indiaFM.com] In 2003, as a witness in the Bharat Shah case, she testified against the Indian mafia. Bharat Shah, the financer of one of her movies, "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke", was arrested in 2000 for having connections with Chhota Shakeel, a Mumbai underworld boss. [cite web|author=Philp, Catherine|title=Bollywood starlet plays brave role in fight against the Mob|date=January 11, 2003|url=http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article811045.ece|publisher="The Times"|accessdate=2007-09-15] Unlike several of her colleagues, Zinta repeated in court her earlier statement that she had received extortion threats from the mafia during the shooting of the film. [cite web|author=Firdaus Ashraf, Syed|title=Bharat Shah case: Preity Zinta sticks to her stand|date=January 9, 2003|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/09shah.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2006-11-29] After her testimony, she was given witness protection and was forced to stay out of the public eye for two months. Thirteen other witnesses before her, including celebrities Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, were witnesses in the case but later retracted their earlier statements.cite web|title=Except Preity, everyone turned hostile|date=September 30, 2003|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/30shah.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2006-11-29] Zinta was the only witness who did not become hostile to the prosecution; the nation responded positively to her actions.cite web|author=TNN|title=This Preity woman is brave too|date=March 13, 2003|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/40195013.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-07-12] Consequently, she was the first recipient of Godfrey's Mind of Steel Award at the annual Red and White Bravery Awards, given to her for the "Courageous Act" of standing against the Mumbai Underworld. On receiving the award, she said: "To be brave is not to be fearless. It is when you fear and you get over it, then you can be called brave. I am human. It is not that I fear nothing. But getting over a fear is a continuous process and I have been successful so far." [cite web|author=Sharma, Mandvi|title='Rome wasn't built in a day, neither was I'|date=July 29, 2006|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1823394.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-08-30] Since 2006, Zinta has been the brand ambassador for the Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards.

Tabloids have often linked Zinta romantically with other Bollywood stars, but she has strongly denied these rumours. [cite web|author=Gangadhar, V|title=Preity Magic|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040724/saturday/main1.htm|publisher="The Tribune"|date=July 24, 2004|accessdate=2007-11-16] In 2000, Zinta began dating model Marc Robinson. They separated one year later, and according to Zinta remained on good terms. Asked in Filmfare about their break-up, she spoke of "very, very fond memories of the times we were together and I'd like to keep it to that". [cite web|author=Pillai, Jitesh|title=Freedom at midnight...Preity Zinta|month=April | year=2001|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2001/sp3.html|publisher=indiatimes|accessdate=2007-10-04] Zinta has dated the Bombay Dyeing heir, businessman Ness Wadia since February 2005. [cite web|author=Shaikh, Jamal|title=Preity woman's man|date=February 3, 2005|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1010644.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-05-16] Their relationship is discussed frequently by reporters, who often speculate about their engagement. [cite web|author=K Jha, Subhash|title=Preity all set to marry Ness Wadia|date=April 11, 2007|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1892482.cms|publisher=indiatimes|accessdate=2007-10-04] [cite web|author=Lalwani, Vickey; Shah, Kunal|title=Ness & I are fine:Preity Zinta|date=January 25, 2008|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ness__I_are_finePreity_Zinta/rssarticleshow/2726680.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2008-02-14] In December 2006, another controversy featured Zinta when Ness Wadia was reported to have attacked construction workers at her residence in Bandra. Reportedly, a woman was critically injured and a child was hurt in the incident.cite web|author=Varma, Prerna|title=Don't target my boyfriend: Preity|date=December 7, 2006|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dont-target-my-boyfriend-preity/27926-8.html|publisher=IBNLive.com|accessdate=2008-02-07] Zinta reacted angrily at hearing these rumours reported in the national news and confronted journalists, criticising their conduct. She challenged the press to deliver proof, and offered Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) if an injured woman was found. No evidence was found and the rumour has subsequently been regarded as false.

In March 2007, Zinta was involved in a scandal when actress and singer Suchitra Krishnamurthy cited her as the cause of her divorce from Shekhar Kapur, alleging that Zinta was having an affair with him.cite web|author=TNN|title='Suchitra is unstable'|date=March 30, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1835376.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-05-22] Although initially silent on the issue, after another accusation by Krishnamurthy, Zinta retorted, "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 issued a statement that she had met Kapur only five times in ten years and publicly demanded that he step forward and clear her of the accusation. [cite web|author=Jha, Subhash K|title=Shekhar, speak up!|date=April 2, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1847597.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-05-22] Thereafter, the controversy came to an end. [cite web|author=TNN|title='No more rumours please!'|date=April 17, 2007|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1919338.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-05-22]

In the media

Zinta is particularly known in the Indian media for her straightforwardness and for honestly expressing her outspoken views and forthright opinions in public, be it about her on-screen or off-screen life or raising a voice against any social injustice. These features were noted during the "Bharat Shah Case", when she testified against the underworld; following this incident she was described by journalists as "The only man in Bollywood". Her characteristic dimple has been cited by the media as her trademark. She is often described by the press as having a vivacious personality and a bubbly, outgoing persona, an image she has confessed to disliking.In 2003, Zinta appeared in the number one spot on Rediff's "Top Bollywood Female Stars". She was ranked second for the following three years. [cite web|author=Sen, Raja|year=2004|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/29sld4.htm|title=Best Actress 2004|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-04-06] [cite web|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita|year=2005|url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/23yend2.htm|title=Ten best Bollywood actresses of 2005|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-04-06] [cite web|author=Sen, Raja|date=September 5, 2006|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/05sld9.htm|title=Readers' Pick: Top Bollywood Actresses|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-04-06] She has been featured frequently on other Rediff lists, including "Bollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses", [cite web|title=Bollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2004/mar/24sld7.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|year=2004|accessdate=2007-04-06] "Bollywood's Best Dressed Women" [cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|title=Bollywood's best dressed women|date=May 9, 2007|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld5.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-05-20] and "Woman of Many Faces". [cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|title=Women of many faces|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/mar/08sld5.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-07-06] In September 2006, the UK magazine "Eastern Eye" ranked her at 41 in the list of "Asia's Sexiest Women". [cite web|title=Asia's sexiest women|date=September 20, 2006|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/20sld1.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-09-25]

On July 15, 2005, Zinta filed a defamation suit against leading Mumbai tabloid "Mid-Day" after tapes emerged alleging that Salman Khan had made derogatory comments about her. The tabloid published transcripts indicating that she had a sexual relationship with Khan, and she was cross-examined as a chief witness in January 2007.cite web|author=Kagalwala, Gautam|publisher=Indiatimes.com|title=Preity Zinta cross-examined in her defamation case against tabloid|date=March 23, 2007|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/News__Gossip/News/Preity_Zinta_cross-examined_in_her_defamation_case_against_tabloid/articleshow/msid-1809241,curpg-2.cms|accessdate=2007-09-20] She said about the case, "I felt humiliated as it spoiled my reputation and character in public." She told of disparaging phone calls she received from individuals pretending to be Salman Khan, and that she had been repeatedly questioned in a derogatory fashion by the media. [cite web|author=Kelkar, Reshma|publisher=indiaFM|title='Sach ki hamesha anth main jeet hoti hai' feels Preity|date=March 23, 2007|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/03/23/9154/index.html|accessdate=2007-09-20] Zinta further stated that the events affected her professionally as well; a planned film with Khan was abandoned. The tape was examined by the Government's Forensic laboratory in Chandigarh which concluded that it was a fake. [cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2005/09/17/int6.htm|title=Salman cleared in Aishwarya tape case|publisher=Dawn|date=September 17, 2005|accessdate=2007-11-09]

Between 2004 and 2007, Zinta made three appearances on the Indian talk show "Koffee with Karan", hosted by Karan Johar, appearing with Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Bobby Deol, respectively. In 2006, she was a guest judge in the singing talent contest "Indian Idol 2". She returned briefly to her occupation as a model when she walked the ramp for Manish Malhotra's display "Fashion Week 2006", along with actress Kajol. [cite web|author=Diniz, Merril|title=Malhotra gets his 'Freedom'!|url=http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/mar/28fwmalhotra.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-05-15] Later that year, Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar represented Bollywood at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival to promote Johar's forthcoming "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", which featured Zinta in a leading role. [cite web|author=AP|title=Bollywood Actress Heads To Cannes|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/entertainment/cannes/main1614686.shtml|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc|date=May 12, 2006|accessdate=2007-11-16]

In May 2007, Zinta returned to Cannes for the 60th Film Festival to attend the premiere of "My Blueberry Nights", which opened the gathering. [cite web|title=Preity goes to Cannes|date=May 21, 2007|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/21look.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2007-05-27] She co-hosted the 52nd Filmfare Awards ceremony alongside Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Karan Johar. [cite web|title=Event Coverage|date=February 26, 2007|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1681098.cms|publisher="The Times of India"|accessdate=2007-11-05] She was selected as the first brand ambassador for GoAir, a new airline service owned by Jeh Wadia from Wadia Group. Speculation arose in the press that she endorsed the brand as a favour to Jeh, who is Ness Wadia's brother, a suggestion that Zinta quickly denied. [cite web|author=Sahni, Urmi|title=Preity Zinta flies high with Go Air|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/preity-zinta-flies-high-with-go-air/38853-8.html|publisher=IBNlive.com|date=April 20, 2007|accessdate=2008-02-07] May 2008 saw Zinta making her third consecutive appearance at Cannes; she attended the 61st Film Festival as the brand ambassador of Chopard, the maker of luxury watches and jewellery. [cite web|author=Indo-Asian News Service|title=Exhausted Preity Zinta flies off to Cannes|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=c3d50dc8-8884-4f4e-b316-a6d2450d5687&MatchID1=4698&TeamID1=2&TeamID2=5&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1185&PrimaryID=4698&Headline=Exhausted+Preity+Zinta+flies+off+to+Cannes|publisher="Hindustan Times"|date=May 16, 2008|accessdate=2008-06-07]

Filmography

-! colspan="3" style="background: #DAA520;" | Filmfare Awards
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ee also

*List of Indian film actresses
*List of people from Himachal Pradesh
*List of military brats
*List of Rajputs

References

Further reading

*Gangadhar V. [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040724/saturday/main1.htm Preity magic] . "The Tribune". July 24, 2004. Retrieved on October 8, 2007.
*Hahn, Lorraine. [http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/11/talkasia.zinta.script/ Bollywood Actress, Preity Zinta Talk Asia Interview Transcript] . CNN.com, December 18, 2004. Retrieved on September 26, 2007.
*Khubchandani, Lata. [http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/may/22preity.htm 'I had this illusion that filmstars are like kings and queens'] . Rediff.com, May 22, 2000. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
*Nambiar, Smitha. [http://movies.indiainfo.com/star_of_week/preity_zinta.html The Dimpled Preity] . Indiainfo.com Ltd. January 10, 2005. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
*Peschardt, Michael. [http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/24inter2.htm What Preity Zinta wants in the new India] . Rediff.com, April 24, 2006. Retrieved on November 7, 2007.
*Pillai, Jitesh. [http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/april2001/sp3.html Freedom at midnight...Preity Zinta] . Indiatimes.com. April 2001. Retrieved on September 27, 2007.
*Saxena, Kritika. [http://www.aol.in/bollywood/story/2008013109249019000001/index.html The Pretty Woman of Bollywood] . American Online, January 31, 2008. Retrieved on March 27, 2008.
*Verma, Sukanya. [http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jul/04intro.htm Preity purrfect!] . Rediff.com, 2001. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
*Zee Television. [http://www.zeetelevision.com/newzee/jinhpreity.htm Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai] . Zee TV.com, April 19, 2002. Retrieved on October 31, 2007.

External links

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Persondata
NAME=Zinta, Preity
SHORT DESCRIPTION=film actress
DATE OF BIRTH=January 31, 1975
PLACE OF BIRTH=Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India