User:John Carter/Preity Zinta

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Preity Zinta
प्रीति ज़िंटा

Preity Zinta on the sets of Indian Idol 2 (2006)
Born January 31, 1975 (1975-01-31) (age 33)
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Occupation Film actress
Years active 1998–present
Spouse(s) None
Domestic partner(s) Ness Wadia (2005–present)
[PreityZinta.Com Official website]

Preity Zinta (Hindi: प्रीति ज़िंटा. Pronunciation: /priːt̪ɪ zɪɳʈaː/ born January 31, 1975)[1] is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu and English language movies. After graduating college with a criminal psychology degree, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se in 1998, followed by Soldier in the same year. She won a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for both films. Later, in 2000, she received her first nomination for the same group's best actress award for her performance as a teenage single mother in Kya Kehna. She would subsequently take on a number of roles as characters of a diverse nature, and in doing so is credited with bringing a change in the image of Hindi film heroine.[2][3]

Zinta received her first Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Kal Ho Naa Ho in 2003. She played the lead female role in two consecutive annual top-grossing films in India—the science fiction Koi... Mil Gaya, her biggest commercial success to date,[4] and the cross-border romance Veer-Zaara, which earned her critical acclaim. Her performances as independent, modern Indian women in Salaam Namaste and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, both of which were top-grossing films overseas, also received critical recognition. [5] With these films and others, Zinta has established herself as the leading actress of Hindi cinema.[6][7][8]

Zinta is also a columnist, having written columns for BBC News Online South Asia, and a regular stage performer. She is known in the Indian media for publicly speaking her mind and openly expressing her opinions, occasionally surrounding herself with controversy as a result.[9]

Contents

[edit] Early life and background

Zinta was born on January 31, 1975 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, of a Hindu Rajput family of Rohru in Shimla district.[10] Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an officer in the Indian Army. He died when Zinta was thirteen in a car accident. Her mother, Nilprabha, was severely injured in the same accident, and remained bedridden for two years.[11] According to Zinta, her father's early death was one of her most terrible experiences and a turning point in her life, as it forced her to grow up.[11] Zinta has two brothers, Deepankar and Manish, who are a year older and a year younger, respectively. Deepankar is a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, while Manish is settled in Los Angeles.[12]

Zinta, a self-confessed tomboy in the early stages of her life, was influenced primarily by her father.[10] Groomed in an army household, Zinta grew up with values such as discipline and punctuality.[10] She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary boarding school in Shimla.[12] Although she confesses to having been lonely at that school, she would later say that it was compensated by her having "...perfect set of friends" there.[12][13] She developed her love of literature there, particularly the works of William Shakespeare and poetry. She even tried to write poetry herself.[12] She also enjoyed her opportunities to spend time outside there, and was interested in sports, particularly basketball.[12]

Upon graduating from the boarding school at age 18, Zinta enrolled at St Bede's College in Shimla.[14] She initially majored in English honours, but later changed to psychology,[14] eventually earning a degree in criminal psychology. Upon graduation, she took up modelling.[12] Zinta's first commercial for Perk chocolates was a result of a chance meeting with a commercial director at a friend's birthday party in 1996. The director persuaded Zinta to attend the audition for the commercial, for which she was selected. Thereafter, she appeared in other commercials, including one for Liril, as well as catalogs. [11][14]

[edit] Early career (1998–2000)

Zinta met Shekhar Kapur in 1997 when she accompanied a friend to an audition and was asked to audition herself. 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 canceled. Kapur later recommended her for director Mani Ratnam's Dil Se.[14]

Zinta then started shooting for Kundan Shah's Kya Kehna, the release of which was delayed until 2000.[15] Her next film, Soldier, was also delayed. As a result, her first released film was Dil Se (1998). Introducing Zinta as Preeti Nair, a middle class Delhi girl who was the fiancee of the lead character. The film was considered to be an unusual launch for a newcomer, as her role called for twenty minutes of screen time.[15] She received recognition for her work in the film, particularly for the forthright character she played.[11] The scene in which her character asked her fiance, which had her asking him, "Are you a virgin?", became particularly well known. Her peformance earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award nomination.[15] Her next released film was the previously delayed "Soldier". This film was one of the industry's biggest hits of the year.[16] Zinta won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for her performance in both Dil Se and Soldier.

Zinta next appeared 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. This film, based on the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, was directed by Tanuja Chandra and written by Mahesh Bhatt. Zinta's role was that 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 received favorable comments.[11]

[edit] Breakthrough (2000–2002)

Zinta's first release in 2000 was the drama Kya Kehna, which became a box office success.[17] The film was known for addressing the themes of single parenthood and teenage pregnancy, and gained Zinta wider recognition from the public and film critics.[11] Her portrayal of a teenage single mother fighting societal prejudice earned her a number of award nominations, including her first nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare.[18] [[Image:ZintaKya Kehnazinta.jpg|thumb|right|Zinta as the teenage single mother Priya Bakshi in Kya Kehna (2000)]]

Later that year she starred in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's drama Mission Kashmir with Sanjay Dutt and Hrithik Roshan. This film is set in the valley of Kashmir during the Indo-Pakistani conflicts and deals with the topic of terrorism and crime. Zinta's role was that of Sufiya Parvez, a TV reporter and childhood love of Roshan's character. Her performance was generally well received. One review in The Hindu said, "Preity Zinta is her usual cherubic self and lends colour to the otherwise serious proceedings."[19] It was an economic success, becoming the third highest grossing film of the year in India.[20]

In 2001, Zinta earned favorable 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. The film depicts the daily life of affluent youth in contemporary India, telling the story of three friends. Zinta played the role of Khan's love interest, Shalini.[21] Rediff.com wrote of Zinta that she "is beautiful and vibrant, wavering between endearingly naive and confused..."[22]

Zinta had three more releases in 2001, including Abbas Mustan's romantic drama Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, which had been delayed for a year due to the trial of producer Bharat Shah (see below). The film was noted as being one of the first Bollywood movies to deal with the issue of surrogate childbirth.[23] Zinta's performance as Madhubala, a 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."[24] While other critics tended to praise Zinta's performance highly, some added that she was unconvincing as a prostitute in the initial portions of the film, with The Hindu writing, "[...] while she is credible as a to-be mother and exudes the warmth of one, she is not as convincing in mouthing the inanities used by the women of the street."[25] After the release of this film, Zinta was recognised for her versatility as an actress;[2] commended for work portraying a wide range of characters, including the teenage single mother in Kya Kehna, the CBI officer in Sangharsh and the surrogate mother in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke,[2] and even credited with bringing a new image for a leading actress in Bollywood.[3]

In 2002, Zinta collaborated once again with director Kundan Shah, as the main protagonist in the family drama Dil Hai Tumhaara, alongside Rekha, Mahima Chaudhary and Arjun Rampal. Although it 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."[26]

[edit] Success (2003–present)

[[Image:KHNHLS.jpg|thumb|right|Zinta as the Indian-American Naina Catherine Kapur in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), which earned the actress her first Filmfare Best Actress Award. Pictured with Shahrukh Khan]] In 2003, Zinta was the female lead in three of the highest grossing films of the year in India—The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Koi... Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho.[27] Her first release, the patriotic drama The Hero, co-starred Sunny Deol and Priyanka Chopra. The film was the most expensive Bollywood film of the year, but didn't earn enough at the box office to cover the costs of production.[27] Zinta's next release was Honey Irani's directorial debut, Armaan, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. This hospital drama deals with the lives of the hospital's personeel, particularly its director, Dr. Akash, during a period of financial difficulty. Zinta played Akash's schizophrenic wife Sonia Kapoor. She received favorable reviews for her performance, as well as nominations for Best Villain at different award ceremonies. Taran Adarsh from indiaFM.com noted, "Preity Zinta comes up with another superb performance, essaying her part with utmost sincerity."[28] Rakesh Roshan's science fiction film Koi... Mil Gaya, about a developmentally disabled young man, followed. Co-starring alongside 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 film was the biggest hit of the year and is still Zinta's highest grossing movie to date, with a domestic gross of Rs 489 million.[27] Zinta's last release that year was Kal Ho Naa Ho, a tearjerker directed by Nikhil Advani and written by Karan Johar, co-starring Jaya Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. It was India's second biggest hit of the year after Koi... Mil Gaya and the biggest Indian hit of the year overseas, earning over Rs 600 million worldwide.[5] Zinta played the role of Naina Catherine Kapur, an insecure and angry Indian-American girl, who falls in love with a man who has a fatal heart disease. Her performance won her several awards, 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."[29]

In 2004 she starred as TV journalist Romila Dutta in Farhan Akhtar's war drama Lakshya, co-starring 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 covering the events. The film was a critical success, yet Zinta's 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."[30] Later that year, Yash Chopra cast her opposite Shahrukh Khan as the female lead in the romance Veer-Zaara, which became the biggest Bollywood hit of that year in both India and abroad, earning over Rs 750 million worldwide.[5] The film, which relates the love story of an Indian officer and a Pakistani woman, received a positive reception worldwide,[31] and Zinta's portrayal of a Pakistani girl was praised. She received her fourth nomination for Filmfare Best Actress Award, and won the Stardust Star of the Year Award for the second consecutive year. Variety noted, "Zinta, the most interesting young actress of her generation, is her usual lively self as the willful Zaara."[32] Veer-Zaara was Zinta's second highest grossing film and third major hit in two consecutive years, and marked the beginning of her work with Yash Raj Films, one of the largest production houses in Bollywood.[33]

[[Image:PreityZintakank.jpg|thumb|left|Zinta as a fashion magazine editor Rhea Saran in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)]] In 2005, Zinta appeared in two movies. Her first release was the folk comedy Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen, co-starring Govinda, which had suffered lengthy production delays. The film received negative reviews and made poor earnings at the box office. Zinta's role was small, and was not well received.[34] Her second release of the year was Siddharth Anand's comedy-drama Salaam Namaste, co-starring Saif Ali Khan. The film was another Yash Raj big budget film and went on to become the year's biggest hit overseas, with revenues of Rs 430 million internationally.[5] The film tells the story of a contemporarycohabitating Indian couple. Zinta played the female protagonist Ambar Malhotra, a woman who leaves India to make her own life in Australia. The film was well received by critics, and Zinta's performance was praised in particular, earning 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."[35]

Zinta's success continued in 2006, with Karan Johar's drama Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna in an ensemble cast that included 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, making it the biggest Bollywood hit in the overseas market ever. It simultaneously became her fourth overseas top earner in four consecutive years.[5] 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 stylish and modern fashion magazine editor; her performance was appreciated by critics. According to indiaFM, "Preity not only looks gorgeous, but the dedication to her role shows at vital points. Her penultimate scene with Rani Mukerji, when she confronts her at the marriage reception, is fabulous."[36] Her next film was Shirish Kunder's romantic musical Jaan-E-Mann, a story of two men in the United States loving the same woman, co-starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. The film received favorable reviews from critics, yet performed poorly at the box office.[37] Zinta played the role of Piya, the cynosure of two men. Although she had a small role and an underdeveloped character, which was described by Rediff as "ornament throughout", her acting performance was generally well received.[38] Rajeev Masand from CNN IBN wrote, "Of the principal cast, Preity Zinta looks a million bucks, but she's got the shortest role of the three, which is odd considering the entire story revolves around her. The actress brings a quiet dignity to the role and exercises restraint in her performance, lending her character the maturity that it requires."[39]

In 2007 Zinta portrayed the character of a British Pakistani woman, Alvira Khan, in her third Yash Raj Film, 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. She was criticised for her performance, with The Times of India writing that, "she is too plastic as the Paki-Brit girl".[40]

Later in 2007, Zinta began working with art film directors, and began working in what is known in India as parallel cinema.[41] 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 well received. 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".[42] Zinta herself 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".[43] As of October 2007, she is set to star in Jahnu Barua's forthcoming film Har Pall.

[edit] Other work

Image:Zinta4.jpg
Zinta at the Premium charity function

[edit] Columnist

In 2004, Zinta became one of several South Asian commentators for BBC News Online.[44] She expressed her pleasure at participating in this 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."[45] Her first column, "The changing face of Bollywood", published in January 2004,[46] discussed how Bollywood has evolved in the last decade.[47] In her second column, "Odds stacked against Indian women", Zinta criticized sexual harrasment, known as eve teasing in India, and criticised those who indulge in such behavior.[48] 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 worldwide attention of readers, and Zinta received thousands of e-mails from people around the world.[49] The column was particularly praised by women for its stand against abuse of Indian women.[49] 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.[50] Her fourth and last column titled "Facing death in Sri Lanka and Thailand", published in 2005, described her two near escapes from death in late 2004 (see below).[51]

[edit] Stage 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 was willing to return to India as soon as possible. The shows continued in Canada and went on to do well.[52]

In 2002, Zinta took part in the world tour From India With Love in the UK, along with Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. The show took place at Manchester’s Old Trafford Football Stadium and London's Hyde Park, with over 100,000 spectators.[53] 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. Appearing in over 22 countries across the world,[54] it became Bollywood's most prominent concert internationally.[55] In 2006, Zinta was part of the Heat 2006 world tour, along with Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.[56]

[edit] Humanitarian work

During her years as an actress, Zinta has been involved with several different charities,[57] and has supported several women's causes in India, such as female infanticide prevention.[58] Zinta has also taken part in AIDS awareness drives and campaigns to clean up Mumbai.[59] In 2005, with other Bollywood stars, she performed at the HELP! Telethon Concert raising money for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.[60]

In 2006, as an ambassador of the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Awards, Zinta appeared a blood donation camp organised by the Rotary Club of Delhi and the Godfrey Phillips Awards, lending her support to the cause of women's empowerment,[61] and promoting the humanitarian cause of donating blood. 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".[61]

In 2007, Zinta along with Rani Mukerji, donated Rs 250,000 of her earnings from Kaun Banega Crorepati to the Shimla District Red Cross Society in Himachel Pradesh.[62] In January 2007, Zinta visited Hisar, Haryana, and spent a day at the army training base to boost the morale of the jawans (troops), and have some experience of their lifestyle. The visit was conducted for an NDTV show, Jai Jawan, on which entertainers and actors visit Indian troops to encourage them. While there, Zinta also met children with disabilities at a special school maintained by the army.[63] In August, Zinta, along with Mumbai-based artist Gurcharan Singh, painted for the cause of street children for the non-governmental organisation Khushi.[64]

[edit] Personal life

Earlier in her career, Zinta regularly visted her native town Shimla while not busy shooting. In 2006, Zinta moved back to her own home.[65] Zinta identifies herself as not being of a particularly religious nature. In an interview with The Times of India, she commented, "...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."[66] Zinta narrowly escaped death twice in late 2004. The first occurred after an explosion at a Temptation concert in Colombo, Sri Lanka; the second occurred during the Indian Ocean earthquake.[67]

Zinta has been involved in several controversies.[68] In 2003, she was a witness in the Bharat Shah case, testifying against the Indian Underworld. Bharat Shah, the financer of her film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, was arrested in 2000 for having connections with Chhota Shakeel, a Mumbai underworld boss.[69] 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.[70] After her testimony, she was given witness protection and was forced to stay out of the public eye for two months.[71] Thirteen other witnesses before her, including celebrities Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, were witnesses in the case but retracted their earlier statements.[72] Zinta was the only witness not to have turned hostile to the prosecution;[72] her courage to testify was appreciated by the nation.[73] She later 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.[73] On receiving the award, Zinta 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".[74] Since 2006, Zinta has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards.[61]

Image:PreityZintawithNess.jpg
Zinta with boyfriend Ness Wadia at the 51st Filmfare Awards (2006)

The tabloids have often linked Zinta romantically with other Bollywood stars, but she has strongly denied these rumours.[75] In 2000, Zinta began dating model Marc Robinson. They separated one year later, and according to Zinta, remain on good terms. Asked in Filmfare about their break-up, Zinta proclaimed that she cherished "...very, very fond memories of the times we were together and I'd like to keep it to that."[76] Zinta has been dating the Bombay Dyeing heir, businessman Ness Wadia since February 2005.[77] Their relationship is frequently reported on in the media, and is often subject to press speculation regarding a possible engagement.[78] In December 2006, another controversy involving Zinta occurred Ness Wadia was reported to have attacked construction workers at Zinta's residence in Bandra; reportedly, a woman was critically injured and a child was hurt in the incident.[79] Zinta reacted angrily at hearing these rumours reported in the national news; she confronted the journalists and criticised their conduct. She challenged the press to come up with proof, and offered Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) if an injured woman were found. The press found nothing and the rumour has subsequently been regarded as false.[79]

In March 2007, Zinta became involved in a scandal when actress and singer Suchitra Krishnamurthy cited Zinta as the cause of her divorce with Shekhar Kapur, alleging that Zinta was having an affair with him.[80] Zinta was initially silent on this issue,[80], but, after repeated accusations from 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."[80] Zinta issued a statement that she had met Kapur only five times in 10 years and publicly demanded that he step forward and clear her of the accusation.[81] The controversy quickly subsided. [82]

[edit] In the media

Zinta is particularly known in the Indian media for her straightforwardness and honestly expressing her outspoken views in public, whether on-screen or off-screen, where she regularly rasies her voice against any social injustices.[9] Her forthrightness was 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".[3][58] 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 dislike.[71]

In 2003, Zinta was placed number one on Rediff's "Top Bollywood Female Stars".[6] She was ranked second for the following three consecutive years (2004–06).[7] Zinta has been frequently featured in other lists by Rediff including "Bollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses",[83] "Bollywood's Best Dressed Women"[84] and "Woman of Many Faces".[85] In September 2006, she was ranked 41st by the UK magazine Eastern Eye as one of "Asia's Sexiest Women".[86] Zinta was the first actress to be featured on the cover of the first issue of the Marie Claire magazine, in the first issue of that magazine sold in India.[87]

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 the part of the tape which indicated that Zinta had a sexual relationship with the actor. Zinta appeared in court as a primary witness in the case in January 2007.[88] She said regarding the case, "I felt humiliated as it spoiled my reputation and character in public". She explained that she had received insulting phone calls from impostors stating that they were Salman Khan, and that she had been repeatedly received insulting questions from the media regarding this issue.[89] Zinta further stated that the allegation affected her professionally as well; a planned future film with Khan was abandoned. The tape in question was examined by the Government's Forensic laboratory in Chandigarh, which concluded that it was a fake, although the court case is on-going.[90]

Image:Zintagoair.jpg
Zinta as the first brand ambassador for GoAir, pictured with airline owner, Jeh Wadia from Wadia Group

During 2004-2007, 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 also had a stint in her earlier occupation as a model when she walked the ramp for Manish Malhotra's fashion display Fashion Week 2006, titled Freedom, along with actress Kajol.[91] 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, in which Zinta starred.[92]

In May 2007, Zinta returned to Cannes for the 60th annual Cannes Film Festival to attend the premiere of My Blueberry Nights, which opened the festival.[93] She co-hosted the 52nd Filmfare Awards ceremony, with Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar and Juhi Chawla[94] and was chosen as the first brand ambassador for GoAir, a new airline service. The airline owner, Jeh Wadia from Wadia Group, is Ness Wadia's younger brother, causing Zinta to deny any speculation that it was a family-related publicity stunt.[95]

[edit] Filmography

See also: List of Preity Zinta's awards and nominations
Year Film Role Other notes
1998 Dil Se Preeti Nair Winner, Filmfare Best Female Debut Award
Dubbed into Tamil as Uyire
Dubbed into Telugu as Prema Tho
Soldier Preeti Singh
Premante Idera Jaanu Telugu film
Dubbed into Hindi as Dulhan Dilwale Ki
1999 Raja Kumarudu Rani Telugu film
Dubbed into Hindi as Prince No. 1
Sangharsh CBI Officer Reet Oberoi
Dillagi Rani Guest Appearance
2000 Kya Kehna Priya Baxi Nomination, Filmfare Best Actress Award
Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega Jahnvi
Mission Kashmir Sufiya Parvez
2001 Farz Kajal Singh
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke Madhubala (Madhu) Nomination, Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award
Dil Chahta Hai Shalini
Yeh Raaste Hain
Pyaar Ke		 Sakshi
2002 Dil Hai Tumhaara Shalu
2003 The Hero: Love Story of a Spy Reshma/Ruksar
Armaan Sonia Kapoor Nomination, Filmfare Best Villain Award.
Koi... Mil Gaya Nisha Nomination, Filmfare Best Actress Award
Kal Ho Naa Ho Naina Catherine Kapur Winner, Filmfare Best Actress Award
2004 Lakshya Romila Dutta
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa Dr. Parineeta (Pari)
Veer-Zaara Zaara Hayat Khan Nomination, Filmfare Best Actress Award
2005 Khullam Khulla Pyaar
Karen		 Priti
Salaam Namaste Ambar 'Amby' Malhotra Nomination, Filmfare Best Actress Award
2006 Alag Special appearance in song Sabse Alag
Krrish Nisha Special appearance
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Rhea Saran Nomination, Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award
Jaan-E-Mann Piya Goyal
2007 Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Alvira Khan
The Last Lear Shabnam Post-production
First English language film
Om Shanti Om Herself Special appearance in song Deewangi Deewangi
2008 Heroes Releasing on May 1, 2008
Har Pall Filming
Heaven on Earth Chand Filming

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Wish Preity Zinta!. Rediff.com (January 31, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-11-07.
  2. ^ a b c Preity - The Perky Miss!. MSN. Retrieved on 2007-09-13.
  3. ^ a b c Now showing CHAKDE! - Fiesty foot forward. The Indian Express (August 14, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-09-14.
  4. ^ Most Grossing Movies by actresses. IBOS. Retrieved on 2007-04-10.
  5. ^ a b c d e Overseas Gross Figures in India Rs. BoxOfficeIndia.Com. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.
  6. ^ a b The unanimous No 1: Preity Zinta. Rediff.com (2003). Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
  7. ^ a b Sen, Raja (2004). Best Actress 2004. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
    Kulkarni, Ronjita (2005).Ten best Bollywood actresses of 2005. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
    Sen, Raja (September 5, 2006). Readers' Pick: Top Bollywood Actresses. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
  8. ^ Exceptional roles in Hollywood acceptable : Priety. Entertainment. The Hindu (September 20, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-11-06.
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Cinema of India
Industries: Assamese • Bengal • Bollywood • Karnataka • Kollywood • Malayalam • Marathi • Punjwood •Tollywood


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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zinta, Preity}} [[Category:1975 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Indian film actors]] [[Category:Indian models]] [[Category:People from Shimla]] [[Category:Telugu actors]] [[Category:Rajputs]] [[Category:People from Himachal Pradesh]] [[Category:Filmfare Awards winners|Zinta, Preity]] [[bn:প্রীতি জিন্তা]] [[bg:Прити Зинта]] [[cy:Preity Zinta]] [[da:Preity Zinta]] [[de:Preity Zinta]] [[es:Preity Zinta]] [[eo:Preity Zinta]] [[fa:پریتی زینتا]] [[fr:Preity Zinta]] [[hi:प्रीति ज़िंटा]] [[he:פריטי זינטה]] [[hu:Preity Zinta]] [[mr:प्रीती झिंटा]] [[nl:Preity Zinta]] [[no:Preity Zinta]] [[pl:Preity Zinta]] [[pt:Preity Zinta]] [[ro:Preity Zinta]] [[ru:Прити Зинта]] [[sq:Preity Zinta]] [[sv:Preity Zinta]] [[tt:Preity Zinta]] [[tg:Притӣ Зинта]] [[uk:Прити Зинта]]