(Hindi: प्रीति ज़िंटा. Pronunciation: born January 31, 1975)[1] is an Indian film actress. She has appeared in Hindi cinemas of Bollywood, as well as Telugu and English language movies. A criminal psychology graduate, 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, and was later recognised for her performance as a teenage single mother in Kya Kehna. Following this, she went on to display her range as an actress by portraying a diversity of characters, subsequently 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. She was later noted for her portrayal of independent, modern Indian women in Salaam Namaste and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, overseas top grossers.[5] Zinta thus has established herself as a leading actress of Hindi cinema.[6][7][8]

In addition to being an actress, Zinta is 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
[edit] Early life and background
Born on January 31, 1975 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Zinta hails from a Hindu Rajput family of Rohru in Shimla district.[10] Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an officer in the Indian Army. Durganand died when Zinta was thirteen in a car accident; the accident also involved her mother, Nilprabha, who was severely injured 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, 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] As a child groomed in an army household, she 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 in the boarding school, she would later say that it was compensated by her having "...perfect set of friends" there.[12][13] As a student, she developed a love for literature, particularly William Shakespeare and poetry, and even tried writing poetry herself.[12] According to Zinta, whilst she liked studies, she enjoyed spending time outside, 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 pursued an advanced programme in psychology.[14] Although she earned a degree in criminal psychology, Zinta later 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, and she was selected. Afterwards, she appeared in other catalogs and commercials, such as that of Liril.[11][14]


[edit] Early career (1998–2000)
In 1997, Zinta met director and producer Shekhar Kapur 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 started shooting for Kundan Shah's Kya Kehna, the release of which was delayed until 2000.[15] The delay of another film, Soldier, meant that her first release was Dil Se (1998) opposite Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. Introducing Zinta as Preeti Nair, a middle class Delhi girl and Khan's fiancee, the film was considered to be an unusual launch for a newcomer, as her role called for twenty minutes of screen time.[15] However, she was eventually noticed for her role, particularly for the forthright character she played.[11] Her scene with Khan, which had her asking him, "Are you a virgin?", became well known and her portrayal earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award nomination.[15] She next played her first leading role in the action drama Soldier, which was one of the 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 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 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, 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.[11]


[edit] Breakthrough (2000–2002)
Zinta's first release in 2000 was the drama Kya Kehna, which unexpectedly turned out to be 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 as well as film critics.[11][15] Her portrayal of a teenage single mother who fights societal prejudice earned her a number of award nominations, including her first nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare
Later that year, she 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, as seen through the eyes of Aaltaf, played by Roshan. Zinta's role was that of Sufiya Parvez, a TV reporter and Aaltaf's childhood love. 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."[18] It was an economic success, becoming the third highest grossing film of the year in India.[19]

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, the film tells the story of three friends, with Zinta playing a young woman and Khan's love interest, Shalini.[20] Rediff.com wrote of Zinta that she "is beautiful and vibrant, wavering between endearingly naive and confused..."[21]

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 (see below). The film was one of the first Bollywood movies to handle the issue of surrogate childbirth.[22] 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."[23] 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.During 2004-2007, Zinta has 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 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.[92] Later that year, Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar represented Bollywood at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, to promote Johar's then forthcoming Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which had Zinta in one of the leading roles.

Zinta used to visit her native town Shimla when not busy in shooting. In 2006, Zinta moved into her own home in Mumbai.[66] 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."[67] 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.[68]

Zinta has been the subject of several controversies.[69] In 2003, as a witness in the Bharat Shah case, Zinta testified against the Indian Underworld. Bharat Shah, the financer of the Zinta-starrer Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, was arrested in 2000 for having connections with Chhota Shakeel, a Mumbai underworld boss.[70] 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.[71] After her testimony, she was given witness protection and was forced to stay out of the public eye for two months.[72] Thirteen other witnesses before her, including celebrities Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, were witnesses in the case but retracted their earlier statements.[73] Zinta was the only witness not to have turned hostile to the prosecution;[73] her courage to testify was appreciated by the nation.[74] 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.[74] 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".[75] Since 2006, Zinta has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards

The tabloids have often linked Zinta romantically with other Bollywood stars, but she has strongly denied these rumours.[76] 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, Zinta proclaimed that she cherished "...very, very fond memories of the times we were together and I'd like to keep it to that."[77] Zinta has been dating the Bombay Dyeing heir, businessman Ness Wadia since February 2005.[78] Their relationship is frequently reported on in the media, and is often subject to press speculation of a possible engagement.[79] In December 2006, another controversy featured Zinta when 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.[80] 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.[80]

In March 2007, Zinta was 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.[81] Although initially silent on this issue,[81] on further 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."[81] 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.[82] Thereafter, the controversy came to an end

Zinta is particularly known in the Indian media for her straightforwardness and 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.[3][9] 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".[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.[72]

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",[84] "Bollywood's Best Dressed Women"[85] and "Woman of Many Faces".[86] In September 2006, she was ranked 41st by the UK magazine Eastern Eye as one of "Asia's Sexiest Women".[87] Zinta is the first Indian actress to be featured on the cover of the first issue of the Marie Claire magazine to be sold in India.[88]

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 was cross-examined as a chief witness in January 2007.[89] She said on the issue, "I felt humiliated as it spoiled my reputation and character in public". She explained that she had received disparaging phone calls from impostors stating that they were Salman Khan, and that she had been repeatedly questioned in a derogatory fashion by the media regarding this issue.[90] Zinta further stated that the ruckus 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