Salaam Namaste to Veer-Zaara, how bubbly Preity Zinta took over Bollywood. On Monday Masala
India Today
Preity Zinta turns 47 today, January 31. We dedicate Monday Masala to the actress who impressed us all with her happy-go-lucky persona in memorable films like Salaam Namaste, Veer Zaara, Lakshya, Soldier, and more.
It was in 1998 that Preity Zinta made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s Dil Se. Many knew that the dimpled beauty was a star in the making, given her charming personality and an affinity towards unconventional roles. She was set to begin her career with Kya Kehna, which dealt with the ‘unwelcome’ themes of premarital sex and a single teenage mother. Well, we hadn’t stepped into the 21st century then. You might say that we haven’t come too far, but that’s a topic for another day. Due to delays, Kya Kehna was released later than planned, but Preity was lauded for her bold choice and performance.
Over the years, Preity Zinta won us all with her bubbly character and gorgeous smile. As she turns 47 today, January 31, we dedicate Monday Masala to her most memorable performances.
While Dil Se was a Shah Rukh Khan-Manisha Koirala show, Preity Zinta managed to hold her own in her scenes. This was certainly a dream debut for the actress. The Mani Ratnam directorial venture showed a romance set against a political backdrop and has become a cult classic.
Did you know Preity Zinta had finished shooting for Soldier before Dil Se, even though it was released after the romantic thriller? Well, Preity looked beautiful and impressed everyone with her talent opposite Bobby Deol.
This was certainly a courageous choice Preity made. Directed by Kundan Shah, Kya Kehna starred her as a spirited teenager who falls for a playboy, essayed by Saif Ali Khan. She is shunned by her family and society when she becomes pregnant. But, she holds her head high and embraces motherhood. Bravo!
Preity Zinta shocked a lot of people by signing Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Her journey from being a prostitute to a surrogate mother in the film is worthy of applause. The 2001 film directed by Abbas-Mustan also starred Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji in lead roles.
Preity Zinta joined her first hero, Shah Rukh Khan, once again in Kal Ho Naa Ho. The actress made us fall in love with the introverted character Naina Kapoor, who finds joy and embraces life after meeting Shah Rukh’s Aman Mathur. The movie was an emotional ride. We admit it made us cry.
