Our heart skips a beat whenever we see the vivacious and gorgeous Preity Zinta. Wooing us since her debut in Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se (1998), she continues to win hearts even today, whether she’s on Twitter or on the field cheering for her cricket team. Preity’s million-dollar smile becomes even more radiant when she flashes her dimples and they’ve become something of a trademark of this perky actress.
Preity has always stood up against the wrong and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. In 2003, Zinta became the first recipient of Godfrey’s Mind of Steel Award, given to her for the Courageous Act of standing up against the mafia and she also recently spoke out against physical abuse. As the effervescent actress turns 41 today, we pick 41 reasons why we adore her and can’t wait for her on-screen comeback.
Preity had been officially appointed the goodwill ambassador of the Joint United Nations Programme in India. What’s more, she’s also actively involved in supporting the education of the girl child, as well as the welfare of widows and their children. From elegant Indian outfits in films like Veer-Zaara to smart and chic casuals in films like Lakshya and Dil Chahta Hai, Preity’s done it all.
One of the few actresses who helped change the on-screen perception of an Indian woman by portraying strong and individualistic characters, her portrayal of the emancipated modern Indian woman helped turn the tide for Indian cinema, especially with films like Lakshya and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. And of course, who can forget her superlative performance in Kal Ho Naa Ho?
Controversy dogged her at every step but the frank and fearless Preity has charged on through it all, whether it comes to court litigations or false accusations and rumors. Whether she’s one of the boys with Abhishek Bachchan and Bobby Deol or defying the norm that two actresses can never be friends through her strong bonding with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Preity puts her friends her first and we love that!
Her charming on-screen persona worked magic with every film and she’s had the most amazing chemistry with all of her co-stars. From Hrithik Roshan to Salman Khan and from Saif Ali Khan to Shah Rukh Khan, she brought a new spark to on-screen romances. Ruling over the small and the big screen, Preity’s stint as a judge on reality shows like Nach Baliye or as a host with shows like Up Close and Personal with PZ shows off her versatility and definitely upped the glamour quotient on television.
Happy Birthday, PZ!
