Arguably the only heroine in the world with just one dimple, she’s been on the showbiz scene for nearly a decade. Known for her frank and forthright views, the graduate in psychology has also become a champion of social causes in recent times. One of the most glamorous, well turned-out heroines, she is
much more than arm candy to the business scion Ness Wadia.
The actress of substance, Preity Zinta in conversation with Vajir Singh
What is at the top of your mind?
Right now? I’m very low because (sighs) I went through a huge emotional roller-coaster. I lost my doggy. Since Junior was sick, I had to avoid lot of work but now I’m back.
This year is going to be an exciting, in a week or two there should be an announcement about one of my forthcoming projects. I believe film producers should make the announcement, not me I strongly feel that my whole one big circle is over and a new one is starting this year.
Talk is that you’ve signed three films. And also that you’ve resolved not to do more than two films a year from now on.
Not really. I’m not sure.. it all depends on the project of course. If it grabs me, I’d go for it. I hope to go by my instinct.. (laughs) and wisdom. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I’ve completed one circle of my career, the second one’s taking off now.
The last two years of my life have been a bit difficult. I survived the tsunami while I was in Phuket..it’s taken me a while to come out of the trauma. I didn’t do many films. If I was doing two films a year, I reduced it to one. Now I’m in a different state of mind. That’s life, it keeps changing. One phase follows the other.
Are you contemplating serious cinema?
How serious do you expect me to get after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna? Look at my performance in any film and compare it with KANK. I had to do 16 retakes for my first shot.. Karan (Johar) was like— “Don’t move your head.. don’t do this.. don’t do that.”
He would expect me to just talk and focus on my eyes. After so many retakes, I thought I’ve forgotten acting but he said I only want you to move when you have a “fight” scene. Otherwise you have too much in your mind to move around.
You were criticised for your look in the movie. Weren’t you?
I wasn’t in India when the film was released. I got great reviews abroad. As long as people go and buy the ticket to watch my film, criticism is welcome.
The last two years of my life have been a bit difficult. I survived the tsunami while I was in Phuket..it’s taken me a while to come out of the trauma. I didn’t do many films. If I was doing two films a year, I reduced it to one. Now I’m in a different state of mind. That’s life, it keeps changing. One phase follows the other.
Are you contemplating serious cinema?
How serious do you expect me to get after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna? Look at my performance in any film and compare it with KANK. I had to do 16 retakes for my first shot.. Karan (Johar) was like— “Don’t move your head.. don’t do this.. don’t do that.”
He would expect me to just talk and focus on my eyes. After so many retakes, I thought I’ve forgotten acting but he said I only want you to move when you have a “fight” scene. Otherwise you have too much in your mind to move around.
You were criticised for your look in the movie. Weren’t you?
I wasn’t in India when the film was released. I got great reviews abroad. As long as people go and buy the ticket to watch my film, criticism is welcome.
As for my looks in the film, it suited the character. After I did my introduction scene in KANK, Karan asked me to do it again. He wanted my make-up to be more dramatic.
He said, “I’m not looking for a cute girl-next-door. I want a look which can tell Shah Rukh Khan, “Hey, like it or not but I’m the man of the house.” He thought that crucial scene would fall apart if I kept a sweet little face.
There was a phase in the shooting when I thought what’s happening? But after the movie, I was sure he was right. Filmmakers know, especially Karan.
Were you disappointed by the Jaane-mann flop?
I’m proud of the film and will be proud of it even ten years from now. Everyone has the right to like or dislike it. (Producer) Sajid Nadiadwala is a friend,working with him is a pleasure. And (director) Shirish Kunder tried to use the film’s medium in a different way .