Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherji, and Kareena Kapoor Khan were building their names to claim their spots as the top stars of the Hindi film industry when there was one name that had already claimed the throne. Back in the early and mid-2000s, there was an actress who had built her name and status in the film world with her diligence, dimpled smile and phenomenal acting. While she might not have been the highest-paid actress of her time, she was at the core of the biggest hits and most-talked-about films.
Yes! We are talking about none other than our very own, Preity Zinta. The actress was at the peak of her career and the biggest name in the film industry at the time. However, she was equally as strong-headed and stood her ground no matter who was on the other side. She not only challenged the underworld but was possibly the only actress to refuse Rs. 600 crore.
Preity Zinta once refused a Rs. 600 crore gift
Let us take you back to 2011, son of Kamal Amrohi, filmmaker, Shandar Amrohi was extremely fond of Preity Zinta and often referred to her as his daughter. However, things took a turn when Shandar announced that he would leave his wealth to Preity after his death instead of bequeathing it to his children. At the time, Shandar’s net worth was estimated to be around Rs. 600 crore. Surprised by Shandar’s revelation, Preity reached out to him and refused the offer.
However, it was in May 2011 when Sandar Amrohi, in an interview with Hindustan Times, revealed that he was hurt by Preity’s statement. He added that he was extremely senior to her and had met her for the first time when she was staying at the hotel, Mariott, with her then-boyfriend, Ness Wadia. Further in the conversation, he shared how Preity came to offer her support to him when he fell into a tiff with his siblings.
In the same conversation, he revealed that while he was not bothered about her being upset with him, Shandar had changed his mind about naming her in his will. However, interestingly enough, after Shandar Amrohi passed away in August 2011, Preity took his children to court over a Rs. 2 crore loan she had given the filmmaker to cover his medical bills. Shandar, in the conversation with Hindustan Times, was quoted as saying:
“I am very senior to her. I had met her first in the Mariott Hotel, where she was with her then-boyfriend Ness Wadia. I told her she seemed like a daughter to me and even sent her gifts. When I got into a tiff with my siblings, someone informed her that I was in trouble. She came to my house and gave me moral support. Mujhe uske naraaz hone se koi farak nahi padta.”
Preity Zinta once challenged the Mumbai underworld
Preity Zinta was only a 26-year-old and still finding her space in the film industry when she made the brave decision to speak up against Mumbai’s underworld links. Back in 2001, film producer, Bharat Shah was arrested for allegedly providing help to gangster, Chhota Shakeel in investing money in his film, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. While most top stars distanced themselves from the case, it was the young actress who stepped forward and testified in court.
Preity Zinta, in her testimony, revealed that she received calls from the gang and was asked to pay Rs. 50 lakh as extortion. However, Preity refused to follow the orders of a gangster. While many would believe the move by the actress was risky, what she did next would only speak to how fearless she was. The then-Union Home Minister, Lal Krishna Advani, reached out to Preity and asked her to take armed security, but she once again denied it. Later, the actress was honoured with the Godfrey Philips National Bravery Award.
Preity Zinta’s Bollywood career
Preity Zinta made her Bollywood debut with Mani Ratnam’s 1997 film, Dil Se in a supporting role. She later found her major break as the female lead in Kya Kehna and Soldier. However, the actress was here to make a name for herself and over the next decade, she dedicated her life to making it happen. She appeared in several hits, including Dil Chahta Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer Zaara, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, among others.
However, it was after 2007 that Preity Zinta started to take away from the film industry. Her appearance in the films became infrequent. She played lead roles in two English-language films, The Last Lear and Heaven on Earth, and did cameos in Heroes and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. However, by then, she had completely retreated from the film industry. The actress was only 32 years old and still considered one of the top stars in Bollywood.
Preity once again gave Bollywood a glimmer of hope about her return with her attempted comeback in 2013-14 with Ishkq in Paris and Happy Ending. However, that, too, was short-lived, and the actress once again stepped away from the film industry. Preity Zinta will soon make her comeback to the big screen with Lahore 1947. While the film was completed by August 2024, it has been pushed back from January 2025 to June 2025 due to post-production work. Preity is also the co-owner of the IPL team Punjab Kings (earlier Kings XI Punjab) since 2008. The actor is regularly seen at the team’s games every Indian Premier League.
Preity Zinta has truly been a fearless soul since the beginning of her career in the entertainment industry. Let us know what are your thoughts on the actress and her journey over the years.
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