PREITY ZINTA- Dazzling Dimpled Damsel

She's bubbly and effervescent and just a little mordant. An Indian actor who lights up the screen with her 1000 watt, energy and irresistible charm. Shot to fame as the refreshing, cool, wet model in Liril ad and the perk ad along with her dimpled smile which won the hearts of millions. Movies like 'Kya Kehna', 'Dil Se' and 'Soldier' won Preity much accolades and the box-office hits confirmed that she's here to stay. For the moment, though, she takes a break and speaks to Glimpse writer Munish Dhiman about her life and career with much ado.

How did modeling happen?

Well, modeling… umm, it all happened by chance. My friends used to persuade me to try my luck in modeling. Got offers easily and got featured in the 'Liril' and the 'Perk' ad.

Was there an actress in you since childhood?

No, never. In fact I was pursuing criminal psychology after completing graduation with English honours. It was luck only that drove me towards acting and I am here today. I went to pick up a friend's friend who had gone for some audition. It was all the destiny or luck that he couldn't make it through and I was selected for the same. And that's how I eventually made way to Bollywood.

So, where did you hone your acting skills from?

No where. I never went to any acting schools.

Great. Then there might be great influence of your idols upon you.

I am a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharam ji, Shri Devi and Madhuri Dixit.

Wasn't it difficult to make a place in the industry as a 'Newcomer'?

It was, particularly in the light of the forthright character.

Then…

Somehow I got a role in Mani Ratnam's 'Dil Se'. Later on 'Soldier' with Bobby Deol. That was a commercial movie and that worked too. I got role in 'Sangharsh' which was different. Then came 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Kal Ho Na Ho', 'Salaam Namaste', 'Jan-E-Mann', Veer Zaara and Salaam Namaste.

Which role of yours do you like the most?

I liked playing the role in Veer-Zaara. Before I got into movies I had heard about Yash Chopra. It was wonderful working with him. He is a great director and indeed a lovely human being.

Who are the actors you feel most comfortable working with?

Actually that's pretty tough to answer. I feel lucky that I have got all the comfort and support with everyone I have worked with. I am an easy person and get along with everyone unless there's something very wrong with somebody.

Do you have some notions about the tinsel town that broke when you entered Bollywood?

I actually realized the difference between real and reel. Smiles.

Now when you're in the profession what's acting to you and is there any role that you want to do?

I think acting is all about being insightful, picking from real life and putting into your character. It's not about the role! Nowadays it's about character. Hthat uis what makes you choose between roles in the movie. I believe it's important that you are convinced about your character. And regarding role, I have seen very less movies but after doing so many of them, I am looking for a chance to work in an action movie with a strong character, of course.

How do you spend you leisure time?

I like to spend my time for myself and don't like fans following me wherever I go. I love to party and do so all the time. Being an extrovert whenever I am free, I switch off my phone and hang out with my friends. Stardom is ok, but I am a very private person and I love my privacy.

What gives you goose-bumps?

I get goose-bumps whenever I see cricket and the ball goes up in the air thinking whether it'll be a six or catch.

Is there any problem that female actors face?

Yea! I think it's very competitive, I mean as a woman if you have to work for 24 hours a day you need to look as fresh as a flower in the morning. And guys can look all scruffy, and they are still macho and cool.

With so many people idolizing you how have you managed to stay so grounded?

Well, I just believe it's a job in the end of the day. I don't want to be an ex-film star who lives in the past, and I've seen a lot of that around. So it's very important you take it as a job, do it as a job and leave it as a job. Smiles.

So do you foresee yourself doing this for a long time?

I don't want to be acting until I have gray hair and I am colouring them and holding my wrinkles. And grandma for me, no never!

Has recession affected you anyhow?

Yes, it has. Not just me but everybody.

Is there something that came as a surprise?

Yea, 'Solider' turned out to be a blockbuster and I got an award for the role.

Are there any plans of diversion from acting to production or direction?

I have already diverted. I am producing 'Cricket'

So, venturing to Cricket was just because of the production only or you had some special interest in the game?

Frankly speaking I never saw Cricket, but I was always interested in sports. I loved to play a lot of sports and today I am happy and proud to be associated with Cricket.

What's the driving force behind you?

Hmmm… I think the will to excel and will to never say die spirit is the only driving force behind me.

And who's been most supportive in the family?

I lost my dad at a very early age. So my brothers and my mother took care of me. All of them have been really supportive in all of my decisions and

Your comments on the recent terror attacks on Mumbai?

The Mumbai terror attacks were the darkest 60 hours in the history of India. But Mumbai, known as the city that never sleeps, boasts of people who know how to fight back. People here are really amazing. Hats off to the courage, will and patience of the people who were trapped but still came out victorious. And I feel deeply helpless when I think about all those who died in the same. But we proved despite all the hardships that ‘We stand United- today, tomorrow, forever’.

With a curved smile that set things straight for her, we bid adieu to the charming lady wishing her success in the forthcoming ventures.