Preity Zinta is one of India’s most celebrated actresses. She has appeared in both Bollywood and English-language movies. In addition to acting, she is a writer, stage performer and philanthropist. She is also a businesswoman and co-owns a top Indian cricket team. She is well-known for speaking her mind in public, often when it is dangerous to do so.

 

Zinta was born in 1975. The death of her Indian Army father was a major turning point in her life. She said she had to mature quickly. She remembers being a tomboy as a child. She loved English, especially Shakespeare, and graduated with an English degree. This was followed by a second degree in criminal psychology. Armed with these two degrees, she became a model.

 

In 1997, Zinta bumped into film-maker Shekhar Kapur, who instantly decided she had to be an actress. Her first leading role was in the action movie ‘Soldier’ in 1998, for which she won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. The ‘India Today’ newspaper said Zinta represented a new breed of Indian actors. Her screen success continues, as do the positive reviews from critics.

 

Zinta has been successful in all areas of her life. She has written for the BBC’s South Asia website about life as a female Indian. Her stage performances include a show in London’s Hyde Park in front of 100,000 spectators. She is also very strong-willed. She spoke out in court against the Indian Mafia and received an award for her bravery.