Maybe it's because she was one of the first actresses who I became acquainted to when I started watching Bollywood films, but Preity has remained one of my favorite actresses. In celebration of her sizzling item number in Main aur Mrs. Khanna, I thought I would list a couple of reasons why she'll always remain one of my favorite leading ladies.
#1. She bold, she's brassy and she speaks her mind, especially regarding social injustice and woman's rights. I love this article on the effect of "eve teasing" in India and the influence of media and the entertainment industry on how woman are to be perceived.
#2. She's not afraid to take on non-traditional roles. Though she started her career with more conventional characters, we've seen her expand her repertoire to include an unwed mother, a surrogate serving prostitute, an ambitious working woman who puts her career before her family), and a more recent foray into parallel cinema.
#3. She has an undeniable girl-next-door quality about her that makes her seem approachable and down to earth. She definitely not afraid to put on a pair of jeans and get into the thick of things.
#4.Veer-Zaara
This has to rank as one of my favorite Preity movies. Her portrayal of the vibrant and intensely loyal young Pakistani woman was completely heartbreaking and tragic and wonderful at the same time!
#5. She's got a head for business...
One of the few woman who have entered the field of entrepreneurship with her IPL team, Kings XI Punjab, she says she's tried to be involved in every aspect of running a team from ticket sales to promotion. I say, you go girl!
#6. ...And a body for sin.
There's no doubt that Miss Zinta is absolutely stunning. Here's her song from Main aur Mrs. Khanna.
#7. Her humanitarian work.
Besides being an advocate for women's causes, her list of causes is quite long. AIDS awareness drives, blood donation and Red Cross Society, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the list goes on.
#8. She's brave and stands up for what right.
She made history as the first Bollywood film star to give evidence as a witness in the Bharat Shah case where she testified against the Indian mafia.
#9. That dimple!
Well, it is almost her trademark after all, and a huge contributing factor to that sweet image she tries so hard to shed. As a fellow "dimplelite", I say embrace it and go where it may lead you!
#10. Nache!
Even though it had it's pitfalls, I super love the dance off from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, ranking it as my absolute favorite dance off of all time.
September 9, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Favorite working actress FTW! I heart Preity for all the reasons you listed and more.
September 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Priety Zinta is gorgeous..lovely her bubbly character. She's truly different.
btw, her look in Happening is too much like Ash's in Kajra Re. Can't ignore the comparisons ;-)
September 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM
love* (not lovely, typo :D)
September 9, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I didn't used to like Preity and now I still haven't seen enough of her films to call myself a fan of her acting. But I ADORE her personality! Strong, independent, down-to-earth, and all around lovely girl! =)
There's something charismatic about her, and I think it's in her eyes.
Btw, I haven't seen JBJ before, but that song is awesome! And I want Lara's outfit. xD
September 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM
@ ajnabi - more? list away!
@ Bhargav - Even though it's one of my favorite songs, I only vaguely remember what Aish looks like in Kajra Re. I'll have to put it on and give it a watch and then I'll let you know if I find them similar.
@ rhilex - Thinking back on all of her movies, I think I like Preity the person a little more than Preity the actress, though there are several of hers that I watch over and over (though that could be do to them also starring my beloved Shah Rukh!).
If you decide to watch JBJ (and I would suggest you do just for the dancing and a very interesting Amitabh Bachchan appearance), be warned: it has a very liberal dose of cheese! (I still kind of love it though)
September 9, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Great post, Shell! I couldn't agree more, Preity really is fantastic - for a million reasons and more :)
Besides the things already mentioned, I especially enjoy the organic (can't think of a better word...) energy she shares with her co-stars in general, and Saif in particular ♥. She seems to really open up to the moment and what is. And I love how easy she is to relate to on screen. I admire her for being brave and talented, for not holding back and for embodying a unique balance between strength, vulnerability and softness.
I'm always looking forward to seeing more of Preity, because you never know quite what to expect - it's amazing how she keeps revealing new, intriguing aspects of her acting persona, while still keeping it unforced and true to her character. Her work always evoke genuine emotions in me as it comes across as very honest, intimate and believable.
What also fascinates me is how she manages to keep her strong integrity in her interactions with the media, without coming across as distant, evasive or cold.
Sorry about the wordy comment! Turns out it's impossible to put the essence of those million reasons into just a few paragraphs ;)
September 10, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Blimey. I can't say I've ever really needed a reason to love PZ.. but those a certainly great reasons.
Great post.
September 10, 2009 at 3:17 PM
@ Magdalena - your comment was not wordy at all. In fact, it was better written than my post! I hadn't thought about her relationship with the media. Are you looking forward to Har Pall (even with Shiney in it?).
September 10, 2009 at 3:20 PM
@ SSD - Thanks hon! You're probably right. Preity just shines!
September 10, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Like SSD, I never needed a reason to like her! She is just Preity and one loves her - especially when she floors you with a glimpse of those dimples! I wouldnt call her the-girl-next-door though. She is just too stylish and hawt for that!
September 10, 2009 at 9:51 PM
I didn't really attribute to Preity being all of that... but now that you say it... wow!! That IS alot to love!
September 11, 2009 at 7:36 AM
@ bollyviewer - Don't get me wrong, I think she can certainly class it up good, but she doesn't have to all the time (and that's the part that I contribute to girl next door)
Jules - and lots more reasons!
September 11, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Preity!!!
She has led me to watch some awful films, though... Have you seen the one where she is opposite Arjun Rampal? Dil Hai Tumharra or something.
Anyways, she was good in it... ;P
September 12, 2009 at 6:59 AM
Filmi Girl, I have Dil Hai Tumhara but I haven't watched it yet. I think I've liked her in every single movie I've seen so far, so I'll have to watch that one soon.
September 16, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Great Post Shell, you definitely love her, i love Preity too but i have to/ need to see more of her works and Happening is soooo happening i can't get enough of it its my favourite item number of the year so far
September 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Her roster is quite long isn't it? I've only really seen a fraction of her films so there may be some out there I don't like, but so far so good.
Happening gets better with each listen!