Preity Zinta, a name synonymous with a bubbly personality, infectious smile, and iconic dimpled cheeks, marks her 49th birthday today. Over two decades, she has carved a niche in the Indian film industry, beginning her Bollywood journey in 1998 with a supporting role in Mani Ratnam’s “Dil Se”. This marked the inception of a prolific career, further bolstered by her Filmfare Award-winning debut in the thriller “Soldier”. Besides her cinematic achievements, Preity is also a successful entrepreneur, co-owning the Indian Premier League cricket team Punjab Kings.
Her early successes in films like “Kya Kehna”, “Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega”, and “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke” set the stage for a series of hits. With “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Salaam Namaste”, Preity’s versatility shone through. Her roles in “Veer Zaara” and “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” further solidified her status as a leading actress in Bollywood.
On her 49th birthday, let’s delve into some of Preity Zinta’s best movies:
- Mission Kashmir (2000): A film that delves into themes of terrorism and its impact on children, featuring a star-studded cast including Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt.
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Directed by Farhan Akhtar, this film explores the romantic lives of three friends, with Preity playing Aamir Khan’s love interest. The movie won two National Film Awards and was critically acclaimed.
- Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002): Preity’s portrayal of Shalu, a woman grappling with her identity, earned her critical acclaim despite the film’s commercial failure.
- Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003): Preity won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in this heartwarming drama, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan.
- Veer Zaara (2004): In this epic romance directed by Yash Chopra, Preity starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan, playing a Pakistani politician’s daughter. The film was a massive success and became the highest-grossing film of the year worldwide.
Preity Zinta’s journey in Bollywood is a testament to her talent and resilience. As she steps into her 49th year, fans eagerly await her upcoming projects and continue to cherish her contributions to Indian cinema.
