Beloved Bollywood actress Preity Zinta may have taken a step back from the limelight, but she continues to hold a special place in the hearts of her fans. She recently took to Instagram to share an endearing behind-the-scenes moment from the film that marked her entry into the Hindi film industry, ‘Dil Se.’
The snapshot featured Zinta during her very first scene on the movie’s set, accompanied by an anecdote that revealed director Mani Ratnam’s request for authenticity. The director, known for his attention to detail, desired that Zinta portray her character in the most natural light, prompting him to ask her to remove her makeup.
Preity Zinta elegantly narrated the exchange on her Instagram, “This picture was taken on the first day on the set of Dil Se. I was so excited to be working with Mani Ratnam sir & Shah Rukh Khan.” She detailed further, “When Mani sir saw me he smiled and politely asked me to wash my face…. ‘But sir… my makeup will come off,’ I said, smiling…. ‘That’s exactly what I want… Please wash your face….’ He smiled back. I thought he was joking …. Then I realized he was not !!!”
The memory is an ode not only to Ratnam’s directorial vision but also highlights the skills of Santosh Sivan, the Director of Photography, who Zinta credits for capturing her freshly washed face in the most beautiful light. It was a moment that Zinta fondly remembers, as she summed up, “So thanks to the amazing Santosh Sivan (our Director of Photography) I filmed with a freshly washed face and got away with it 🎥🤩🙏 I guess he shot me Dil Se.”
Released in 1998, ‘Dil Se’ was not just a milestone for Preity Zinta’s career but also a turning point that brought her significant attention and paved the way for many remarkable roles. Other than the outstanding debut in ‘Dil Se,’ Zinta was cast in ‘Soldier’ opposite Bobby Deol, winning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her career further blossomed with notable performances as a teenage single mother in ‘Kya Kehna’ and as Esha in ‘Koi Mil Gaya,’ co-starring alongside Hrithik Roshan. Yet, it is the role of Naina in ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ that continues to resonate with audiences, cementing her status as an eternal favorite.
While currently residing in Los Angeles with her husband Gene Goodenough, whom she married in 2016, Preity Zinta’s connection with her Indian roots remains strong. The couple became proud parents to twins, Jai and Gia, in 2021, and the actress often shares snippets of her life as a mother. Recently, Zinta uploaded an intimate photograph showing her lounging with her children, a moment filled with affection and small kisses that she described as priceless. “Best thing about rainy days… lazy afternoon naps full of little kisses from the little ones. There is no joy, no feeling and no love better than this,” she shared with the world.
Even as her appearances in films have lessened, Preity Zinta’s legacy in Bollywood is undiminished. Her ability to forge a strong connection with her audience through her performances has left an indelible impact. Her recent reflections on Instagram are more than reminders of her cinematic achievements; they’re testaments to the enduring nature of her roles and the authenticity she brings not just to her characters, but to her life off-screen as well. With this recollection, Preity Zinta has once again charmed her way into the hearts of her followers, proving that sometimes, the beauty of a memory can be as striking as the scene it captures.
