As the sun casts its early morning golden hues over the Martinez pool , the scene is nothing short of cinematic. Here, amidst the soft sounds of the waves, Preity G Zinta, a beacon of talent and elegance in the world of cinema, meets with acclaimed star photographer Greg Alexander for an exclusive photoshoot. The backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, known for its glitz and glamour, serves as the perfect setting for a conversation with Preity, whose grace and insights transcend the visual allure of her surroundings.
1. When you came in Cannes Festival for first time? What do you remember more?
I first came to cannes in 2006. I loved being there & seeing some wonderful movies. It’s the melting pot for global cinema and one of the biggest film festivals in the world. I remember very few people knew Indian cinema then compared to now.
2. You just made your comeback at the Cannes Film Festival after a gap of 17 years. How was your experience this time?
This trip was very hectic as I was filming back in India but I had a blast. I was very honoured to present the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Award 2024 to my dear friend n colleague, the brilliant & super talented cinematographer Santosh Sivan ASC, ICS.
3. After a little break you come back in work with the shootings for the Bollywood movie Lahore 1947. Tell us more about it.
Lahore 1947 is the story of a family among others during the independence & partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Its produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Mr. Raj Kumar Santoshi, who is one of the finest directors in India. It features Sunny Doel & Shabana Azmi among others.
4. What kind of roles are you looking forward to playing in the future?
I want to do roles that excite me, that are thought provoking & can be a beacon of hope to people today. I would also love to do a lot more of comedy, Action, and whatever moves me when I read script.
5. You are a very famous star of Bollywood! Which is the most important difference between the European movies or American blockbusters and the Bollywood industry except of the more colourful style?
I think the thing that differentiates us the most is music in our films. Music has always been a strong part of our culture and how we express ourselves. Besides that our stories mostly revolve around family, love and social issues. We don’t have too many science fiction films as compared to the West. Some of our films are very larger-than-life, escapist, and tailored for an audience that wants to go to a theatre to forget their life and situation and just be entertained. They want to see a larger than life world, full of hero’s and infinite possibilities far away from reality.
6. You had an experience in Canadian movies too. Can you tell us more about it?
I worked on a Canadian film called Heaven on earth with the claimed director, Deepa Mehta. All I can say is, it was one of the most difficult films of my career as it dealt with the tough topic of domestic violence in immigrant families.
7. During your career you had so many awards for your work around the world. Which was the most important for you and why?
I think the award that mattered the most was the “Mind of Steel Award” which was a Bravery Award in 2003. It was awarded to me for something I really believed in & for my integrity.
8. Many people don’t know about that but you are also a very successful businesswoman. You are the founder of the production company PZNZ Media and it’s unbelievable that the same time you are a co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Punjab Kings since 2008!
When I was a kid I loved reading books and dreamt of various different lives through those books. Somehow God was very kind to me and give me all the opportunities to fulfill my dreams as I got into movies and had the opportunity to play so many different roles. After a decade of working 16 hour days with very few days off I decided I needed a break from movies so I got into the other thing that excited and mattered the most to me which was sports. Cricket is the biggest sport in India. So when private cricket clubs were being launched in India with the IPL, which is the Indian Premier league, I decided to invest in it and be a part of it. That’s when my love affair with the Bussiness of cricket started. It was very tough in the beginning as I was the only female in an alpha male sporting world and the youngest owner in the IPL, but if it was that easy, then wouldn’t everybody do it? Launching my own production company, PZNZ media was just an extension of my love for the arts, so it felt right.
9. You became famous around the world when you debuted with your role as a teenage single mother in the film Kya Kehna. I always wonder how especially that period you decided to play this role? Especially in a place like India. I believe it’s a place that still keeps the role of family very active. But maybe it was very preservative for this move.
I loved the script of Kya Kehna and was very excited to be a part of it. A lot of people told me it would be professional suicide to debut with such an unconventional film. No one wants to see a teenage single mother in a first film so I took it up as a challenge. Moreover, I loved the idea of working the Kundan Shah. He was India’s finest directors, and I was really looking forward to working with him and learning from him.
10. Let’s go back and see some interesting moments from your life. Talking about your family, your parents the situation was not ideal as I know. What do you remember more from them?
I had the best childhood and the most loving parents.
Credits :
Starring Preity G Zinta @realpz
Photography Greg Alexander @gregalexanderofficial
Art director Sebastien Vienne @sebastienvienne
Hair & Makup Shahrzad Lozani @shery_hair_makeup_artist
Assistant Emmeline Yalaz @emmeline.yl
Coordination LDD Entertainment
Production Mephistopheles Productions @mephistophelesproductions
Blue dress
Over size architectural gown by LENA ERZIAK Haute Couture
MUMBAI RAIN NECKLACE & EARRINGS BY PAVIT GUJRAL
From this inspiration bloomed the exquisite Mumbai Rain Necklace, adorned with
over 2500 pavé set diamonds meticulously arranged to mirror the clarity and sparkle
of raindrops. Turquoise, a recurring motif in Pavit’s designs, gracefully encircles the
rain, imparting a mesmerizing effect that embodies her unique artistic vision.
Orange dress
Silk orange gown by INCLOVER
HUMMINGBIRD NECKLACEBY PAVIT GUJRAL
The Hummingbird Necklace holds a special place in the designer’s heart, as it
represents the first piece they created and manufactured in 2017. This exquisite
jewelry piece serves as a reminder to cherish life’s small pleasures, revered as
symbols of healing, love, good luck, and joy, embodying the positive aspects of life
by highlighting the delight found in small moments.
The Hummingbird’s quest for sweetness symbolizes determination, inspiring you to
overcome obstacles and chase dreams. Its mesmerizing iridescence adds to its
enchantment and serves as the brand’s logo, chosen for similar meaningful
qualities.
Nude dress
Nude architectural gown with handmade feathers by LENA ERZIAK Haute Couture
WHITE DAISY NECKLACE & RINGBY PAVIT GUJRAL
Delicately textured with a special brush stroke, the back chain portrays the stem of
the flower, adding a touch of intricacy to the design. Embracing Pavit’s affinity for
vibrant hues, the lush green leaf of the Daisy showcases the captivating Tsavorite
Garnet, one of the designer’s favourite coloured stones.