I love Preeti Desai but won't necessarily get married to her: Abhay Deol

Abhay Deol gets candid about his new movie choices, and future plans with girlfriend Preeti Desai

After the success of the very commercial Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, 'experimental' actor Abhay Deol has learnt it pays to step out of one's comfort zone.

So he's pushing the envelope further, ready to take on roles out of character and even do a Munni or Sheila if need be.

On the personal front, though, he's still not willing to 'toe the line' - while he proclaims he loves his girlfriend and wants to have kids too someday, marriage is certainly not on the cards for him.

For more on this and other startling revelations, read on...

You and Kalki are the odd ones out in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The others are commercial stars. Did that make you uncomfortable while shooting?
Once the camera is on, I forget what's mainstream and what's not. If I have made a choice with a film, it is because I think it'd suit me. As far as off-camera work goes, like promotions and stuff, I prefer to take the backseat. I'm not too good at that.

You're doing this interview, right?
Do I have a choice? But yes, who wouldn't want to talk about work that is being appreciated. I haven't really got a response like this before, but people have started to call me 'cute'. Now that's new.

Well, this is the cleanest shaven we've seen you since Socha Na Tha...
I think you're referring to my 'I don't give a damn' look in Dev D. The brief for this one was the geeky boy-next-door. I'm glad it worked.

But this one was certainly far from the experimental work we have seen you do...
There was a point when I worked in 10 different films with 10 new directors and was happy about it. But now, I'm a little tired of taking chances. In fact, now I've decided to do an item number soon.

Hope you've taken tips from Katrina.....
No, I'll take tips from Genelia. She's my next heroine.

So you'd be glad if the Yashrajs and Dharmas of the world come knocking at your doorstep?
What makes you think they haven't already? All I'm looking for is a good script.

You are one actor who's known for the choices you make. Why would you want to follow the flock?
This is a part of the choices I make. A hit like ZNMD will give my next film Shanghai, which is not an out and out masala film, a huge nudge.

We also hear you're all set to bid goodbye to bachelorhood pretty soon...
I'm very happy in my current relationship with Preeti Desai, and I couldn't ask for more. I would love to settle down, but not necessarily get married.

I don't understand why it's a mandate. And I'm quite sure my kids would understand.

Abhay Deol and Preeti Desai to get engaged

Abhay Deol is set to give his long-time relationship with former Miss Britain, Preeti Desai, an official tag. BT has learnt from reliable sources close to the couple that they are planning to get engaged in a private ceremony soon.

A friend of the couple said, "Preeti and Abhay are with each other around the clock, despite having separate addresses. There has been a death in the family (Dharmendra's elder sister passed away) and that's why they are not rushing their engagement. When the family overcomes the sorrow, Abhay and Preeti will exchange rings, maybe later this month or in June."

The source adds, "Abhay and Preeti have great compatibility. Both are impulsive, fun-loving people who love to travel and enjoy. They don't have a big circle of friends and they like it that way."

Abhay's girl, Preeti has her lip sealed

The girl we all know as Deol's girlfriend, Preeti Desai, speaks up about her relationship, inhibitions and more.

Tinsel townies call her Abhay Deol's girlfriend. Media reports suggest she is living-in with the actor. Even wikipedia under 'personal life', says she is 'in a romantic relationship with actor Abhay Deol'. But the Miss Britain turned bollywood actress, Preeti Desai still is far from admitting. In a brief tete-a-tete, the Shor In The City actress tells us about her boyfriend, inhibitions and more.

Some say Abhay Deol got you to Bollywood. How did it really happen?
My parents are Gujarati and I have grown up seeing a lot of Hindi films. Winning the Miss Great Britain title opened my doors to Bollywood.

But you are dating Abhay Deol...
That's a very personal question.

Admit it...
At this point of time, I shall neither deny nor accept that I am dating Abhay Deol.

So tell us about your role in Shor In the City ?
I play Sendhil Ramamurthy's love interest. This movie just fell in my lap. I had just one meeting with the directors, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D K, and they confirmed that I was on. I didn't even meet the producer Ekta Kapoor before I was finalised.

Are you meeting up filmmakers for more roles?
Not really. I want to wait for the feedback to Shor In The City. Also, I am going to improve my Hindi diction before I concentrate on a career in the industry. But yes, I of course, want to do a lot of Hindi films.

Did your parents object to your decision to work in Bollywood?
No. In fact, they were very supportive. My mum is expected to arrive in India a few days before Shor In The City hits the big screen.

Are you okay with kissing and lovemaking scenes?
Big deal! If the script of a film demands it, why not?

There are also some topless pictures of you on the Internet. When were they clicked?
Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai. Internet is one place jahan kuch bhi hota hai. You don't have to believe everything you see on the Internet..

Mumbai or England?
Difficult question. It's like asking someone to choose between his/her two kids. There I have my parents, sister and dogs (pauses) and here.... (pauses again)

And here you have Abhay Deol. In fact, you both are living-in...
(Laughs) No comments.

Preeti Desai and Sendhil sizzle on-screen for ‘Shor- In the City’

London, March 11 -  Preeti Desai, who won the Miss Great Britain tile in 2006, is all set to make a bold debut in the Bollywood. Preeti is a British-Indian, and was the cover girl of “Cosmopolitan”, “L’Officiel”, “Grazia”, “G2″ magazines. In India, she has done several television commercials for Cadbury, LG, Hero Honda, Citibank, Nokia. Sendhil Ramamurthy, better known as geneticist Mohinder Suresh of “Heroes”, will be seen opposite Preeti in the film. 

Sendhil’s origin is Kannada and Tamil, but he is born and brought up in Chicago. He has acted in films like “Love & Debate”, “Blind Dating”, “Orient Express”, “Little India”. Sendhil also starred in television programs “Ellen”, “Casualty”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Ultimate Force”, “Numb3rs”. 

 

Preeti’s launch pad in Bollywood is a Balaji’s film named “Shor In The City”. It is a thriller drama based on the urban scenario. Three stories acted in the film, are loosely interrelated. 

Preeti and Sendhil have shot a love-making scene for the film very passionately without any shyness. The director Raj Nidimoru and Krishna, shot the particular scene twice, to make it more passionate. 

The film won appraisal from international film festivals. But, as this film is going to be released in India, on April twenty eighth, Preeti wants the love-making scene to be downsized. But, may be in the final version the scenes wont be clipped.