Imtiaz Ali helps Preity take Paris to Prague

Who says filmmakers work in isolation and don't have the inclination to help their colleagues? Producer Preity Zinta has now got a big hand of support from Imtiaz Ali when her film needed additional location to complete her shooting. Thanks to Imtiaz's timely intervention, Zinta's crew leaves on Tuesday night for Prague to complete the shooting.

Preity Zinta's love story Ishkq In Paris needs some shooting outside Paris. We learn that the film is complete and has even been screened for selected preview audiences. But a portion of the climax remains incomplete. And the film's makers would need to recreate Paris in Prague since shooting in Paris is impossible.

This is where Imtiaz Ali, who shot his last film Rockstar extensively in Prague, came to Preity and her director Prem Raj's rescue. Says a source close to the project, "Imtiaz and his team know every bit of Prague. They helped Prem Raj find the exact location that would match with the unfinished shooting of the climax in Paris. The location that Imtiaz's team found for Preity is so similar that there would be not a moment of loss in continuity from Paris to Prague."

Director Prem Raj who was in a tearing hurry to wind up loose ends in Mumbai before heading for Prague on Tuesday said, "Yes, there is a portion of the climax that we couldn't shoot in Paris because we couldn't get the required permission. We tried hard, but in vain. So the film is complete except for one portion. We knew the topography in Prague was similar to France. And since Imtiaz Ali had shot Rockstar in Prague we got Imtiaz's team to help us find exactly the location we needed. I think we can shoot in Prague now without anyone guess where Paris ends and Prague begins."

Preity Zinta’s film "Ishq in Paris" shot on top of the Eiffel Tower

Preity Zinta's comeback film Ishq In Paris, which is her home production also, is expected to release on October 5.

Actor Preity Zinta’s film, Ishkq in Paris, includes a scene that was shot on top of the Eiffel Tower, and that too,  on a day that recorded the lowest temperature that Europe has seen in the past 65 years. As a result, Zinta had to brave the cold in designer couture minus any kind of winter wear and could not reschedule it, given that the locations is one of the most expensive places to shoot at.

Director Prem Soni confirms it. “We shot in Paris, which saw the coldest winter in 65 years. Apart from the fact that we withstood the weather and successfully shot there, we also managed to get permission to shoot at the Eiffel Tower and other iconic locations that very few manage to,” he says.

The film is Zinta’s debut production and is releasing on October 5, alongside Sridevi’s comeback movie, English Vinglish. But the actor is unperturbed with the competition. “I’m not here to compete. And to pull down someone to make your way up, is not my style,” Zinta reportedly said in the past.

First Look: Preity Zinta's 'Ishkq In Paris'

New Delhi: The first look of Preity Zinta's debut production 'Ishkq In Paris' is out and it has a postcard feel to it with picture perfect images set in Paris.'Ishkq In Paris', directed by Prem Soni, also features Arjun Rampal, French actress Isabelle Adjani and the new actor in the movie is reportedly TV actor Gaurav Chanana, who has been rechristened Rhehaan.

Is Shekhar Kapur flip-flopping on 'Ishqk in Paris' appearance?

Shekhar Kapur has done a special appearance in Kamal Haasan’s upcoming Hindi-Tamil spy thriller. There is buzz that he will also be seen in another project that is set in Paris.

The project has Salman Khan feature in a song sequence. What added to the speculation was his presence at the shoot of the film. It was assumed that he was doing yet another cameo. So has the filmmaker been bitten by the acting bug yet again. Remember he began as an actor?

But Kapur laughs and says, “Not at all. I am not acting in the film. I only dropped in on the sets for a day. I am not acting in it.” But barely an hour after we asked him about his acting outing, the filmmaker stated on his microblogging site, “Had d pleasure of playing Isabelle Adjani’s husband. Even for 1 day it was a pleasure as I have been her ardent fan forever.”

The filmmaker had begun his B-Town innings as an actor before he wielded the directorial baton. In the ’70s and ’80s he was seen in films like Jaan Hazir Hai and Toote Khilone and also featured in the serial Udaan. As they say once an actor, always an actor! And actors preferred to be tightlipped about their role only for a few minutes.

By- Mid Day

Preity Zinta to be honoured at Venice Film Festival

Actress Preity Zinta will be honoured at the Venice Film Festival for bringing cultural harmony through her work.

The actress will be awarded the "World Diamond Group Platinum Award for Peoples? Friendship" at the Kineo "Diamanti al Cinema" event at the 68th Venice Film Festival for her contribution towards reconciliation and cultural harmony among people of different cultures.

Preity will be felicitated with a white olive tree, with its tree trunk sculpted off a block of Carrara hand-carved marble, and its branches and leaves fashioned out of 3,333 grams of platinum and 3,003 diamonds - 2,503 marquise cut and 500 new 82 facets round cut - adding to a total of 366 carats.

Before leaving for the festival, an excited Preity posted on microblogging site Twitter Friday: "Its time 2 say goodbye 2 French Fries and Hi 2 French Fashion ! Yess... I will leave 4 Venice Film Festival Tomorrow. So excited."

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20110183408&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=131115&cp

Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor make up

Preity Zinta and Kareena Kapoor have finally decided to put past differences aside and try to be friends.

While Preity has gone public with her praises for the Bodyguard actress via a social networking site, Kareena too chose to compliment Preity on her sweet and genuine nature.

Preity tweeted: Just saw BODYGUARD! Salman U n Kareena Rock! Its FAB & the action is AMAZING ! All da best This one is full Paisa Vasool :)

The gesture obviously comes a surprise, since it was Preity who had once at a Diwali party hosted by Akshay Kumar in 2008, snubbed Kareena publicly. In fact, the rivalry started when an unsuspecting Zinta commented on the 'new lot of actresses' in those days - a list that included Kareena.

The rivalry intensified when Preity was chosen for Karan Johar's Kal Ho Na Ho, to play a role that was initially offered to Kareena. A war of words followed between the actresses. In fact, on Karan Johar's chat show, Kareena made it clear that she was not too fond of Preity. Preity on the other hand, said that Kareena only acknowledged her in Karan's presence.

Both actresses seem to have moved on from their warring days. On Sunday night, Preity was a part of Salman Khan's exclusive show of Bodyguard at YRF Studios. On Monday morning, the actress praised both the lead actors Salman and Kareena for their performances in the film. Needless to say, Kareena is rather pleased with this gesture.

When contacted, Kareena said, "I am really flattered with Preity's compliment. She is really sweet and very genuine as a person. She always speaks her mind so I know whatever she wrote was heartfelt.

Akshay Kumar on Preity Zinta's chat show

Preity Zinta invited good friend Akshay Kumar for the first episode of her chat show to be aired soon on UTV Stars.

The actress is trying few new things these days. She announced her chat show just after starting her own home production. The actress is pretty much busy setting up things in her own way. Interestingly her friends are helping her too in her new venture.
Akshay Kumar who is dear friend of Preity decided to be the first one on her new chat show. The actress was glad to know that Akki managed to be on the show despite his tight schedule. Preity who shot with Akki yesterday enjoyed the shoot. The duo has worked together in a couple of films like Sangharsh and Jaan-e-mann . Though the film didn't do well, the actors became very good friends.

According to a unit-hand Akki and Preity were like best buddies on the show. Apart from professional life the actress asked him some personal questions too and Akshay was a complete sport on the show. The uniqueness of this chat show will be Preity's casual attitude which should be loved by her fans.

Preity's chat show is not yet titled. The Show will be aired on UTV's new channel called UTV Stars. Preity's show will be the first program to be aired on the channel.

Preity Zinta turns babysitter!

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta turned babysitter for a day for her nieces and their friends. She says they had fun together.

"Spent the whole day babysitting my nieces & their friends! It was wonderful (as long as the ear plugs were on). Hats off to all babysitters," Preity wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

Meanwhile, the actress is busy brushing up her French language for her first Indo-French production venture " Ishq In Paris", where she plays the lead role.

Preity Zinta's first look in Ishq In Paris

After news started doing the rounds that Preity Zinta has been working out with Madonna's trainer in Los Angeles to get a svelte figure for her first home production Ishq In Paris, it now seems that the actress, who is back after a long hiatus, is making sure that she looks great on screen.

We hear that Preity recently did the first look test of her film with celebrity photographer Ashutosh Gupta.

 

Says a source, "Preity wants her first home production to look really stylish and that's why she wants to experiment with her look. She did the first look test at a house in Los Angeles."

Shilpa Shetty: Party hearty

Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra are currently in Los Angeles partying up a storm.

Last week, Preity Zinta hosted a party in New York that was attended by them, apart from Dino Morea and girlfriend Nandita Mahtani, Harman Baweja and Sussanne Roshan.

The Kundras are in the US for a month long holiday, and the buzz is that the couple is there to finalise a Hollywood film deal. Watch this space!

Preity brushing up French for Ishq In Paris: Director

Director Prem Soni says that by the time the shooting of Ishq In Paris starts, lead actress Preity Zinta would have got her French absolutely right. He also says that in spite of the costs involved, there was no other city he would have shot the film in.

"Ishq In Paris", an Indo-French project, is Preity's first production venture and she plays a half-Indian half-French girl who falls in love in one of the most expensive cities in the world to shoot in.

"From the start, we were very sure that Preity would get her French absolutely right with the correct accent and pronunciation. We did not want to dub her French dialogues. By the time we start shooting, I am dead sure Preity will know as much French as any native and speak the language fluently enough to pass off as a Frenchwoman," said Soni.

He thinks there's something distinctly French about Preity's looks and added: "So many people have commented on how French she looks. I couldn't have cast anyone else in the role."

So expensive is Paris to shoot in that Sanjay Gadhvi had to shelve his Katrina Kaif-Imran Khan romance "7 Days In Paris" due to the costs involved.

"I'm aware of this. But for 'Ishq In Paris', it was always Paris or nothing. I couldn't locate this love story anywhere else. I started writing the script two years ago. From the start I was sure it had to be Paris or nothing," says the director who spent his formative years in Spain.

Though the director doesn't want to reveal this, there will apparently be two different versions of the film - one for the Indian and the other for the international market. 

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110179503&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=117468&cp

Sonakshi replaces Preity as the brand ambassador of D'Damas

After the success of ‘Dabangg’, Sonakshi Sinha is riding high. She has grabbed many endorsement deals and has also snatched many brands from established actors. Lately, she has replaced Preity Zinta as the brand ambassador of a renowned jewelry brand D,Damas.

“Sonakshi Sinha is the face of the new Indian woman who is confident, versatile and has got tremendous self-belief. She has the charisma, grace, beauty and the attitude that goes perfectly with the brand image,” said RK Menon, COO, of the jewellery brand.

The 23-year-old speaks about her association with the brand, "I connect with D`Damas because I personally live each moment to the fullest and believe in celebrating life. D`Damas adds celebration to both ordinary and even the everyday special occasions," said Sonakshi.

'Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta patch up'

Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta kept their distance from each other after their split two years ago.

It was only natural. However, as they are also business partners (co-owners of the IPL team) they remained cordial. The interaction was more formal than friendly. But that has changed now. They are over the awkward phase after a break-up and have been ready to be friends again. The duo were spotted partying. They seemed totally relaxed and comfortable in each other's company. They have also been hanging out with mutual friends, which they'd stopped doing after they parted ways. Says an insider, "Things had become weird for a while. They'd decided to make a joint statement of their break-up, but things didn't go as planned. Preity was at a party when she was asked about Ness' whereabouts. Known to be frank, the actress blurted out that she had no clue. This instantly aroused the curiosity of her friends who were present and Preity admitted to them that she and Ness weren't dating anymore.

The news spread like wild fire and became the talk of the town the next day. Ness was upset because it was thrown at him out of the blue. He felt betrayed. He felt her declaration of 'I am single' was unnecessary, while she felt there was no point in putting up an act in front of friends when they weren't together anymore. They argued over this, and things soured between them. But now they are letting bygones be bygones. Like any mature adult would. Yes, ex-es can be friends. End of a relationship doesn't have to always end with the one-time lovers hating each other for life.

Preity Zinta has tiff at airport

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team, was engaged in a tiff with Chandigarh airport officials Thursday when she was stopped for a security check, an official said.

Zinta, who had to board a Delhi flight, was stopped by an official of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who asked her to show her identity proof. Zinta declined, leading to a heated argument between the actor and the security officials deployed there.

H.S. Toor, airport director, said: "There is nothing wrong in it and the CISF official was only doing his duty. But Zinta was adamant and she wanted to proceed without showing any identity proof."

"However, things were sorted out soon. Later Zinta showed her identity proof and she was allowed to proceed," he added.

However, officials of KXIP denied any such incident.

KXIP had beaten Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League match at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali Wednesday.

I'm enjoying being single: Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta was spotted with a phirang at a party on Wednesday night. This is the second time in a fortnight that the actress had stepped out with him.

Naturally, speculation is rife if the actress is dating again. Post her break-up with Ness Wadia, the actress hasn't been involved with another guy. Preity told TOI, "I'm am single and the man you are talking about is Paul, a producer. I was with Ambika Hinduja too at the party.

I don't know why people ask me questions whenever they see me with a man. I will flaunt my man when I'm actually seeing someone. As of now, I'm enjoying my singledom." Mystery solved.

Yuvraj's still a friend: Preity

The IPL season kicks off in less than a month and there are a lot of changes this season. 

 One of them is that Yuvraj Singh will now bat for his new team from Pune and not for Preity Zinta's Punjab team. The actress and her players return to IPL 4 with a brave face, but the fact is that they've lost out on quite a few of their old players.

They finished bottom in the last season and with no marquee players in the team this time, everyone is wondering about their game plan. They sure will miss Yuvraj, Irfan Pathan and Bret Lee. However, the spunky Preity is not bemoaning the loss of any. When asked whether she'll miss Yuvraj, she shoots back, "Why is it always one way? He also has lost out on us. We are still friends and I wish Yuvi well. In fact, I was really happy to see him perform well in the last match that India played in the World Cup."

They occupied the wooden spoon last year but Preity is hopeful of a turnaround in 2011. "I think we should do well. If I were to play, I would come first! As long as I am not playing, I can't really comment. Not that I ever chose players for the team, but I certainly conveyed my opinion. If they wished, they agreed with me and if they didn't, they didn't."

There were murmurs of the actress packing her bags and winding up her IPL sojourn by selling off the team, but PZ stresses, "We were going to offload some stake, but not the entire team. I will never go out of it completely. To me, it's my baby that I have worked hard on and given my life to. I just can't wash my hands off it. Now it's settled and in its own zone. Let me not get stressed out about those issues."

Yes, let's not add to her stress as she readies herself for her TV debut with Guiness World Records Ab India Todega.

I'm not a B or C grade actress: Preity

Preity Zinta, 36, talks about her television debut and having survived a difficult personal phase 

What convinced you to accept the offer to host Guinness World Record Ab India Todega?
(laughs) It is a record breaking show. I have been getting TV offers for the past five-six years. I didn't have time. Nothing grabbed my attention then.

Talk shows are too personal because so much about your own life emerges through them. I am an adventurous person and when I heard about this show, I had to give it a shot.

All your friends from the industry (Shah Rukh, Salman, Abhishek, Amitabh) have hosted TV shows. Did you ask them for tips?
They told me to relax and be myself. Whoever met me said do what you want.

When will you return to the big screen?
You will see me in movies this year.

Why have you turned down scripts in the past few years?
I was busy over the past six months with the court cases and the fights with BCCI. Before the IPL, I can shoot for the show. IPL follows, and then I will take a month off before shooting for my film.

You made a successful transition from acting to entrepreneurship.
Earlier, I never had the courage to try something completely different. Once I was at the top of my game and opportunity came, I said, 'I want to try this.' I could have done it a bit differently by doing one film a year at least. But I got so consumed by various things that I did not have time for anything else.

Are you in touch with people from the industry?
Of course. I always meet filmmakers who call me for script narrations and politely say, 'Not right now, later'. I listen to every script and that's why they have always been nice to me. You can never forget where you have come from and the people who have helped you get there.

Have you refused any exciting projects?
I have said no to most of the major releases that have done extremely well. It is not in my personality to say I was offered this and that.

Any regrets?
None. In the past 10 years, I have done big films, given big hits. I was never a B grade or C grade actress. I started with Dil Se. I am the only actress in my generation to have worked with Yash Chopra. I have been very lucky. I have never seen crazy failures in films. I did see a difficult side of life personally and it has made me tougher, stronger and smarter. I hope.

When your IPL team Kings XI Punjab came under the scanner, how did you deal with the allegations?
There were allegations against all the teams. We emerged clean, and had the court to back us. After all these investigations and after people pointing fingers at us, we went to court and won fair and square. I would have died of a heart attack if I had been accused of something that I have never done in my life.

Did you discuss issues with your business partner Ness Wadia?
I was in discussion with all my partners and there is no one in particular that I turned to.

What's your involvement with the Kamal Amrohi property case?
I am not anybody's legal heir, nor am I inheriting anything from anybody. I have a lot of respect for him and he is a gentleman. He was in a lot of trouble and I helped him. He asked me to help him. But people blew up the story. The only inheritance I will ever get is from my father.

But he publicly said he wants to give you his property.
Well, yeah! But I haven't taken anything from him.

Are you in touch with Ness?
Why is he so important to everybody? It was over between us two years ago and you should let it be.

Is there a new man in your life?
No, not right now.

Have you turned celibate?
(Laughs) No, I am normal. If I meet someone, I am happy to have a chat. But I am not seeing anyone in particular right now.

Would you want to marry soon?
Of course! I am like anybody else.

Preity Zinta hits back at Media

Mumbai, March 7 -  Preity Zinta, is one such bold and daring film stars of Bollywood, who never loses courage, to voice her honest opinions on issues. Even if her opinions, breed controversies, Preity never dreads about such situation and manages it well. A few days back, when Preity went to visit Shirdi, she had to come back hurriedly, instead of peacefully praying due to media’s interference. Obviously, she did not expect so much rush and “commercialisation” of the pilgrim town, where celebs who visit the shrine to pray, are bothered by media.

 

She was very upset with media, and even tweeted about it. We hear about cat fights between Bollywood actresses, but Preity seems to opt out for a different kind of tiff. She is disturbed by media, who makes big fuss. But, being an actress herself, and working in front of the camera for several years, why Preity does not enjoy media attention, is a question.

On that particular day, after returning from Shirdi, Preity tweeted that she cannot understand why is media entertained in the pilgrim town, where people go to pray, and get blessings from God! A temple trustee wanted to take a photograph with her, and all this resulted in a ruckus. Instead of praying in front of Sai Baba, Preity had to deal with media.

She added that, not all celebs go to shrines to seek media attention, some really go for praying. And to disturb anyone while they pray, even if he or she is a film star, is what Preity calls ‘Bad Karma’.

Preity can't pray with paparazzi

That Bollywood is superstitious is well-known. Our actors and actresses are a devout lot, dedicated to their Gods.

This was therefore an endearing image. But actress Preity Zinta didn't think so. She wanted her privacy with the Almighty. She organized a VIP darshan to be blessed by Sai Baba. But on noticing shutterbugs in the room, Preity got a bit freaked.

She quickly put her pallu on her face. "She was looking lovely in a maroon salwar kameez but the moment she saw photographers trying to click her, she got very, very upset. She put up her right hand very close to the cameras, so that she could block the view. The cameramen were shocked."

"Aap log please yahan se chale jao. Mujhe akela chhod do," said the actress, still grappling with her breakup from Ness Wadia and her long-standing absence from the big screen.

And before the shutterbugs could respond to her anger, Preity covered her face fully and began praying. Wonder if it is a comeback (and love) that she was praying so hard for.

Preity bored of playing bubbly babe

" I can't be doing the bubbly dimpled babe all my life," said Preity Zinta on making her long-awaited comeback to the silver screen and this time she is venturing out of her comfort zone .

The actress is all geared up to star in Mahesh Manjrekar's film, White, which is a hard-hitting drama about a woman, who goes through several shades of dark and light experiences, right from her 20s to her 60s.

Apparently when Preity read the script she was ecstatic. She teased Manjrekar and asked, "Why me? Why not Tabu who is your favourite actress?"

Reportedly, Manjrekar, who cast Tabu in Astitva (2000), believes the role in White would be too easy for her and so, he is setting himself a challenge casting an actress with a bubbly, rom-com image in an edgy, dramatic role.

Zinta refrained from commenting on Manjrekar's offer and simply said, "At this stage of my career I need new challenges. Luckily, directors can see beyond my chirpy I'm-so-happy image."

The last we saw Zinta in a not-so bubbly role was in 2008, when she played a battered wife, in Deepa Mehta's Heaven on Earth.

Manjrekar, who had not directed a Hindi film for five years, made a comeback last year with the gritty City Of Gold. He is currently shooting for Anees Bazmi's Ready in Bangkok. When asked about his project with Zinta, he tells us, "I'll finalize the project when I return to Mumbai."