Preity Zinta, a well-known Bollywood actress, has earned respect throughout her career for her strong principles and fearless nature. Beyond her successful film career, Zinta has demonstrated remarkable courage and integrity in the face of adversity. She famously stood up against the Mumbai underworld and refused a substantial inheritance, solidifying her image as a woman of conviction.
In 2001, during the filming of "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke," producer Bharat Shah was arrested for allegedly having ties to gangster Chhota Shakeel. While many in the film industry distanced themselves from the case, Preity Zinta bravely testified in court. She admitted to receiving extortion calls from the gang, who demanded ₹50 lakh. Zinta refused to comply with their demands and stood firm in her testimony.
Her courageous act of defiance against the underworld was widely recognized. She was honored with the Godfrey Philips National Bravery Award for her courageous actions. Furthermore, the Union Home Minister at the time, Lal Krishna Advani, advised Zinta to take armed security, but she declined, further showcasing her unwavering resolve.
In another instance of her principled stance, Preity Zinta refused a large sum of money from filmmaker Shandar Amrohi. Amrohi, the son of Kamal Amrohi, regarded Zinta as a daughter figure. Impressed by her character, he offered to leave his ₹600 crore estate to her after his death, instead of his own children. Zinta, however, declined the offer.
While Amrohi initially expressed disappointment at Zinta's refusal, her decision reflected her strong moral compass and independence. After Amrohi's death, Zinta took legal action against his children regarding a ₹2 crore loan she had given him for medical expenses. This action demonstrates her commitment to handling financial matters responsibly and transparently.
Preity Zinta's career began with a supporting role in Mani Ratnam's "Dil Se" in 1997. She gained prominence as a leading actress in films like "Kya Kehna" and "Soldier". During the early to mid-2000s, she was among the top actresses in Bollywood, rivaling Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor. Despite not always being the highest-paid star, she consistently appeared in successful and popular films.
Zinta's decision to stand up against the underworld and refuse a ₹600 crore inheritance demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her values. These actions have solidified her reputation as not only a talented actress but also a person of strong character and integrity.