Ever since Preity Zinta tied the knot with American businessman, Gene Goodenough secretly, rumour mills have been working overtime. Speculation has been rife about the actress planning to sell her wedding photos, grant video rights and shift base to the US. In her first interview post marriage, the dimpled star clears the air and talks about her future plans
Ankur Batra (BOMBAY TIMES; April 22, 2016)
Your wedding spawned many stories. How has the marital experience been so far?
(Laughs) It's not been a long time since I have got into this new phase of life. I am still getting used to it but it has been a great experience.
Why was there so much secrecy around your wedding?
Life is not about making everything public. It was my shaadi yaar, and I will decide how I go around telling everyone about it. Sorry, but I can't be telling people, 'I have to tell you some secret, but please don't share it with anyone.'
We heard that you are now shifting to Los Angeles and have been house hunting with your husband, Gene Goodenough.
Really? That's great. But who is behind all this news? Imagine, Preity, who has been so attached to her roots, suddenly decides to change her base! Wow. No way, I am not going anywhere. I'll be staying here. It's just that the schedule will get a bit taxing as I will visit the US frequently. After all, I am married there (laughs)!
Why is Gene not in India with you?
He is working. But it's not that he will not visit me. He will soon be here. People over here think and assume a lot. And that pisses me off.
Was the marriage ceremony a traditional Indian affair or was it a Christian wedding?
It was an underwater affair. He played the role of Jal-Under Singh (laughs). It's a joke, please don't believe it. Let everyone keep guessing as someone has gone overboard and said that I am selling or auctioning my wedding photos. Actually, media stretches things way too much. We haven't decided yet whether we will sell the photos but even if we do, the money will be donated for a cause. Every penny, which we make after selling the rights, will be donated to the farmers of Maharashtra.
Have you done the phera dalna rasam (couple visiting the bride's house after marriage)?
Since I am here in India, I will be visiting Dharamsala soon. However, if you are talking about my hometown and that particular ritual, it might take some time as both of us need to go there and seek the blessings of our elders.
You had a low-key wedding, and now are maintaining a low profile...
Yes. I have been a private person and I really enjoy being like this. But more than that, I am amazed when I see so much is being written about my life without people not even getting a confirmation from me. It has stopped bothering me, but there are a few things that I have taken to my heart.
For instance..?
Like when I was linked with Yuvraj Singh and Brett Lee. I will never forget it. They are my brothers. And I have decided to personally visit Lee and Yuvi on Raksha Bandhan and tie them not just one, two, three but maybe four rakhis. Then I will ask the reporters, 'Are you satisfied now?'
Yuvraj is also getting married. Did you talk to him?
Do you know the wedding date? I am asking because I need to have a special shaadi present for him - a box of rakhis (laughs). I am happy that he is getting hitched. I will always have a soft spot for Yuvi because we share a great bond ever since he was a part of my cricket team. It's the same case with Brett.
Do you now crave for Indian street food and cutting chai all the more, since you stay in the US for longer durations?
The first thing I did after coming to India was drink chai and eat dahi puri. I took ill soon after that and stopped, but I have realised that if you have been away from home for long, you tend to miss it more. When I was in the US, I longed for all of this.
You have had your share of controversies. Is this the reason you once said that the cricket league doesn't need you anymore?
That's true. But it has nothing to do with any controversy. I have a life. I am married and busy shooting for a film apart from doing many other things. It's strange that when I was was with my team for almost every match, I was branded as an actress without any film offers and was written off. People would say 'Oh, she has nothing to do, that's why she is seen during the matches'.
Now when I am doing other things, I am sure the matches can continue without me.
So, you will not be cheering for your team during the matches? I can't manage so many things. I give full marks to Shah Rukh Khan for stretching his limits and schedule. Having said that, I will try to be there for all the home games but not for the outside matches.
Your team has a new captain (David Miller) and mentor (Virender Sehwag)...
Viru is our strength. He is simple and gets along with everyone. All the youngsters look up to him for advice and the way he explains and teaches them is amazing. Wen, Miller joined the squad, he used be the team's cub. Now, he has become a lion. I am very happy for him. I have my fingers crossed for the team. I want them to win the tournament since a victory is long overdue.
The cricket league is again mired in controversies. The drought issue has made an impact on your team too....
It's irritating when something is going fine and suddenly someone comes in and creates hurdles. Team owners were ready to donate money and even find ways to supply water to drought-hit areas. The cricket league has become a soft target. In any case, it was not potable water. Shifting out matches will not solve the purpose.
You recently funded the digging of a new well in one of the affected parts of Maharashtra and provided water supply through tankers...
Yes. I have never been in favour of highlighting the charity work I do. I am well aware of the condition and also very concerned. I have been doing this kind of work for long.
You visited Siddhivinayak Temple recently after reaching India...
Yes. And trust me, it was not any secret. I am a regular visitor to that place. The ultimate time is when the Aarti is being done, it's such a powerful moment. I go into a trance. Sometimes I just go there in the evenings and stand quietly.
Moreover, when you have been away from your country or culture for long, you are drawn towards it. What is happening on the work front?
I am busy with Bhaiyyaji Superhit. I play a UP girl opposite Sunny Deol and will be seen in a completely different avatar. There are other projects in the pipeline too.
(Laughs) It's not been a long time since I have got into this new phase of life. I am still getting used to it but it has been a great experience.
Why was there so much secrecy around your wedding?
Life is not about making everything public. It was my shaadi yaar, and I will decide how I go around telling everyone about it. Sorry, but I can't be telling people, 'I have to tell you some secret, but please don't share it with anyone.'
We heard that you are now shifting to Los Angeles and have been house hunting with your husband, Gene Goodenough.
Really? That's great. But who is behind all this news? Imagine, Preity, who has been so attached to her roots, suddenly decides to change her base! Wow. No way, I am not going anywhere. I'll be staying here. It's just that the schedule will get a bit taxing as I will visit the US frequently. After all, I am married there (laughs)!
Why is Gene not in India with you?
He is working. But it's not that he will not visit me. He will soon be here. People over here think and assume a lot. And that pisses me off.
Was the marriage ceremony a traditional Indian affair or was it a Christian wedding?
It was an underwater affair. He played the role of Jal-Under Singh (laughs). It's a joke, please don't believe it. Let everyone keep guessing as someone has gone overboard and said that I am selling or auctioning my wedding photos. Actually, media stretches things way too much. We haven't decided yet whether we will sell the photos but even if we do, the money will be donated for a cause. Every penny, which we make after selling the rights, will be donated to the farmers of Maharashtra.
Have you done the phera dalna rasam (couple visiting the bride's house after marriage)?
Since I am here in India, I will be visiting Dharamsala soon. However, if you are talking about my hometown and that particular ritual, it might take some time as both of us need to go there and seek the blessings of our elders.
You had a low-key wedding, and now are maintaining a low profile...
Yes. I have been a private person and I really enjoy being like this. But more than that, I am amazed when I see so much is being written about my life without people not even getting a confirmation from me. It has stopped bothering me, but there are a few things that I have taken to my heart.
For instance..?
Like when I was linked with Yuvraj Singh and Brett Lee. I will never forget it. They are my brothers. And I have decided to personally visit Lee and Yuvi on Raksha Bandhan and tie them not just one, two, three but maybe four rakhis. Then I will ask the reporters, 'Are you satisfied now?'
Yuvraj is also getting married. Did you talk to him?
Do you know the wedding date? I am asking because I need to have a special shaadi present for him - a box of rakhis (laughs). I am happy that he is getting hitched. I will always have a soft spot for Yuvi because we share a great bond ever since he was a part of my cricket team. It's the same case with Brett.
Do you now crave for Indian street food and cutting chai all the more, since you stay in the US for longer durations?
The first thing I did after coming to India was drink chai and eat dahi puri. I took ill soon after that and stopped, but I have realised that if you have been away from home for long, you tend to miss it more. When I was in the US, I longed for all of this.
You have had your share of controversies. Is this the reason you once said that the cricket league doesn't need you anymore?
That's true. But it has nothing to do with any controversy. I have a life. I am married and busy shooting for a film apart from doing many other things. It's strange that when I was was with my team for almost every match, I was branded as an actress without any film offers and was written off. People would say 'Oh, she has nothing to do, that's why she is seen during the matches'.
Now when I am doing other things, I am sure the matches can continue without me.
So, you will not be cheering for your team during the matches? I can't manage so many things. I give full marks to Shah Rukh Khan for stretching his limits and schedule. Having said that, I will try to be there for all the home games but not for the outside matches.
Your team has a new captain (David Miller) and mentor (Virender Sehwag)...
Viru is our strength. He is simple and gets along with everyone. All the youngsters look up to him for advice and the way he explains and teaches them is amazing. Wen, Miller joined the squad, he used be the team's cub. Now, he has become a lion. I am very happy for him. I have my fingers crossed for the team. I want them to win the tournament since a victory is long overdue.
The cricket league is again mired in controversies. The drought issue has made an impact on your team too....
It's irritating when something is going fine and suddenly someone comes in and creates hurdles. Team owners were ready to donate money and even find ways to supply water to drought-hit areas. The cricket league has become a soft target. In any case, it was not potable water. Shifting out matches will not solve the purpose.
You recently funded the digging of a new well in one of the affected parts of Maharashtra and provided water supply through tankers...
Yes. I have never been in favour of highlighting the charity work I do. I am well aware of the condition and also very concerned. I have been doing this kind of work for long.
You visited Siddhivinayak Temple recently after reaching India...
Yes. And trust me, it was not any secret. I am a regular visitor to that place. The ultimate time is when the Aarti is being done, it's such a powerful moment. I go into a trance. Sometimes I just go there in the evenings and stand quietly.
Moreover, when you have been away from your country or culture for long, you are drawn towards it. What is happening on the work front?
I am busy with Bhaiyyaji Superhit. I play a UP girl opposite Sunny Deol and will be seen in a completely different avatar. There are other projects in the pipeline too.