Preity Zinta arrived in Hindi cinema like a bright spark, bringing lively energy, confidence, and a fresh screen style. Her expressive acting and cheerful image helped her become one of the most recognised actresses of her generation.
Preity was born on January 31, 1975 (51 years old) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. She became famous after making her film debut in 1998 with Dil Se and Soldier.
She later built a strong acting career through films such as Kya Kehna, Dil Chahta Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, Salaam Namaste, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Apart from acting, she has worked as a producer, television host, entrepreneur, co-owner of the IPL team Punjab Kings, and now owns a jewellery brand.
Quick Facts of Preity Zinta
| Full Name | Preity G Zinta |
| Profession | Actress, film producer, entrepreneur, television presenter |
| Age | 51 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1975 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Current Address | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Gender | Female |
Preity Zinta Early Life and Education
Preity Zinta was born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. She grew up in a Rajput family with her two brothers.
As a child, she described herself as a tomboy. Life in a military family taught her discipline and punctuality. During boarding school, she developed an interest in literature, poetry, and the works of William Shakespeare. She also played sports, especially basketball.
Education
Preity studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Chelsea, in Shimla. She later attended St. Bede’s College in Shimla. The college’s official website lists her among its former students.
She completed an English Honours degree. She then studied psychology and earned a postgraduate degree in criminal psychology before starting work as a model.
| School | Convent of Jesus and Mary, Chelsea, Shimla |
| Alma Mater | St. Bede’s College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
| Highest Qualification | Postgraduate degree in criminal psychology |
Preity Zinta Personal Life
Preity Zinta married Gene Goodenough on February 29, 2016. Their wedding was a private ceremony in Los Angeles, California.
Gene is an American finance professional. After marriage, Preity began living in Los Angeles while continuing to visit India for work and family matters.
Children
The couple became parents to twins through surrogacy on November 17, 2021. Their son is named Jai Zinta Goodenough, and their daughter is named Gia Zinta Goodenough.
Preity and Gene have shared selected family moments online but usually keep their children’s faces private.
Family
Preity was born into a Hindu Rajput family in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. She grew up with her parents and two brothers.
Father
Her father, (late) Durganand Zinta, was an officer in the Indian Army. He died in a car accident when Preity was 51 years old.
Mother
Her mother’s name is Nilprabha Zinta. She was badly injured in the accident that caused her husband’s death and remained bedridden for about two years.
Siblings
Preity has two brothers, Deepankar Zinta and Manish Zinta.
- Deepankar is older than her and served as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.
- Manish is younger than her and lives in California.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Gene Goodenough |
| Children | Son: Jai Zinta Goodenough Daughter: Gia Zinta Goodenough |
| Parents | Father: (Late) Durganand Zinta Mother: Nilprabha Zinta |
| Siblings | Brothers: Deepankar Zinta, Manish Zinta |
Preity Zinta Career
Preity Zinta started her professional career as a model. She appeared in television advertisements for brands such as Liril and Perk. Her work in advertising led to offers from Hindi film directors.
She made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se in 1998. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala.
In the same year, she played the female lead opposite Bobby Deol in Soldier. Her performances in these two films earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
In 1999, she worked with Akshay Kumar and Ashutosh Rana in Sangharsh.
Her important films in 2000 included Kya Kehna, with Saif Ali Khan and Chandrachur Singh, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, with Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji, and Mission Kashmir, with Hrithik Roshan and Sanjay Dutt.
Kya Kehna gave her wider recognition for her portrayal of a young, unmarried mother.
Rise as a Lead Actress: 2001 to 2003
In 2001, Preity appeared with Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. She played a sex worker who agreed to become a surrogate mother.
She also starred opposite Aamir Khan in Dil Chahta Hai. The film also featured Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna.
Her main release in 2002 was Dil Hai Tumhaara. She worked with Arjun Rampal, Mahima Chaudhry, Rekha, and Jimmy Sheirgill in the family drama.
Preity appeared in four major films in 2003. She worked with Sunny Deol and Priyanka Chopra in The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. She played a negative character in Armaan, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Gracy Singh.
She then appeared opposite Hrithik Roshan in Koi… Mil Gaya, with Rekha in a key role.
Her final release of 2003 was Kal Ho Naa Ho. She played Naina Catherine Kapur alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Jaya Bachchan also played an important role in the film.
Major Hindi Films: 2004 to 2006
In 2004, Preity played a television journalist in Lakshya. She worked with Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan in the film.
She then played Zaara Hayaat Khan opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Chopra’s Veer-Zaara. Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, and Hema Malini were also part of its main cast.
She reunited with Saif Ali Khan for Salaam Namaste in 2005. The film followed a young Indian couple living together in Australia. It became one of her best-known romantic comedies.
In 2006, she appeared in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna with Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, and Amitabh Bachchan. She also worked with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar in Jaan-E-Mann.
Different Roles and International Work: 2007 to 2008
Preity starred in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom in 2007. Her main co-stars were Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, and Lara Dutta. She also appeared with Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, and Shefali Shah in the English-language drama The Last Lear.
In 2008, she acted in Heroes, which included Salman Khan, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Mithun Chakraborty, and Sohail Khan. She then played an Indian woman facing domestic abuse in the Canadian film Heaven on Earth. Her co-star in the film was Vansh Bhardwaj.
Break from Films and Selected Returns: 2009 to 2018
After 2008, Preity reduced her acting work and focused more on cricket and business responsibilities.
She returned as a lead actress in Ishkq in Paris in 2013. She worked with Rhehan Malliek and French actress Isabelle Adjani. Preity also produced and co-wrote the film.
She later made brief screen appearances in films such as Happy Ending and Welcome to New York.
In 2018, she reunited with Sunny Deol for Bhaiaji Superhit. The film also starred Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, and Shreyas Talpade.
Television Work: 2011 to 2020
Preity entered television as the host of Guinness World Records: Ab India Todega in 2011. During the same year, she hosted the celebrity interview program Up Close & Personal with PZ.
In 2015, she joined Chetan Bhagat and Marzi Pestonji as a judge on the seventh season of the dance reality program Nach Baliye.
In 2020, she appeared in an episode of the American television comedy Fresh Off the Boat. She played Meena, while Vir Das played her on-screen husband.
Film Production and Writing: 2011 Onward
Preity founded the production company PZNZ Media in 2011. Its first feature film was Ishkq in Paris.
She served as a producer, co-writer, and lead actress in the film. Her mother, Nilprabha Zinta, was also credited as a producer.
Apart from films, she wrote columns for BBC News Online South Asia between 2004 and 2005. Her articles covered social and cultural subjects.
Fitness Business: 2024 Onward
In 2024, Preity co-founded DRIVE FITT with Indian cricketer Shubman Gill and Australian business partners Mark Sellar and Deke Smith.
The company was announced as a fitness and cricket training business offering gym facilities, cricket coaching, yoga, group classes, and personal training.
Brand Endorsements
Preity began working in advertisements before entering films. Her early advertisements included Perk chocolate and Liril soap.
She later worked with brands such as Mortein, Dabur Vatika, Head & Shoulders, BSNL, and Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
In 2025, she became a brand ambassador for Swa Diamonds and appeared in its As Real As You campaign.
Jewellery Business: 2026 Onward
In June 2026, Preity entered the fine-jewellery business by co-founding Jacarti Jewellery. Her business partners are Samara Punjabi and Priyavrata Mafatlal. The brand opened its first boutique in Bandra, Mumbai, on June 4, 2026.
Jacarti focuses on Polki and Jadau jewellery made with gold, natural diamonds, and gemstones. Preity is involved as a co-founder and helps guide the brand’s creative and cultural direction.
Comeback in 2026
She made a comeback with Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos (released on January 16, 2026). This comedic venture was directed by Vir Das.
After a long break, Preity signed Batwara 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. It is a period drama. It was released on August 14, 2026. With Preity, there are Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in the film.
Preity was also in the film Vibe, an action comedy written and directed by Kunal Kemmu. The cast includes Kunal Kemmu, Dinesh Lal Yadav, and Benedict Garrett. The film was released on September 18, 2026.
Preity Zinta Awards and Achievements
Here are the major wins and achievements of Preity Zinta:
Key Wins
- 1999: Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for Dil Se.. and Soldier.
- 1999: Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer for Soldier.
- 1999: Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut for Soldier.
- 2001: Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress for Kya Kehna.
- 2004: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Kal Ho Naa Ho.
- 2004: IIFA Award for Best Actress for Kal Ho Naa Ho.
- 2004: Stardust Award for Best Actress for Kal Ho Naa Ho.
- 2004: FICCI Hall of Frames Award for Best Actress for Kal Ho Naa Ho.
- 2005: Screen Award for Best Actress for Veer-Zaara.
- 2005: Stardust Actor of the Year Award for Veer-Zaara.
- 2008: Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival for Heaven on Earth.
- 2008: Smita Patil Memorial Award for her contribution to Indian cinema.
- 2010: Stardust Award for Best Actress for Heaven on Earth.
- 2003: Mind of Steel Award at the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Awards.
- 2010: Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of East London.
- 2011: World Diamond Group Platinum Award for People’s Friendship at the Venice Film Festival.
- 2013: YFLO Young Women Achievers Award for her work in cinema.
Key Nominations
- 2001: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Kya Kehna.
- 2002: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
- 2004: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Koi… Mil Gaya.
- 2004: Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Armaan.
- 2005: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Veer-Zaara.
- 2006: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Salaam Namaste.
- 2007: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
- 2009: Genie Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Heaven on Earth.
- 2009: Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Actress in a Canadian Film for Heaven on Earth.
Preity Zinta Controversies
- 2004 Bharat Shah Case: Preity Zinta became involved in the Bharat Shah case as a witness. The case concerned the financing of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and alleged links between members of the film industry and organised crime figures. Her statement was recorded in a closed court for safety and privacy reasons. She received threatening calls during that period. Several people who had agreed to speak in court later withdrew. Preity was a witness in the case and was not accused of any crime.
- 2014 to 2018 Complaint Against Ness Wadia: In June 2014, Preity filed a police complaint against businessman Ness Wadia, her former partner and Punjab Kings co-owner. She alleged that he had molested, abused, and threatened her during an IPL match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on 30 May 2014. Wadia denied the allegations and described them as false. Mumbai Police filed a chargesheet against him in February 2018. The Bombay High Court quashed the case in October 2018. The matter had been settled between the two sides. The court did not issue a trial judgment proving the allegations.
- #MeToo Interview Comments (2018): Preity Zinta faced heavy criticism on social media after an interview where she remarked that the #MeToo movement wasn’t very prevalent because no one had approached her with such an issue, adding that “people treat you the way you want to be treated”. She later issued a detailed apology on Instagram, stating her comments were taken out of context and noting her own past experiences with abuse.
- Kerala Congress Loan Row (2025): Preity Zinta slammed the Kerala unit of the Congress party for spreading “fake news“ alleging that she had an ₹18 crore loan written off by the New India Cooperative Bank and handed over her social media control to the BJP. Zinta strongly refuted the claims, clarified that she had fully repaid her loans over a decade prior, and demanded accountability from political handles and journalists.
- 2026 AI Deepfake and Identity Misuse Case: In 2026, Preity took legal action over AI-generated deepfake videos, altered images, fake online profiles, and other content that allegedly used her name and identity without permission. The Bombay High Court allowed her to pursue a case against Google, Meta, and other online services in June 2026. In July 2026, the court granted interim relief and directed the removal of specified content that allegedly breached her personality, publicity, copyright, and moral rights.
Preity Zinta Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Preity Zinta is around ₹183 crore ($19 million).
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹183 crore ($19 million) |
Preity Zinta Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Below are the physical stats of Preity Zinta:
| Height | In centimetres: 162 cm In meters: 1.62 m In feet and inches: 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 52 kg In lbs: 114 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-34 inches |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Light brown |
Interesting Facts About Preity Zinta
- Preity narrowly survived death twice in 2004, escaping a concert bomb blast in Colombo and the Indian Ocean tsunami in Thailand.
- She adopted 34 girls from a Rishikesh orphanage on her 34th birthday to fund their education and upbringing.
- Zinta worked as a guest columnist for BBC News Online, writing about social and film industry issues.
- Preity became the youngest co-owner of an IPL team when she bought a stake in the Punjab Kings in 2008.
- She is a classically trained Kathak dancer.
Preity Zinta Social Media
 @realpz | |
| X |  @realpreityzinta |
| Threads |  @realpz |
 @officialpz |
FAQs
How old is Preity Zinta?
Preity Zinta is 51 years old. She was born on January 31, 1975, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the husband of Preity Zinta?
Preity Zinta’s husband is Gene Goodenough, an American finance professional. They married in a private ceremony in Los Angeles on February 29, 2016.
Does Preity Zinta have children?
Yes, Preity Zinta and Gene have twins named Jai Zinta Goodenough and Gia Zinta Goodenough. The children were born through surrogacy in 2021.
What is the qualification of Preity Zinta?
Preity Zinta studied at St. Bede’s College in Shimla. She completed an English Honours degree and postgraduate studies in criminal psychology.
Which was the first film of Preity Zinta?
Preity Zinta’s first released film was Dil Se in 1998. She also appeared in Soldier during the same year.
How many Filmfare Awards has Preity Zinta won?
Preity Zinta has won two Filmfare Awards. She won Best Female Debut for Dil Se and Soldier, followed by Best Actress for Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Which are the best-known films of Preity Zinta?
Preity Zinta’s main films include Kya Kehna, Dil Chahta Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, Salaam Namaste, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Which IPL team does Preity Zinta co-own?
Preity Zinta is a co-owner of Punjab Kings. She has been linked with the IPL franchise since its first season in 2008.
