‘Manisha Koirala made me feel like I belonged in Bollywood’: Preity Zinta on Dil Se

In the 1998 Mani Ratnam film Dil Se, newcomer Preity Zinta starred alongside established actors Manisha Koirala and Shah Rukh Khan. Throughout her extensive career spanning nearly three decades, Zinta has delivered numerous hits and memorable characters that continue to resonate with audiences. After taking a seven-year break, the Punjab Kings' owner made a return to the silver screen with Batwara 1947, starring alongside Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi.

However, the film failed to meet expectations. Now, Zinta is set to reprise her role as a debutante in Kunal Kemmu's VIBE, set to release on September 18. At the trailer launch of VIBE, Zinta made a heartfelt request to the audience to shower love and kindness upon her co-star Vanshika Dhir. When asked if she had someone supporting her during her early days in Bollywood, like she did for Vanshika, Zinta proudly acknowledged Manisha Koirala as her guiding light.

While praising Shah Rukh Khan for making her feel comfortable on set, Zinta emphasized the crucial support she received from her female peers. She recalled working with Madhuri Dixit during her very early days in the industry, where Dixit's kindness and grace left a lasting impact on the young actress. Zinta expressed her deepest gratitude to Koirala for making her feel as though she truly belonged in the Bollywood industry.

Zinta's words highlight the importance of female camaraderie and support during the formative years of an actor's career, a sentiment that resonates with many in the film industry.