The OG bubbly queen, Preity Zinta ruled our screens and hearts in the ’90s and early 2000s. Every time she appeared on screen, we couldn’t help but fall for her perky, bubbly nature. Her ever-smiling face has made us smile, and her performances have made us sit up and take notice. As PZ celebrates her birthday, we take a trip down memory lane with some of her best films. Here are some of our favourite movies starring Preity Zinta.

1. Dil Se.. (1998)

PZ made her debut with the much-loved SRK starrer Dil Se.. Though hers was only a supporting role with barely half an hour of screentime, she grabbed the attention of the audience. She features in the song Jiya Jale, which continues to be a fan favourite. Thanks to her strong performances in Dil Se.. and Soldier, her first lead role, Preity Zinta managed to win the Filmfare Award for the Best Female Debut.

Watch it on Netflix.

2. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

The “6 din, ladki in” dialogue from KHNH always has our blood boiling, but we can’t deny that PZ did a good job in the movie. Naina Kapur is a pessimistic and uptight student living with her family in NYC. Despite trying not to, she falls in love with her neighbour Aman Mathur. PZ so effortlessly showcased a range of emotions throughout the movie. From a pessimistic, dull character to a woman who learns to embrace life and happiness, she did it all and made it look effortless.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

3. Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)

Another hit from PZ’s kitty, Koi… Mil Gaya has been a constant fan favourite. Preity Zinta stars as Nisha, a young girl who is initially antagonistic to Hrithik Roshan’s Rohit. She fails to see his developmental disability and often chides him. But soon, they become friends and she falls in love with him. PZ’s performance came as a breath of fresh air in the movie and was loved by the masses and critics alike.

Watch it on Zee5.

4. Salaam Namaste (2005)

Salaam Namaste was a highly unconventional film when it was released. Back in the early 2000s, it was rare to find a movie that deals with a couple living together without marriage and getting pregnant. PZ’s Ambar Malhotra, a young girl who left India to chase her dreams in Melbourne, came as a strong and unique character. She is unapologetically herself, flawed but likeable nonetheless. The movie went on to become one of Zinta’s best performances.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

5. Veer Zara (2004)

Star-crossed tragic love stories are a personal favourite, and so is Veer Zara. Preity Zinta stars as Zara Hayaat Khan, the daughter of a Pakistani politician. Incidentally, she falls in love with an Indian Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh. Given the political scenario, it was obvious their love story was doomed from the beginning. This poignant love story has made all of us laugh and cry. PZ and SRK’s performance made it a point that we remain invested in the movie. Another performance that went on to become one of PZ’s career-best.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

6. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

A coming-of-age story that has acquired cult status. Though the movie was prominently about the three male leads, Preity Zinta’s performance had us sit up and take notice. Zinta’s character Shalini was touted by film critic Sita Menon as being “beautiful and vibrant, wavering between endearingly naïve and confused.” Shalini is a woman stuck in a dilemma. Engaged to a man she doesn’t love, she stays with him out of loyalty to her foster parents.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

7. Dil Hai Tumhara (2002)

This is a guilty-pleasure movie through and through. Shalu is a young fun-loving girl who lives with her mother and sister. Unknown to her, she is the illegitimate daughter of Sarita’s husband. While she loves her mother and sister unconditionally, she is always heartbroken by her mother’s indifference. When Shalu and her sister Nimmi end up falling for the same man, Dev Khanna, Shalu sacrifices her love for her sister’s happiness. While the film itself is mediocre, we can’t help but appreciate Zinta’s performance that’s full of life. She shines brightly throughout the movie and is the star.

Watch it on Jio Cinema.

8. Armaan (2003)

Preity Zinta takes up a challenge with Armaan. She plays the schizophrenic Sonia Sinha who is obsessively in love with a doctor. It’s not a movie a lot of people talk about, but PZ was absolutely outstanding in the film. The critics loved her performance and frankly so did we. While Armaan may not have been the best, Zinta thoroughly outshone the rest of the cast in her role.

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

Preity Zinta has made it a point to not let herself get stereotyped. She brought in variety in her choice of movies and breathed life in every single character she played. What better way to celebrate her birthday than to binge-watch a few of these movies? We can’t wait to see you back on our screens, Ms Zinta.

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