'I follow the script but I am spontaneous as well' - Preity Zinta

Here is Preity in conversation with TellyBuzz wherein she speaks about the show, on her break from acting and on the amazing experience she had had on being part of the show..

What special do you find in Guinness World Records-Ab India Todega?
The experience has just been incredible. Seeing the simple and ordinary people coming and doing extra ordinary tasks with their talents is very amazing. The happiness on their faces after a win and the feeling that they are doing it for their country is just amazing. I always believe that doing something for your country gives you a flavor which is different and special.

This has been a season for Bollywood damsels to make an appearance on TV. After Madhuri and Urmila it is you. What is your take?
The promos of the show are on, and they look splendid. I can tell you that the show is bigger and better than the promos, they are just a percent of what the entire show is all about. If promos impress you, the show will definitely work and I  just love to be part of the show because it is not just a record breaking show, but a show which will create a feeling of being part of the country.

What took you so long to come on small screen?
For the past two years, I took time off from the entertainment industry as I was focusing on cricket. Many people in fact asked me the reason for it, and I used to tell them that Cricket had become business for me. I was just then starting with it, so did not want to concentrate on anything else. I did get many TV offers but I didn't sign any because as per my opinion, I cannot judge any dancer as I feel I am not the number one dancer on the planet. I cannot sit and judge someone just because I get paid for it and remark on how amazing or terrible a person is in dancing. When Colors came to me with Guinness World Records, which can be classified as an Adventure based show it gave me an opportunity to stand and encourage people and put a flag up there.  I decided that it would be wonderful to take this up, as at the end of last year I had decided that 2011 will be my year of working back. It was the perfect time because anyways before IPL comes I can't start a movie. So I took it up and am glad that I took it.

Are you an adventure loving person?
Yes, I am and you will not believe, but I have done everything from hiking, bungee jumping, water rides and all sorts of adventurous activities. If you see my childhood pictures you won't recognize me. And I can win a Guinness record for it. You can see that all my pictures showed scars and marks all over my body, with fractures and wounds. As a kid I did not look like a girl. I am still the same as I don't believe to be quiet. I can easily protest to things that I don't agree.

What according to you is the best part of the show?
The most amazing thing is that, you are going to see the under belly of India. Most of the actors come in front of the Camera just to be famous, but in this show none have come for mere fame, and are here to prove themselves. Firstly, they don't even want to come in front of the camera. The way they talk and the way they bring their parents and behave, is just amazing to watch. And this is a very good way to be with the real people who are amazing.

How was it working for small screen for the first time?
It was nice but very exhausting because, we film actors have the habit of complaining about shoot not starting on time. But here, in small screen shoot, its like asking the question, 'Can I go to the loo? Can I eat? Can I breathe! Can I please not have 400 people around me?' So, yes when you are standing all the time on your feet and when you have live audience and you do not know what to say when people are talking to you, you are in an unstable state. At the same time people who come there do have a right to ask you questions and it's not easy. There have been times where I had to just stand for a long time under the bright spotlight without even doing anything other than just making faces.

You are looking very fresh; Is there any reason behind it?
It's very nice to hear it, because I am really working after two years technically. I have taken a lot of effort to get into shape again. I need to be, as there are few films in the pipeline.

Will you be the real Preity Zinta onscreen? That means the Preity without script?
(Laughs) I won't say that there is no script. Yes, I do follow the script, but sometimes when we get to interact with some incredible people, that I just forget that I am onscreen and get into a real conversation. Here, I get a chance to be spontaneous on screen, when compared to films which are totally scripted where I can't say a bit of my own. So in a way, I can say that you are going to see a lot of me.

Being related to Bollywood, would you like to invite any Bollywood star on the show?
Many of my friends have asked me about it, but as far as I know the only actor who has made a record in this industry is Abhishek Bachchan. He has made a record of travelling to maximum number of cities in one day for promoting his movie.

We heard in between that you were going to sell out your IPL ownership. How far is this rumour true?
IPL team is my baby, I have to look after it, come what may. It's not true.

What's next after this show?
I would do IPL and then few very big banner films which are in the pipeline.

Reporter and Author: Tejashree Bhopatkar