Preity Zinta is an Indian actress and entrepreneur primarily known for her work in Hindi films. After graduating with degrees in English honours and criminal psychology, Zinta made her acting debut in Dil Se.. in 1998. She soon became a popular star and established herself as one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema, receiving recognition for roles that were often deemed culturally defiant and for her unconventional screen persona. Zinta has won several accolades for her work in films, including two Filmfare Awards, and her performance in the Canadian drama Heaven on Earth (2008) earned her the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress from the Chicago International Film Festival. Apart from acting, in 2004 Zinta was the only witness amidst a group of film stars to testify against the Indian mafia, for which she was awarded the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award. Her film appearances became fewer when she ventured into business; she has been a co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Punjab Kings since 2008, and the owner of the South-African T20 Global League cricket team Stellenbosch Kings since 2017.
