Exuberant, chirpy, happy-go-lucky Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, who has now turned into a businesswoman, says she invested in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in spite of warnings from an astrologer friend.
"In spite of the warning from my astrologer friend, I went for the deal as I had a gut feeling that it is the future. I told my friend that if it doesn't work for me then I would become the 50th wife of the Sultan of Brunei," Preity, who co-owns the IPL Mohali team, said.
The star of hits like "Salaam Namastey" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho", Preity said it was only in a developing country like India that one could think of buying a sports team. "The scenario is going to change after 10 years. One can never dream of buying a team like Manchester United or Arsenal today in a country like England."
Preity bought Kings XI Punjab in partnership with her boyfriend Ness Wadia and Karan Paul of Apeejay Surrendra Group and Mohit Burman of Dabur. They paid $76 million for the franchise. Although Preity's team failed to reach the final, she is not complaining. She said: "My team performed well and I am happy with all the team members and will continue my support for the team."
As far as book balancing was concerned, she said this had not been a profitable year but was optimistic they would do better next time. How long will her association with the team last? "I am there for life. I am not there just for the sake of it. First people took me as a brand ambassador and then as a face value, but I wanted to make people take me seriously in the game and I did my best to prove myself. I think I was successful (in this). I do things which I believe in and am passionate about, be it the IPL or films. I give my heart and soul to them," Preity said. Now that IPL is over, Preity is concentrating on her films and the "Unforgettable" world tour with the Bachchans starting July 18. She will be touring the US, Britain and Canada with Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya. Riteish Deshmukh and music directors Vishal-Shekhar are also a part of the tour.
"I am very excited to go with them as Abhishek and Ash are my great friends. Besides, the participation of guest stars like Akshay Kumar, who is joining us in Canada, Madhuri (Dixit) in the US and Shilpa Shetty in London, will add to the excitement. This is the first time when we will be joined by performers from different parts. The audiences will be huge and we are expecting an overwhelming response."
Apart from this she will be busy with Harr Pal, Heroes, a cameo in the Salman-Kareena Kapoor starrer Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Deepa Mehta's Punjabi film Heaven On Earth.
