Ishkq In Paris to release in 2013

Preity Zinta's comeback film 'Ishkq In Paris', which has been getting delayed for various reasons, will see the light of the day next year

'For all of you asking 'Ishkq In Paris' will release in 2013. We got delayed finishing it due to my director falling sick. Besides that it looks great, ' Preity tweeted Sunday. Whatever may have been the reason for its delay, the actress is quite positive about it.

'Sometimes we have no control over life and destiny! I believe things happen for a reason. 'Ishkq In Paris' gets more special to me now, ' the 37-year-old further posted.

'Ishkq In Paris', an Indo-French project, is Preity's first production venture, where she plays a half-Indian, half-French girl who falls in love in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Directed by Prem Soni, it also features French actress Isabelle Adjani and newcomer Rhehan Malliek.

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Did Preity ask Salman's brother to help sell her film?

Preity Zinta approached Salman Khan's brother to help sell her upcoming film 'Ishkq in Paris' to distributors

Looks like Preity Zinta is well aware of her shortcoming and isn't afraid to ask around for help. Buzz is that the actress has approached Sohail Khan to help her with the selling of her debut project.

Our source says, Preity is pretty clueless about other departments of filmmaking. She has sought help from some of her friends from the industry to help her with her venture. Sohail is her best friend Salman's brother and is also a film producer.
Another source close to the actress says that Sohail has already helped Preity sell her film on commission basis in Delhi and the Punjab circuit to a well-known Delhi-based distributor. After all, what are friends for! 

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Preity Zinta postpones release due to Director's Health

It takes guts, not to mention a whole lot of surplus funds, to postpone a film's release. Preity Zinta has not only put off the release of her maiden production's release indefinitely she has made it clear to her entire team that the film would be released only when the director Prem Raj who is seriously ill, is able to complete all the post-production work.

Says Prem gratefully, I offered to let someone else take over the post-production. But Preity is very clear on this issue.

She told me we're in this together and only I will complete the post-production of Ishkq In Paris, no matter how long it takes. I am grateful to Preity for standing by me even if it meant postponing our film's release for the third time.

It is now uncertain when Ishkq In Paris would release since Prem leaves for surgery in the first week of December.

Hopefully I will be fully healed after the surgery. I have a very simple logic for being hopeful. How much more would God want to test me?  wonders the beleaguered filmmaker.

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Chat and Chaat with Preity!

Preity Zinta not only chatted with one of her crazy fans. Mandeep Chadha, but also treated him to a 'chaat' session.

Mandeep, 25, was flown to Mumbai to meet his favourite actress and be in her shoes for a day, as part of UTV Stars' "Live My Life".

He was put up in the presidential suite of a five-star hotel where he met Preity's "Ishkq In Paris" director Prem Soni.

Mandeep even had a a workout session with the actress' trainer Yasmin Karachiwala and a photo shoot with Daboo Ratnani.

During the photo shoot, Preity surprised him by dropping in and posing next to him.

The highlight of Mandeep's day was a 'chaat' session with Preity, who is a fan of 'dahi puri'. She loves to gorge on her favourite 'chaat' dish from Bandra's Elco Market. She got it delivered to the hotel where Mandeep was put up. The two gorged on the dish!

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Kissing missing from Ishkq in Paris: Preity

"Ishkq In Paris" is a fresh and young romantic film, but minus any kissing scene, says actress Preity Zinta, who has turned producer with the movie.

"Kissing is missing in the film. Kissing is not necessary to show the romance in the film. Romance is in the heart. It's a rom-com and a family entertainer, " Preity said here.

The actress spoke at the glitzy music launch of the movie. The event, held here Monday, was also attended by Salman Khan, who shot a special song titled "Kudiye di kurti" for the film.

"Salman has been the inspiration for the music and has helped me a lot, " said Preity, thanking the actor for his constant support.

The music of "Ishkq In Paris", is composed by Sajid-Wajid.

Directed by Prem Raj, the film also features newcomer Rhehan Malliek and French actress Isabelle Adjani. It will release Nov 2.

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Preity Zinta is a businesswoman in her head

She is a successful actress, has represented many brands, co-owns an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise and is now ready with her debut film production. Preity Zinta has a good business sense, says Prem Raj, director of her home production "Ishkq In Paris". 

"She is a taskmaster. She is a businesswoman in her head. She has worked a lot, owns an IPL team. So it is not possible that she will not have a business sense," Raj said during a media interaction. 

He was particularly happy that Preity, who also plays the lead in the youthful romantic drama, was a director's producer. 

"She is not stingy at all. I am sure she will become a big producer some day," he said.

Preity, who co-owns IPL team Kings XI Punjab, was not just handling finances and didn't just focus on getting her shots right. She was also actively involved with the movie's creative side along with Raj, he says. 

"We have no ego. We can say anything to each other. This is how we have been," he said of their chemistry and understanding. 

The movie marks Preity's comeback to films after 2008 film "Heroes". The director gaurantees it will showcase the actress at her best and says her chutzpah is the film's biggest USP. 

"You will see her (Preity) in her elements. I don't remember when she did a romantic comedy earlier," he said. 

Preity was originally not a part of the cast and was just producing the film, but the director says he tricked her into the project. 
"I didn't give her a choice. I said, 'You are acting and producing it.' I actually locked her up and said 'You have to do it. When do we start? Tell me the date'," recounted Raj.

"Ishkq In Paris" is Raj's second film as a director. He forayed into direction with Salman Khan- and Kareena Kapoor-starrer "Main aurr Mrs Khanna".

About "Ishkq In Paris", he said: "This is a youth film. The agenda and focus were straight. It is not a mature love story or a classic romantic film. We are talking about Paris, where there is a love story starting in every lane and by the way, finishing in every lane too." 

"That is the pace there. It's very fast. So, this film is also quick and instant," Raj said. 

The film's fate will be decided once it releases Oct 5, but Raj says a strong script is of paramount importance these days. 

"I feel that if you have the right script, then everything falls into place, but if you don't have the right script, then everything becomes a problem," he said. 

His movie features newcomer Rhehan Malliek. Explaining the importance of casting him, Raj said: "We could have taken any actor. Preity is a big star and knows people. She has a lot of goodwill in the industry. But the idea of the love story is fresh and if we didn't have a new actor, the film wouldn't have a fresh appeal," he said.

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Ishkq In Paris toughest film for Preity

Actress Preity Zinta, who gears up for the release of "Ishkq In Paris", feels shooting for her first production venture has been the most difficult job so far.

"Till now I considered 'Lakshya' my toughest film but after shooting for 'Ishkq In Paris', I realised that the latter has taken over that tag," said Preity, who made her acting debut with 1998 film "Dil Se..."

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, 2004 film "Lakshya" saw the 37-year-old actress as a journalist, who goes to Kargil as a war reporter.

"I went 18,000 feet above sea level for 'Lakshya' and I used to get blue on my face and for 'Ishkq In Paris' when we began to shoot, it started snowing in Paris. All this made me realise that nothing comes easy in life, one has to work hard for it," Preity said.

Directed by Prem Raj, "Ishkq In Paris" sees the actress in lead role after "Heroes" in 2008.

The film also features French actress Isabelle Adjani and debutant Rhehan Malliek.

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Revealed: Sophie and Preity's French connection

Sophie Choudry has written and given voice to a French track in Preity Zinta's upcoming film set in Paris

Hindi film songs have often borrowed lyrics from Urdu, Punjabi and even the English language. However, for the first time, a French song has been penned and sung by an Indian singer for a Bollywood film. Preity Zinta, whose upcoming film is set in Paris, had roped in singer-actress Sophie Choudry to write and sing a peppy French number for the project.

Sophie is fluent in French and also holds a degree in the language from Sciences-Po of Paris. It was when Preity saw Sophie conversing with Isabelle Adjani during the French actress' recent visit to Mumbai, that she decided to rope her in for the song.

Preity is a dear friend of mine and she was amazed to see me talking to Isabelle in French. And that was when she thought it'd be great to put my lingual ability to good use for her film, the 31-year-old says.
Later, music composer duo Sajid-Wajid suggested to Sophie that she herself write some French verses too. 

She further adds, I immediately obliged to this idea as Sunidhi (Chauhan) has already put in some lovely Hindi vocals for this song. I came up with the lyrics within an hour or so and it was recorded that day itself. The English part is sung by both of us. It was very exciting to say the least.

Interestingly, this might be the first time a French song will be heard in a Hindi film but it isn't the first for Sophie. Two years ago, I sang a French song for Katrina Kaif in one of her films but for some reasons it didn't make the cut. Well, better late than never!

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Preity's ankle twists in paparazzi assault

Actress Preity Zinta says she was greeted by "the shock of 40 camera flashes" when she arrived at the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport and ended up twisting her ankle due to the paparazzi's attempt to photograph her.

"Sitting at home with a twisted ankle post the airport assault by photographers. First, I shoot all night and get on the plane and then get pushed," tweeted Preity, who landed here Sunday from Prague.

The actress came back to the city after shooting in Prague for her debut production "Ishkq In Paris".

Photographers are said to have been stationed at the airport as Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher was expected to be there. However, the cameramen spotted Preity in a super casual look, wearing loose lowers and a T-shirt, her hair undone, and no make-up.

Media has flashed pictures of Preity hiding her face behind her hand, hair and staff, but Preity says she wasn't "hiding".

"Pushed and jumped on at the airport. It was raining, so I slipped. Wasn't hiding my face, was trying to recover from the shock of 40 camera flashes. And yes, in the end I was pissed off so then I definitely didn't want to show my face," she posted. 
The 37-year-old, whose car was damaged by paparazzi outside international talk show queen Oprah Winfrey's party in January, is angry. 

"If photographers ask me politely I will oblige, but next time I will either attack someone or then file a police complaint because THIS IS NOT FAIR. I am a human being not some animal in the ZOO! If my security would have pushed them, then news would report my staff assaulted the media," added Preity. 

She is only thankful that the shooting for "Ishkq In Paris" is over. 

"Otherwise I'd be hopping around with a twisted ankle," she wrote, adding that she cared to give her side of the story on a social networking platform as "Every story has two sides".

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Preity feels thinnest, loses 10 kg in two years

Actress Preity Zinta's hectic shooting schedules are doing her good. She says she has lost a lot of weight, and feels she is in her thinnest form ever.

"Weighed my self right now and guess what! I'm the thinnest I've ever been in my life... lost 10 kilos in two years, " Preity tweeted from Prague, where she is busy shooting for her debut production-project "Ishkq in Paris".

The movie also marks her comeback to films. She was last seen in a full-fledged role in 2008 film "Heroes".

Preity says though her job is tough, she still enjoys wearing the grease paint for the camera.

"Longest night on set tonight... Shot all night and now I have some early morning shots! It is tough being an actor... SERIOUSLY!" Preity tweeted.

However, the 37-year-old has thanked her fans for their incessant support she has received during her over a decade-long film career.

"Must also thank you all for all the love, support, humour and constructive criticism through the years! You guys inspire me, " posted Preity, who has given hit films like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Koi... Mil Gaya", "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Veer-Zara".

She credits the social networking medium for helping her to connect with her fan-base.

"My job is fun but it also isolates me from the real world. Not anymore though thanks to Twitter. All of you have no clue how you influence my life, " she added.

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Kareena's scene in Heroine inspired from Preity's real life?

Madhur Bhandarkar apparently has included a sequence in his upcoming Kareena Kapoor starrer, based on Preity Zinta's real-life burkha cover-up act

Madhur Bhandarkar is known to seek inspiration from real-life incidents for his 'true to life' films. And apparently he has done just the same for his upcoming film starring Kareena Kapoor.

This time the filmmaker apparently has 'borrowed' an episode from Preity Zinta's life. The actress was known to have donned the burkha on several occasions to visit movie theatres in disguise.
Our source says, Madhur came to know about this and decided to portray it in his film. Our source adds that Madhur's leading lady Kareena Kapoor is shown doing something similar in the film. The source adds, `Madhur thought of it as a nice idea.

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Imtiaz Ali helps Preity take Paris to Prague

Who says filmmakers work in isolation and don't have the inclination to help their colleagues? Producer Preity Zinta has now got a big hand of support from Imtiaz ali when her film needed additional location to complete her shooting. 

Thanks to Imtiaz's timely intervention Zinta's crew leaves on Tuesday night for Prague to complete the shooting. 

Preity Zinta's love story Ishkq In Paris needs some shooting outside Paris. We learn that the film is complete and has even been screened for selected preview audiences. But a portion of the climax remains incomplete. And the film's makers would need to recreate Paris in Prague since shooting in Paris is impossible. 

This is where Imtiaz Ali who shot his last film Rockstar extensively in Prague, came to Preity and her director Prem Raj's rescue. 
Says a source close to the project, Imtiaz and his team know every bit of Prague. They helped Prem Raj find the exact location that would match with the unfinished shooting of the climax in Paris. The location that Imtiaz's team found for Preity is so similar that there would be not a moment of loss in continuity from Paris to Prague. 

Director Prem Raj who was in a tearing hurry to wind up loose ends in Mumbai before heading for Prague on Tuesday said, `Yes, there is a portion of the climax that we couldn't shoot in Paris because we couldn't get the required permission. We tried hard, but in vain. So the film is complete except for one portion. 

We knew the topography in Prague was similar to France. And since Imtiaz Ali had shot Rockstar in Prague we got Imtiaz's team to help us find exactly the location we needed. I think we can shoot in Prague now without anyone guess where Paris ends and Prague begins. 

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Forget dieting, Eid is B-Town's time to feast!

Strict diet plans of Bollywood celebrities like Preity Zinta and Arjun Rampal went for a toss thanks to Eid-ul-Fitr festivities Monday. They gorged on Sevaiyan, biryani and kebabs

Several other celebrities took to Twitter to share their indulgences in their favourite cuisine.

Here's what they wrote:

Preity Zinta: Chand Mubarak and Eid Mubarak to all my friends who celebrate today! Time for me to enjoy sevaiya and all the yummy food and forget about the diet!

Arjun Rampal: Eid Mubarak one and all, time to feast. Peace, love and happiness to all.

Tisca Chopra: I grew up in Afghanistan, so Eid was always one giant feast - visiting friends, biryani and new clothes.

Sujoy Ghosh: All my memories of Eid are those of happiness. Awesome food and awesome happiness. God bless everyone who cooks on Eid and everyone else.

Amrita Arora: Eid Mubarak guys! Love and happiness always. Awesome spread of sweets and food today at my house. Looking forward to day with family and friends!

Maria Goretti: Eid Mubarak. From our home to yours... Filled with the aroma of peace, love, happiness and Biryani. Have a blessed time.

Shahana Goswami: White kurtas all around... Lovely pleasant sunny morning. Eid Mubarak! Enjoy the food and prayers!

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Big B, Preity pray for Iran quake victims

Bollywood celebrities Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan are praying for victims of earthquake in Iran, which has killed about 250 people and injured 1, 800 others

According to media reports, there were two earthquakes of 6.4 and 6.3 magnitude near Tabriz and Ahar Saturday.

Preity expressed her feelings through her tweet and wrote: "My heart and Prayers go out to the people of Iran who have lost their loved ones in the earthquake. May god give strength to their families."

Megastar Amitabh is upset by the unfortunate incident and tweeted: "Earthquake in Iran and many dead... prayers for all those that suffer... have many well-wishers there."

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Sonam, Preity fighting to be Varanasi Ki Bahenji

Preity Zinta who has lately been brushing up her French etiquettes now goes straight into the role of a firebrand Varanasi-based wife in Neeraj Pathak’s Bhaiyyaji Superhit. 

Preity has been cast as a gangster’s daughter and Sunny Deol’s loud and aggressive wife, and she’d have to practise hard for her part. The role apparently requires her to talk fast in the local accent. 

Says director Neeraj Pathak, “Preity plays a Varanasi ki ladki with a local accent. She is super-excited about the role. ” 

We’re just super-excited that Sunny has finally found a leading lady befitting his stature. Sunny Paaji and Preity Mademoiselle go back a long way, to Anil Sharma’s The Hero where she had played a Kashmiri girl. 

Incidentally, if not interestingly, Sonam Kapoor is also playing a girl from Varanasi in Aanand Rai’s Raanjhanaa. 
With both Preity and Sonam Kapoor working hard on getting the Varanasi accent and body language right, the chic duo seem locked in quite a combat to get into the heart of a UP girl.

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Preity Zinta didn't fire me, fumes Pritam

Composer lashes out against buzz that Preity Zinta fired him from her debut production 'Ishkq in Paris'

While making her first film as a producer, Preity Zinta roped in Pritam as the guest composer. However, somewhere along the way, confusions over dates cropped up, post which there was industry buzz that Preity had fired Pritam.

There was also news that the actress has signed Sajid-Wajid to do the music for the film.

However, Pritam cries foul and tells us, “It was I who quit the film first. It has been a long while since I have spoken to her. I was the guest composer and was working on only one song. Now I am not sure if my song will be retained by Preity.”

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Preity finds her junior version

Actress Preity Zinta has finally found her junior version - a young girl with a dimpled right cheek to play her younger version in her debut production "Ishqk In Paris".

"Thank you to all of you who sent kiddie photos for the role of mini me (my childhood) in 'Ishkq In Paris'! The role has been cast finally," tweeted Preity.

The 37-year-old took to Twitter last month to scout for a "four to seven-year-old girl who has one dimple on her right cheek and can play a younger me for my film."

She has been successful in her efforts.

"Ishkq In Paris", directed by Prem Soni, also features Arjun Rampal.

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Preity thanks SRK, Manisha Koirala 'Dil se'

Now that Preity Zinta is working with a new actor in her debut production "Ishkq In Paris" (IIP), she says she appreciates Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala's behaviour towards her during "Dil Se..." even more.

"Must confess that I appreciate Shah Rukh and Manisha being so amazing to me in 'Dil Se..' even more now as I am working with a new actor in IIP, " tweeted Preity.

The new actor is reportedly TV actor Gaurav Chanana, who has been rechristened Rhehaan.

Meanwhile, she is excited about having French actress Isabelle Adjani in the cast.

"Come September, people across the world will be amazed by Isabelle Adjani in 'Ishkq In Paris'! I am so amazed n excited by her performance, " wrote Preity.

The movie, also featuring Arjun Rampal, is being directed by Prem Soni.

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Preity glad to work with Saroj Khan

Preity Zinta loves being tutored by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who is working on a song in the actress' debut production "Ishkq in Paris".

"Shooting for a song for 'Ishkq in Paris' with Sarojji. What a pleasure it is to work with her after so long. She has taught me everything I know," Preity tweeted.

The film, directed by Prem Soni, also features Arjun Rampal and French actress-singer Isabelle Adjani.

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'What's wrong with Vidya Balan's cruves'

Preity Zinta, one of the fittest and glamorous actresses, finds nothing wrong with being curvaceous. She believes size issues are a personal choice, and says she supports Vidya Balan for flaunting her curves proudly and setting a new trend. 

"I think she (Vidya Balan) is a fabulous actress. What's wrong with her? There is always a rule - it takes one to lead and rest to follow. The choice you have to make is whether you are a leader or a follower," Preity said here Wednesday at the launch of diet expert Pooja Makhija's book "Eat Delete".

"If there is one size zero and if 10 people want to become size zero, it's a different thing. If one is a size 12 or 10, and people want to be size 10, it's a different thing," she added. 

"The Dirty Picture", one of 2011's biggest hits, saw Vidya flaunting her curves in the role of southern sex siren Silk. 

"I think Vidya Balan is beautiful, she is gorgeous and she is a fabulous actor," added Preity. 

About the hype being created around size zero, Preity said: "For normal people, it is very unfair to keep saying 'size zero is beautiful'. Being overweight is not good because it is bad for your health. (But) there is no such thing that this is the only size." 

"I feel really bad for the normal people because their pressure is - 'If you eat this diet, you will look like her', which is really wrong, you can't look like anyone else," Preity added. 

The actress has been away from the arc lights for a long while now and is set to stage a comeback with her debut production "Ishkq in Paris".

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