Preity Zinta: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}

Zinta commenced shooting for [[Kundan Shah]]'s ''[[Kya Kehna]]'', whose release was delayed until 2000.<ref name="Chopra-India-Today"/> The delay of another film, ''[[Soldier (1998 Indian film)|Soldier]]'' (1998), meant that her first release was ''Dil Se..'' opposite [[Shah Rukh Khan|Shahrukh Khan]] and [[Manisha Koirala]].<ref name="BAFTA"/> She was introduced as Preeti Nair, a middle-class Delhi girl and Khan's fiancée. The film was considered an unusual launch for a newcomer, as her role called for only twenty minutes of screen time.<ref name="Chopra-India-Today"/> However, she was eventually noticed for her role, particularly for the forthright character she played.<ref name="The Preity Zinta interview"/> Her scene with Khan, in which she asked him, "Are you a virgin?", became well-known,<ref name="Champagne">{{cite magazine |last=Taparia Rathi |first=Nidhi |title=The Champagne Girl |magazine=[[India Today]] |date=30 September 2002 |access-date=4 April 2015 |url=http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20020930/cinema.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409162434/http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20020930/cinema.html |archive-date=9 April 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Chopra-India-Today"/> and her portrayal earned her a nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]].<ref name="awards" /> [[Khalid Mohamed]] of ''[[Filmfare|Bombay Talkies]]'' said that she "radiates confidence and spunk even if she's given just scraps of footage".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid|author-link=Khalid Mohamed|date=1998|access-date=11 May 2020|title=Quite a disappointment |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb33.htm |work=[[Filmfare]] |publisher=Times Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991002041154/http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb33.htm |archive-date=2 October 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Deosthalee |first1=Deepa |title=A picture perfect ode to love, Dil Se |url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980822/23450914.html |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Indian Express |publisher=The Express Group |date=22 August 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217075228/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980822/23450914.html |archive-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> The film did not attract a wide audience in India but was the first Hindi film to enter the UK's top 10 box-office charts.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Aftab | first = Kaleem |date=October 2002 | title = Brown: the new black! Bollywood in Britain | journal = Critical Quarterly | volume = 44 | issue = 3 | pages = 88–98 | publisher = Blackwell Synergy | doi = 10.1111/1467-8705.00435 | quote = The first Bollywood film to enter the UK top 10, ''Dil Se / Uyire'' was nevertheless a flop in India.}}</ref> Zinta's second release of 1998 was [[Abbas–Mustan]]-directed action-drama ''Soldier'', one of the biggest commercial hits of the year.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 1998 |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=1998&pageId=4 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408035512/https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=1998&pageId=4 |archive-date=8 April 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> She won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut]] for her performance in both ''Dil Se..'' and ''Soldier''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368679.cms |title=The Winners – 1998 |publisher=Indiatimes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709230849/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368679.cms |archive-date=9 July 2012 |access-date=25 April 2020 }}</ref>

Zinta next acted in two [[Telugu language|Telugu]] films, ''[[Premante Idera]]'' (1998) and ''[[Raja Kumarudu]]'' (1999).{{sfn|Dawar|2006|p=92}} She followed with the leading role in ''[[Sangharsh (1999 film)|Sangharsh]]'', a 1999 thriller directed by [[Tanuja Chandra]] and written by [[Mahesh Bhatt]].{{sfn|Glaser|2022|p=257}} Zinta portrayed Reet Oberoi, a [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) officer who falls in love with a captured killer played by [[Akshay Kumar]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/seventeen-years-of-sangharsh-15410-1.html |author=Sharma, Devesh |work=Filmfare |title=Seventeen years of Sangharsh |date=4 September 2016 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803034526/https://www.filmfare.com/features/seventeen-years-of-sangharsh-15410.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> Having been impressed with Zinta's work in ''Dil Se..'', Chandra approached her for the part after several leading actresses had refused the offer, which Zinta viewed as an opportunity to expand her range.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99sep26/sunday/view.htm |title=I want to tell my story from the woman's point of view |last=Ravi |first=P.R. |date=26 September 1999 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |access-date=21 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831014101/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99sep26/sunday/view.htm |archive-date=31 August 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Chandra">{{cite magazine|title=Sitting Pretty |magazine=[[India Today]] |date=30 November 1998 |access-date=21 April 2015 |url=http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/30111998/eyecats.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034516/http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/30111998/eyecats.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> ''Sangharsh'' was not a box-office success, although Zinta's performance received favourable comments by critics.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref name="The Preity Zinta interview"/> An article published by ''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]'' described her performance as "an amazing act" in an "intense film", documenting her career path thus far with the observation: "She wowed the audiences with her cameo in ''Dil Se..'', then she zapped the viewers with her sensuality in ''Soldier'' and now Preity Zinta is all set to shock everybody with her stark performance [in ''Sangharsh'']."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99sep05/sunday/bolywood.htm |title=Preity act |last=Mittal |first=Madhur |date=5 September 1999 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |access-date=22 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110202/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99sep05/sunday/bolywood.htm |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> [[Subhash K. Jha]] reflected in 2013 that ''Sangharsh'' marked a rare occasion in Hindi cinema at the time where a top male star played a secondary role to the leading lady.<ref name="SKJ">{{cite news |last1=K. Jha |first1=Subhash |author-link1=Subhash K. Jha |title=A look at the change in women's roles in Bollywood over the years |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/a-look-at-the-change-in-womens-roles-in-bollywood-over-the-years/203380 |access-date=7 April 2022 |work=[[mid-day]] |date=8 March 2013 |language=en}}</ref>

Zinta's first role in 2000 was in the drama ''Kya Kehna'', which [[sleeper hit|exceeded expectations]] to emerge a major box office success.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref name="KK-DHT">{{cite news |last1=Kapoor |first1=Pankaj |title=Dil Hai Tumhaara? Kya Kehna, Preity! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Dil-Hai-Tumhaara-Kya-Kehna-Preity/articleshow/21282352.cms?from=mdr |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=5 September 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212230305/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Dil-Hai-Tumhaara-Kya-Kehna-Preity/articleshow/21282352.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=12 February 2021 |url-status=live |language=en }}</ref> The film addressed themes of [[single parent]]hood and [[teenage pregnancy]], and gained Zinta wider recognition from the public as well as film critics.<ref name="Chopra-India-Today"/>{{sfn|Omar|2006|p=162}} Her portrayal of Priya Bakshi, a teenage [[single mother]] who fights social prejudice, earned her several award nominations, including her first nomination for [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] at the [[Filmfare Awards]].{{sfnm|1a1=Pande|1y=2004|1p=138|2a1=Gulzar|2a2=Nihalani|2a3=Chatterjee|2y=2003|2p=386–387}}<ref name="awards">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/10155/index.html|title=Preity Zinta: Awards & Nominations|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903043510/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/10155/index.html|archive-date=3 September 2011|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> [[Anupama Chopra]] from ''[[India Today]]'' reported that Zinta belonged to a new breed of Hindi film actors that breaks away from character stereotypes.<ref name="Chopra-India-Today"/> Further positive feedback came her way that year for her starring role in the romantic comedy ''[[Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[Screen India|Screen]]|date=11 August 2000|archive-date=16 August 2000|title=Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega – Salman, Preity excel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816035607/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/20000811/freview.htm|url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/20000811/freview.htm|access-date=5 May 2020|author=Nair, Padmaraj}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakravorty |first1=Vinayak |author-link1=Vinayak Chakravorty |title=Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega |url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewshdjpk.shtml |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010609210544/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewshdjpk.shtml |archive-date=9 June 2001}}</ref> She next appeared alongside [[Sanjay Dutt]] and Hrithik Roshan in [[Vidhu Vinod Chopra]]'s drama ''[[Mission Kashmir]]'' (2000).<ref>{{cite news |title=Mission Kashmir |date=2 June 2002 |last1=Handy |first1=Gina |last2=Carangelo |first2=John A. |work=[[The Herald Journal]] |page=58 }}</ref> Set in the valley of [[Kashmir]] during the [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Indo-Pakistani conflicts]], the film dealt with the topic of terrorism and crime;{{sfnm|1a1=Gulzar|1a2=Nihalani|1a3=Chatterjee|1y=2003|1p=130|2a1=Pervez|2y=2013|2pp=130–131}} it was an economic success, becoming the year's third-highest-grossing release in India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 2000 |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2000&pageId=4 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225145323/https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2000&pageId=4 |archive-date=25 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Zinta's role was that of Sufiya Parvez, a TV reporter and Roshan's childhood love. A review in ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted her for lending colour to an otherwise serious subject matter, and she shared similar sentiments about the character, citing its positive nature within the dark film as having sparked her interest in the part.<ref>{{cite news |author=Padmanabhan, Savitha |title=Film Review: Mission Kashmir |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/03/stories/09030222.htm |date=3 November 2000 |access-date=6 November 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141008085206/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/03/stories/09030222.htm |archive-date=8 October 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Different1">{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Roshmila |author-link=Roshmila Bhattacharya |title=Preity Zinta Different Strokes |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010803/fcover1.html |access-date=5 May 2020 |work=Screen |date=3 August 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011031180954/http://www.screenindia.com/20010803/fcover1.html |archive-date=31 October 2001 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2001, Zinta was paired with [[Sunny Deol]] in the action film ''[[Farz (2001 film)|Farz]]''. Her role was dismissed by critics, and the film failed commercially.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verma |first1=Suparn |title=Review: Farz |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jan/13farz.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=1 August 2020 |date=13 January 2001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140501115034/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jan/13farz.htm |archive-date=1 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BOI Filmography" /> [[Abbas–Mustan]]'s family drama ''[[Chori Chori Chupke Chupke]]'' was released later that year after a one-year delay due to [[#Personal life|the trial of producer Bharat Shah]] and opened to a wide audience.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |title=Dirty money cleans up for Bollywood blockbuster |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/mar/14/filmnews.film |access-date=19 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=14 March 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510162843/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/mar/14/filmnews.film |archive-date=10 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the first Hindi films to address the controversial issue of [[Surrogate mother|surrogate childbirth]],<ref>{{cite news|author=Prasad, Meghna |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/pune-times/experts-back-rent-a-womb-bill/articleshow/5699357.cms |date=2 April 2002 |title=Experts back 'rent-a-womb' bill |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=16 May 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111103943/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/pune-times/Experts-back-rent-a-womb-bill/articleshow/5699357.cms |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref> it starred Zinta as Madhubala, a [[Hooker with a heart of gold|golden-hearted prostitute]] hired as a surrogate mother.<ref name="Different1"/>{{sfn|Krämer|2017|p=258}} Initially reluctant to play the part, she eventually accepted it at the directors' persuasion and, to prepare for it, visited several bars and nightclubs at Mumbai's [[Red-light district|red-light areas]] to study the lingo and mannerisms of sex-workers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Preity refused to play a prostitute ... |website=[[Sify]] |date=29 April 2005 |access-date=16 December 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/why-preity-refused-to-play-a-prostitute-news-bollywood-kkfv5gbagdf.html |agency=IndiaFM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919212414/http://www.sify.com/movies/why-preity-refused-to-play-a-prostitute-news-bollywood-kkfv5gbagdf.html |archive-date=19 September 2013 }}</ref> Reviews of the film were varied, but critics singled out Zinta for praise.<ref name=CCCCHT>{{cite news|author=Chakravorty, Vinayak|author-link=Vinayak Chakravorty|date=9 March 2001|url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewscccc.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010820232724/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewscccc.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2001|access-date=3 September 2011|title=Chori Chori Chupke Chupke|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nair|first1=Padmaraj|title=Desi version of Surrogate Mother|url=http://www.screenindia.com/20010323/review.htm|access-date=20 April 2020|work=Screen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030103111004/http://www.screenindia.com/20010323/review.htm|date=23 March 2001|archive-date=3 January 2003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Raheja |first1=Dinesh |author-link1=Dinesh Raheja |title=Chori Chori Chupke Chupke – A Preity Show |url=http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewcccc.shtml |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=India Today |date=2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010409225755/http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewcccc.shtml |archive-date=9 April 2001 |url-status=live }}</ref> She received a second Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards for her performance, of which reviewer [[Sukanya Verma]] wrote: "Preity Zinta, who clearly has the meatiest part of all, makes the best of it. Her transformation from the cocky and unabashed prostitute to a sensitive and warm person is amazingly believable."<ref name="awards" /><ref>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya |title=Preity Trite |date=9 March 2001 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/09cccc.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=12 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124104455/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/09cccc.htm |archive-date=24 January 2016 }}</ref>

Two more 2001 releases featured Zinta, including [[Farhan Akhtar]]'s [[Coming-of-age story|coming-of-age]] ''[[Dil Chahta Hai]]''. Depicting the contemporary routine life of Indian affluent youth, it focuses on a period of transition in the lives of three young friends ([[Aamir Khan]], [[Saif Ali Khan]] and [[Akshaye Khanna]]).<ref>{{cite web|author=Arora, Pratiksha |title='It's the maddest unit I've worked with' |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre2.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=19 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316111939/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre2.htm |archive-date=16 March 2008 }}</ref>{{sfnm|1a1=Dasgupta|1a2=Datta|1y=2018|1p=74|2a1=Mazumdar|2y=2007|2pp=143–144, 146–147|3a1=Jha|3a2=Bachchan|3y=2005|3p=92}} Zinta played Aamir Khan's love interest Shalini, who is conflicted about her upcoming, loveless marriage. ''Dil Chahta Hai'' was popular with critics, some of whom believed it broke new ground with an unusually realistic portrayal of India's urban milieu.{{sfnm|1a1=Dasgupta|1a2=Datta|1y=2018|1pp=72–74|2a1=Mazumdar|2y=2007|2pp=143–144}} It was named [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Feature Film in Hindi]] at the [[49th National Film Awards]] and received the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/lagaan-dominates-national-awards/216573 |title='Lagaan' dominates National Awards |date=26 July 2002 |work=Outlook |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217040611/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/lagaan-dominates-national-awards/216573 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.screendaily.com/lagaan-sweeps-indian-filmfare-awards/408369.article |title=Lagaan sweeps Indian Filmfare Awards |last=Hall |first=Bhuvan |date=17 February 2002 |work=[[Screen International]] |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109235721/http://www.screendaily.com/lagaan-sweeps-indian-filmfare-awards/408369.article |url-status=live }}</ref> A moderate box-office success in India, it performed well in the big cities but failed in the rural areas, which was attributed by trade analysts to the city-oriented lifestyle it presented.<ref name="BOI Filmography" />{{sfn|Gulzar|Nihalani|Chatterjee|2003|p=128}} [[Dinesh Raheja]] took note of Zinta's "casual and appealing acting", and [[Sita Menon]] described her as "beautiful and vibrant, wavering between endearingly naive and confused".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raheja |first1=Dinesh |title=Dil Chahta Hai – Dude Awakening |url=http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/review.shtml |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=India Today |date=2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011003194101/http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/dch/review.shtml |archive-date=3 October 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Menon, Sita |title=Trip on Dil Chahta Hai |date=10 August 2001 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/10dil.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=12 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114124322/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/10dil.htm |archive-date=14 November 2007 }}</ref> Next followed [[Deepak Shivdasani]]'s ''[[Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke]]'', a romantic drama co-starring [[Ajay Devgn]] and [[Madhuri Dixit]] which was commercially and critically unsuccessful.<ref name="Champagne"/><ref name="BOI Filmography">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/actor.php?actorid=91 |title=Preity Zinta: Box Office Details and Filmography |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=2 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720010403/https://boxofficeindia.com/actor.php?actorid=91 |archive-date=20 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/yeh-raaste-hai-pyaar-ke/critic-review/yeh-raaste-hai-pyaar-ke-movie-review/ |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |title=Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke Movie Review |author=Adarsh, Taran |access-date=2 August 2020 |date=9 August 2001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803015226/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/yeh-raaste-hai-pyaar-ke/critic-review/yeh-raaste-hai-pyaar-ke-movie-review/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

*{{cite magazine |last=Elley |first=Derek |author-link=Derek Elley |title=Review: 'Dil Hai Tumhaara' |magazine=Variety |date=7 October 2002 |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/reviews/dil-hai-tumhaara-1200545641/ |access-date=12 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518184946/http://variety.com/2002/film/reviews/dil-hai-tumhaara-1200545641/ |archive-date=18 May 2015 }}

*{{cite news |last1=Pillai |first1=Jitesh |author-link1=Jitesh Pillai |title=Dil Hai Tumhaara |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/bollywood/Dil-Hai-Tumhaara/articleshow/25545390.cms |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |publisher=The Times Group |date=18 October 2002 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803015615/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Dil-Hai-Tumhaara/articleshow/25545390.cms |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}

*{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/09/stories/2002090900740400.htm |date=9 September 2002 |author=Us Salam, Ziya |author-link=Ziya Us Salam |title=Affairs of the heart |access-date=26 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021126154405/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/09/stories/2002090900740400.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=26 November 2002 }}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] from entertainment portal ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' noted: "...{{nbs}}Preity Zinta, in an author-backed role{{nbs}}... steals the show with a sterling performance{{nbs}}... Here's a performance that is sure to win accolades from the junta and critics whole-heartedly."<ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran |title=''Dil Hai Tumhara'' |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201710 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=6 September 2002 |access-date=24 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016185843/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201710 |archive-date=16 October 2014 }}</ref>

Zinta was the lead in India's three [[List of Hindi films of 2003|highest-grossing films of 2003]]: ''[[The Hero: Love Story of a Spy]]'', ''[[Koi... Mil Gaya]]'' and ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]''.<ref name="2003 BO">{{cite web |title=Box Office 2003 |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2003&pageId=4 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=8 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717214613/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2003&pageId=4 |archive-date=17 July 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Hero'', co-starring [[Sunny Deol]] and [[Priyanka Chopra]], is an action drama about a [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (RAW) secret agent on a mission to gather intelligence about terrorist activity from across the border of Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/apr/11hero.htm |title=A comicbook spy movie |author=Gumaste, Deepa |date=11 April 2003 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |work=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803041747/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/apr/11hero.htm |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> Zinta played the part of Reshma, a Kashmiri villager who falls in love with the agent and becomes part of this network. The film, involving stunts never seen before in the cinematic history of Bollywood, became the most expensive Hindi film ever produced at the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Hero: Love Story of a Spy |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/2003/04/the_hero_index.shtml |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 May 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050906214231/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/2003/04/the_hero_index.shtml |archive-date= 6 September 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Gangadhar, V |title=A dauntless hero |date=16 May 2003 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/05/16/stories/2003051601120200.htm |access-date=27 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612074223/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/05/16/stories/2003051601120200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref> The third-highest-grossing film of the year, it was labelled a disappointment against its high production costs.<ref name="2003 BO"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Bold themes and pretty faces|date=28 December 2003|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/spectrum/main5.htm|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=8 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121110907/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/spectrum/main5.htm|archive-date=21 November 2013 }}</ref> She next starred in [[Honey Irani]]'s directorial debut, ''[[Armaan (2003 film)|Armaan]]''; the drama is set in a hospital and follows the travails of its personnel and its principal, Dr. Akash ([[Anil Kapoor]]), who struggles arduously to sustain the institution financially. Zinta played Akash's [[schizophrenia|schizophrenic]] wife Sonia Kapoor,{{sfn|Chaudhuri|2014|p=161}} a role written specially for her and which she considered her best to that point.<ref name="Champagne"/><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Filmfare|page=34|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|date=September 2003|editor=Pillai, Jitesh|editor-link=Jitesh Pillai|author=Parkar, Hamida |url=http://filmfaremagazine.indiatimes.com/articleshow.cms?msid=149143&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |title=Zip Zap Zinta: A joy ride with Preity |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828123208/http://filmfaremagazine.indiatimes.com/articleshow.cms?msid=149143&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |archive-date=28 August 2004 |access-date=20 April 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film received predominantly positive reviews, and Zinta was particularly praised.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bariana, Sanjeev Singh |title=Preity Zinta all the way |date=18 May 2003 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030518/cth2.htm#7 |newspaper=The Tribune |access-date=1 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315213113/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030518/cth2.htm |archive-date=15 March 2008 }}</ref> Khalid Mohamed called her a "peppy scene-stealer, achieving her manic mood swings dexterously", and [[Vinayak Chakravorty]] concluded, "As Sonia, Preity takes over the script and, indeed, the film, unleashing a brilliant act as the deceptively bubbly but manipulative wife."<ref>{{cite news|author=Mohamed, Khalid|url=http://www.mid-day.com/columns/2003/may/53213.htm|date=18 May 2003|title=What's up doc?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040205040412/http://web.mid-day.com/columns/khalid_mohammed/2003/may/53213.htm|archive-date=5 February 2004|newspaper=[[Mid-Day]]|access-date=5 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakravorty |first1=Vinayak |title=Armaan |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NM2/Armaan/Article1-5766.aspx |access-date=23 June 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=17 May 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023012114/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NM2/Armaan/Article1-5766.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> For her performance, she received nominations for Best Performance in a Negative Role at different award ceremonies, including Filmfare.<ref name="awards" />

[[Rakesh Roshan]]'s science-fiction film ''Koi... Mil Gaya'', about a [[Developmental disability|developmentally disabled]] young man (Hrithik Roshan) coming in contact with an alien, followed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/is-autism-on-the-rise-the-1995-persons-with-disabilities-act-doesn-t-cover-the-disorder/cid/1020638 |title=Is autism on the rise? |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=11 July 2004 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803033414/https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/is-autism-on-the-rise-the-1995-persons-with-disabilities-act-doesn-t-cover-the-disorder/cid/1020638 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Jha|Bachchan|2005|p=94}} Zinta's portrayal of Nisha, a young woman whom Roshan befriends and falls in love with, was deemed "fresh and inspired" by ''[[The Times of India]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Qureshi |first1=Omar |title=Hrithik does jadoo in Koi... Mil Gaya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-does-jadoo-in-Koi-Mil-Gaya/articleshow/119141.cms |access-date=21 April 2020 |work=The Times of India |publisher=The Times Group |date=7 August 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803015922/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Roshan-Gada-talks-offer-no-solution/articleshow/119224.cms |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> Regarded as the "most novel Bollywood movie of the year" by ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Omar |title=Koi... Mil Gaya Review |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/koi-mil-gaya-review/ |access-date=21 April 2020 |work=Empire |date=21 August 2003 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020020/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/koi-mil-gaya-review/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> the film emerged as India's most popular film of the year with a domestic total of {{INRConvert|680|m|year=2003}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/koi-mil-gaya-i-found-someone |title=Koi... Mil Gaya (I Found Someone) |access-date=3 August 2020 |publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803054147/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/koi-mil-gaya-i-found-someone |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2003 BO"/> It went on to spawn two superhero sequels{{emdash}}''[[Krrish]]'' and ''[[Krrish&nbsp;3]]''{{emdash}}making it the first of the [[Krrish (franchise)|''Krrish'' film series]], to which Zinta did not proceed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rock-on-2-force-2-kahaani-2-bollywood-is-riding-high-on-sequels/story-pBVy05VxoMWBRBZ0zyPnmM.html|title=Rock On 2, Force 2, Kahaani 2: Bollywood is riding high on sequels|newspaper=Hindustan Times|last=Chopra|first=Rukmini|date=11 May 2017|publisher=HT Media Limited|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020241/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rock-on-2-force-2-kahaani-2-bollywood-is-riding-high-on-sequels/story-pBVy05VxoMWBRBZ0zyPnmM.html|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Set in New York City, [[Nikhil Advani]]'s romantic drama ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' starred Zinta as Naina Catherine Kapur, an insecure and irritable [[Indian-American]] who falls for a man with a fatal [[heart disease]] (Shah Rukh Khan).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/01nikhil.htm |title=Shah Rukh will never admit he has a problem |author=Verma, Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |date=1 April 2004 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803032820/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/01nikhil.htm |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film earned over {{INRConvert|750|m|year=2003}} worldwide: the second-biggest hit of the year after ''Koi... Mil Gaya'' in India and the top-grossing Hindi film overseas.<ref name="2003 BO" /><ref name="Worldwide gross">{{cite web|title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide (IND Rs) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021202725/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=21 October 2013 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=17 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 December 2003 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/03kal.htm |title=KHNH makes waves in UK too! |work=Rediff.com |access-date=10 February 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102014744/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/03kal.htm |archive-date= 2 January 2007 }}</ref> Critics received ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' favourably,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1135237_kal_ho_naa_ho? |title=Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409035532/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1135237_kal_ho_naa_ho |archive-date=9 April 2019 |access-date=3 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/kal-ho-naa-ho |title=Kal Ho Naa Ho 2003 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107074543/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/kal-ho-naa-ho |archive-date=7 January 2018 |access-date=3 December 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Ram Kamal Mukherjee]] of ''[[Stardust (magazine)|Stardust]]'' asserted that it exclusively rested on Zinta's "astounding performance", noting her for having "skillfully handled the hues of the complex character".<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Mukherjee, Ram Kamal|magazine=[[Stardust (magazine)|Stardust]]|url=http://www.stardust.co.in/display_Standard.asp?section=reviews&subsection=&xml=December2003_reviews_standard50|title=Kal Ho Naa Ho|date=28 November 2003|access-date=30 March 2015|archive-date=26 December 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031226072038/http://www.stardust.co.in/display_Standard.asp?section=reviews&subsection=&xml=December2003_reviews_standard50}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Elley, Derek |date=10 December 2003|authorlink=Derek Elley |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117922631?refcatid=31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216055712/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117922631?refcatid=31 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2010 |title=New international release Kal Ho Naa Ho |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=20 November 2007 }}</ref> At the [[49th Filmfare Awards]], Zinta received two Best Actress nominations: one for ''Koi... Mil Gaya'', which was named [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], and another for ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'', for which she won the award,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/477404.cms?&fright=1&right=1 |title=Nominees for the 49th Manikchand Filmfare Awards 2003 |publisher=Indiatimes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040323042338/https://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/477404.cms?&fright=1&right=1 |archive-date=23 March 2004 |access-date=14 July 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="awards02">{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/filmfare/20040222.htm |title=For Hrithik, it is a Preity night to remember |author=Rediff Entertainment Bureau |work=Rediff.com |date=23 February 2004 |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121906/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/filmfare/20040222.htm |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> in addition to accolades from other functions, including [[IIFA Award for Best Actress|IIFA]] and [[Stardust Award for Actor of the Year&nbsp;– Female|Stardust]].<ref name="awards" /><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129100735/http://www.sify.com/movies/shahid-amrita-bag-stardust-awards-news-bollywood-kkfvNLfhfhesi.html |archive-date=29 January 2018 |title=Shahid, Amrita bag 'Stardust' awards |website=[[Sify]] |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shahid-amrita-bag-stardust-awards-news-bollywood-kkfvNLfhfhesi.html |date=29 February 2004 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2004, Zinta played TV journalist Romila Dutta in Farhan Akhtar's war drama ''[[Lakshya (2004 film)|Lakshya]]'', alongside Hrithik Roshan. The film is based on the historical events of the 1999 [[Kargil War]], and Zinta's character is modelled after [[Barkha Dutt]], the only female reporter who covered the conflict.{{sfn|Saleh|Knieper|2018|p=168–170}} She called it the toughest film she had worked on and said it made her respect journalists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/16preity.htm |title='Lakshya is the toughest film of my career' |last1=Daniel |first1=Vaihayasi P. |last2=Verma |first2=Sukanya |date=16 June 2004 |website=Rediff.com |access-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728225210/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/16preity.htm }}</ref> To provide an accurate portrayal, she watched a number of Dutt's television shows and read books on the conflict.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-my-character-is-based-on-barkha-dutt-1176432 |title=My character is based on Barkha Dutt |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=8 July 2008 |author=Indo-Asian News Service |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803042554/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-my-character-is-based-on-barkha-dutt-1176432 |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> The film was a critical success, yet her performance received mixed reviews; [[Namrata Joshi]] of ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' likened her to "a teenybopper trying to do a TV newsreading skit for her college fest",<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |author=Joshi, Namrata |title=Lakshya |date=5 July 2004 |access-date=6 December 2011 |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?224392 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126022652/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?224392 |archive-date=26 January 2011 }}</ref> and Rediff.com's Rajeev Pai observed that despite a good part, she only "does a fairly decent job of it without ever being spectacular".<ref>{{cite web|author=Pai, Rajeev |title=Watch Lakshya. You won't be disappointed |date=18 June 2004 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/18lakshya.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102224526/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/18lakshya.htm |archive-date= 2 November 2007 }}</ref> ''Lakshya'' failed to attract an audience, grossing {{INRConvert|235.6|m}} against its {{INRConvert|330|m}} budget.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/lakshya-1200532726/ |title=Lakshya |last=Elley |first=Derek |date=18 June 2004 |work=Variety |access-date=16 February 2021 }}</ref>

For the lead part in his cross-border romance ''[[Veer-Zaara]]'' (2004), [[Yash Chopra]] was looking for an actress whose "look and personality could be transformed". Having identified this opportunity in Zinta, who was mostly known for playing westernised characters, he cast her in the title role of Zaara Haayat Khan, a feisty Pakistani woman whose love story with Indian officer Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) spans three decades amid trials and tribulations.<ref name="Choprint">{{cite web |last1=K Jha |first1=Subhash |title=There was constant argument between Aditya and me |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/14yash.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=18 April 2020 |language=en |date=14 September 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605114907/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/14yash.htm |archive-date=5 June 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Gopal|2012|pp=50–55}} Highly anticipated pre-release, the film had a strong international release, including a screening at the [[Berlin International Film Festival]], and was named Best Film at major Indian award functions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yash Chopra on Berlin Film Festival Jury |date=18 January 2006 |url=http://www.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm |publisher=[[Yash Raj Films]] |access-date=17 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618144056/http://www1.yashrajfilms.com/news/yc_berlinaile.htm |archive-date=18 June 2007 }}</ref><ref>List of awards received by ''Veer-Zaara'':

*{{cite news |url=https://www.screendaily.com/veer-zaara-wins-at-indian-film-industry-oscars/4023430.article |title=Veer Zaara wins at Indian film industry Oscars |author=Dams, Tim |work=Screen |date=12 June 2005 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803042921/https://www.screendaily.com/veer-zaara-wins-at-indian-film-industry-oscars/4023430.article |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}

*{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/veer-zaara-dominates-bollywood-awards/295792 |title=Veer-Zaara dominates Bollywood Awards |date=1 May 2005 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |work=Outlook |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803043328/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/veer-zaara-dominates-bollywood-awards/295792 |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}

*{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/mar/28zee.htm |title=Veer-Zaara: Hot fave at the Zee awards! |author=Jha, Subhash K. |date=28 March 2005 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |work=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803052659/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/mar/28zee.htm |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> With revenues of over {{INRConvert|940|m|year=2004}}, it was [[List of Bollywood films of 2004|that year's top-grossing Hindi film]] both in India and abroad.<ref name="Worldwide gross"/> Zinta's part required her to master the fine nuances of the Urdu language.<ref name="Talk Asia interview"/> Though excited at first, she later "got knots in her stomach" worrying about her performance, but Chopra assured her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/preity-zinta-post-veer-zaara-news-bollywood-kkfvDLihgabsi.html |title=Preity Zinta, post Veer-Zaara |website=[[Sify]] |date=25 November 2004 |access-date=15 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151247/http://www.sify.com/movies/preity-zinta-post-veer-zaara-news-bollywood-kkfvDLihgabsi.html |archive-date=19 March 2018 }}</ref> Her work resulted in a fourth Filmfare Best Actress nomination, among others.<ref name="awards" /> [[Jitesh Pillai]] wrote of her "tremendous restraint", and Avijit Ghosh of ''[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]'' likewise believed she had delivered her most nuanced performance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pillai |first1=Jitesh |title=Veer Zaara |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Veer-Zaara/articleshow/923432.cms |access-date=18 April 2020 |work=The Times of India |publisher=Times Group |date=15 November 2004 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223005032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/Veer-Zaara/articleshow/923432.cms |archive-date=23 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041119/asp/etc/story_4000380.asp|title=Grand passion lore|last=Ghosh|first=Avijit|work=The Telegraph|date=19 November 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208160528/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041119/asp/etc/story_4000380.asp|archive-date=8 December 2015|access-date=15 July 2020 }}</ref> [[Derek Elley]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' hailed her as "the most interesting young actress of her generation".<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Elley, Derek |title=New Int'l. Release Veer-Zaara |date=6 December 2004 |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117925580?refcatid=31 |magazine=Variety |access-date=21 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108055811/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117925580?refcatid=31 |archive-date= 8 November 2012 }}</ref> ''Veer-Zaara'' was Zinta's second highest-grossing film and third major success in two consecutive years.<ref name="top actresses">{{cite web|publisher=Box Office India|title=Top Actress|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204132433/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress|archive-date=4 December 2013|access-date=8 January 2008}}</ref>

Zinta starred opposite [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] in the 2005 folk comedy ''[[Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen]]'', a production that had been delayed since 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/mar/13news.htm |title=Paanch, Khullam Khulla Pyaar Kare releases postponed |date=13 March 2002 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912165240/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/mar/13news.htm |archive-date=12 September 2012 }}</ref> The film garnered negative reviews and poor box office returns,<ref name="BOI Filmography" /> and [[Subhash K. Jha]] found Zinta's work to be incompatible with her screen image and acting style.<ref>{{cite news |last1=K. Jha |first1=Subhash |title=Govinda makes tacky comedy watchable |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/govinda-makes-tacky-comedy-watchable/story-wV00vbSjmuSIhZdsFMut7H.html |access-date=20 April 2020 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=4 May 2005 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020326/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/baghjan-gas-well-fire-not-spreading-says-district-administration/story-QqDT967sESh5bJ7YzAOM2M.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran |title=Khullam Khulla Pyar Karen |date=29 April 2005 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7283/index.html |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=22 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218202036/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7283/index.html |archive-date=18 February 2009 }}</ref> Critics and moviegoers were more appreciative that year of [[Siddharth Anand]]'s comedy-drama ''[[Salaam Namaste]]'', which saw Zinta and Saif Ali Khan as a contemporary [[cohabitation|cohabiting]] Indian couple in Australia dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.{{sfnm|1a1=De|1a2=Sarwal|1y=2016|1pp=280–285|2a1=Mehta|2y=2017|2p=351}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Pratim D. |author-link1=Pratim D. Gupta |title=Salaam stars, namaste hit |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/salaam-stars-namaste-hit/cid/1277562 |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=13 September 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803033006/https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/salaam-stars-namaste-hit/cid/1277562 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Produced on a big budget by Yash Raj Films,{{sfn|Hassam|2010|p=65}} it was the first Indian feature filmed entirely in Australia and became the year's highest-grossing Indian production outside of India and overall [[List of Hindi films of 2005|third-highest-grossing Hindi film]], earning {{INRConvert|572|m|year=2005}}.<ref name="Overseas market"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/bollywood-on-bourke-street-20050513-ge05j3.html |title=Bollywood on Bourke Street |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=13 May 2005 |author=[[Australian Associated Press]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017083125/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/bollywood-on-bourke-street-20050513-ge05j3.html |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=6 July 2020 }}</ref> Zinta received a number of Best Actress nominations for playing the protagonist Ambar Malhotra, a single modern young woman who leaves India to make her own life in Melbourne and works as a radio host while studying medicine.{{sfnm|1a1=De|1a2=Sarwal|1y=2016|1pp=280–285|2a1=Mehta|2y=2017|2p=351}}<ref name="awards" /> Devyani Srivastava of ''[[Mid-Day]]'' considered the independent, strong-minded character of Ambar to be a rare Hindi film heroine, and Taran Adarsh argued that Zinta had given "her most accomplished performance to date".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Srivastava |first1=Devyani |title=Pyaar mein twist |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2005/sep/118394.htm |access-date=15 June 2020 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |date=11 September 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830194925/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2005/sep/118394.htm |archive-date=30 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran |title=Salaam Namaste |date=9 September 2005 |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/65071 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=15 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910063426/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/65071 |archive-date=10 September 2013 }}</ref> Anita Gates of ''[[The New York Times]]'' noted Ambar's negative shades but admired Zinta's positive personality, by which she remains likable even despite uncharitable traits in her characters.<ref>{{cite news|author=Gates, Anita |title=True to the Bollywood Look, While Defying Traditions |date=10 September 2005 |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2005/09/10/movies/10nama.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=7 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830194841/http://movies.nytimes.com/2005/09/10/movies/10nama.html?_r=0 |archive-date=30 August 2013 }}</ref>

Zinta received further success in 2006, starring in Karan Johar's drama ''[[Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna]]'' alongside Shah Rukh Khan, [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Abhishek Bachchan]], and [[Amitabh Bachchan]].<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/18/stories/2006081800170200.htm |title=On marriage and infidelity – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehana |author=Kamath, Sudhish |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=18 August 2006 |access-date=2 August 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120094627/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/18/stories/2006081800170200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=20 November 2006 }}</ref> The film became [[List of Hindi films of 2006|one of the biggest box-office hits in India]], earning {{INRConvert|635|m|year=2006}}, and grossed over {{INRConvert|496|m|year=2006}} abroad{{emdash}}the biggest Bollywood success of all-time in the overseas market up until then.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2006 |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2006 |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Box Office India}}</ref> It was Zinta's fourth overseas top-earner in four consecutive years.<ref name="Overseas market">{{cite web |title=Top Lifetime Grossers Overseas (IND Rs) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=337&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgSW4gSU5EIFJz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109193432/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=337&catName=TGlmZXRpbWUgSW4gSU5EIFJz |archive-date=9 November 2013 |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=17 September 2010}}</ref> Revolving around two unhappily married couples in New York, the film featured Zinta as Rhea Saran, an ambitious fashion magazine editor whose husband begins an adulterous affair with a family acquaintance.{{sfnm|1a1=Gopal|1y=2012|1p=77|2a1=Mishra|2y=2008|2pp=477–479}} She described the part as an attempt to shed her vivacious public image.<ref name="bubbly image">{{cite web|title=I'm sick of my bubbly image: Preity Zinta |date=17 March 2006 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-m-sick-of-my-bubbly-image-preity-zinta-news-bollywood-kkfvpnghabj.html |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=5 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820031203/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-m-sick-of-my-bubbly-image-preity-zinta-news-bollywood-kkfvpnghabj.html |archive-date=20 August 2012 }}</ref> ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' polarised critics, but ''[[The Indian Express]]'' approved of Zinta's effort, noting her for having "walked with poise, sat with grace, smiled with composure and spoken with calmness".<ref>{{cite news|author=Aprajita, Anil |title=Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna |date=12 August 2006 |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=72324 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=30 August 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421225514/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=72324 |archive-date=21 April 2008 }}</ref> Other reviews questioned the limited length of her role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kazmi |first1=Nikhat |title=Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/movie-review/1906317.cms |access-date=4 May 2020 |work=The Times of India |publisher=The Times Group |date=11 August 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020608/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna/movie-review/1906317.cms |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> In later years, ''Filmfare'' and ''[[Verve (Indian magazine)|Verve]]'' lauded the character for breaking stereotypes of screen portrayals of married women in Hindi films.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paul |first1=Ushnota |title=10 reasons why we still love Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/10-reasons-why-we-still-love-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-15045.html |access-date=4 May 2020 |work=Filmfare |publisher=The Times Group |date=11 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020528/https://www.filmfare.com/features/10-reasons-why-we-still-love-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-15045.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jahagirdar-Saxena |first1=Shraddha |title=A nostalgic re-living of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |url=https://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/a-nostaligic-re-living-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna |access-date=2 July 2020 |work=[[Verve (Indian magazine)|Verve]] |date=11 August 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020453/https://www.vervemagazine.in/arts-and-culture/a-nostaligic-re-living-of-kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref>

Zinta next appeared in [[Shirish Kunder]]'s romantic musical ''[[Jaan-E-Mann]]'' (2006). She played Piya, the cynosure of two men in the United States ([[Salman Khan]] and Akshay Kumar).<ref>{{cite news |title=Exceptional roles in Hollywood acceptable: Priety |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200609201360.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223174417/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200609201360.htm |archive-date=23 December 2007 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=20 September 2006 |access-date=6 November 2007 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The film opened to mixed reviews from critics and its eventual box office profit was poor.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /> Despite being mostly criticised for taking a role of minimal importance, she was complimented on her performance and appearance.<ref>{{cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev |title=Masand's verdict: Jaan-e-mann jars |date=20 October 2006 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-jaanemann-jars/24411-8-p1.html |publisher=IBNLive |access-date=20 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101132210/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-jaanemann-jars/24411-8-p1.html |archive-date= 1 November 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Sen, Raja |title=Akshay's goofy laugh wins you over |date=20 October 2006 |url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/20jaan1.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 November 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119064035/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/20jaan1.htm |archive-date=19 November 2006 }}</ref> She said the film was a great relief after the more emotionally intense ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'', as ''Jaan-E-Mann'' was "easy, happy and much more simple".<ref>{{cite web|author=Banerjee, Akanksha |title=Success came early to me: Preity |date=26 September 2006 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/success-came-early-to-me-preity/22574-8-p1.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=31 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220192741/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/success-came-early-to-me-preity/22574-8-p1.html |archive-date=20 February 2009 }}</ref> Even less successful was her next turn as [[British Pakistanis|British Pakistani]] woman Alvira Khan in her third project with Yash Raj Films, the comedy ''[[Jhoom Barabar Jhoom]]'' (2007), co-starring Abhishek Bachchan, [[Bobby Deol]] and [[Lara Dutta]]. The film was a commercial failure in India and critics panned her performance;<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061750150200.htm |title='Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' goes bust film reviews |author=Us Salam, Ziya |date=17 June 2007 |access-date=9 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414205815/http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061750150200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=14 April 2008 }}</ref> ''The Times of India'' described her as "too plastic"<ref>{{cite news|author=Kazmi, Nikhat |title=Jhoom Barabar Jhoom |date=16 June 2007 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Jhoom-Barabar-Jhoom/movie-review/2127129.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=14 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105124043/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Jhoom-Barabar-Jhoom/movie-review/2127129.cms |archive-date= 5 November 2012 }}</ref> and Rediff.com concluded, "From accent to emotion, Preity is plain and simple insufferable in this film."<ref>{{cite web|author=Sen, Raja |title=Jhoom Bore-abar Jhoom |date=15 June 2007 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/15jhoom1.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926153736/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/15jhoom1.htm |archive-date=26 September 2008 }}</ref>

Following the failure of two of her commercial releases, Zinta decided to venture into [[art film]]s, a movement of neo-realistic films known in India as [[parallel cinema]].<ref name="art film">{{cite news|author=Jha, Subhash K. |title=Deepa Mehta signs Preity Zinta for Heaven on Earth |date=27 September 2007 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/dresscircle/Deepa-Mehta-signs-Preity-Zinta-for-Heaven-on-Earth/Article1-249879.aspx |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=16 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605135941/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/dresscircle/Deepa-Mehta-signs-Preity-Zinta-for-Heaven-on-Earth/Article1-249879.aspx |archive-date= 5 June 2011 }}</ref> She acted alongside Amitabh Bachchan in her first English-language film, [[Rituparno Ghosh]]'s [[Story within a story#Nested films|film-within-a-film]] drama ''[[The Last Lear]]'' (2007).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.screendaily.com/the-last-lear/4034634.article |title=The Last Lear |author=Dan, Fainaru |work=Screen |date=17 September 2007 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803034929/https://www.screendaily.com/the-last-lear/4034634.article |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> Zinta played Shabnam, a struggling film actress working on a new project opposite Shakespearean actor Harish Mishra (Bachchan) in the midst of a turbulent relationship with her possessive husband. The film premiered at the [[2007 Toronto International Film Festival]] and was received well.{{sfn|Chakravarti|2017|p=117}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-award-winning-indian-director-ghosh-dies-at-49-2013may30-story,amp.html|title=Award-winning Indian director Ghosh dies at 49|date=30 May 2013|newspaper=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]|author=The Associated Press|access-date=6 July 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803020820/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-award-winning-indian-director-ghosh-dies-at-49-2013may30-story.html?_amp=true|archive-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> Later reviews in India were approving, with [[Rajeev Masand]] writing that she "gets through her scenes competently, never allowing her cute-as-a-button image to take away from the impact she makes here as a conflicted, mature woman".<ref>{{cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |title=Masand's Verdict: The Last Lear is slyly over the top |date=13 September 2008 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-the-last-lear-is-slyly-over-the-top/73463-8-p1.html |access-date=12 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113072003/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-the-last-lear-is-slyly-over-the-top/73463-8-p1.html |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}</ref> Sukanya Verma called Zinta "palpably vulnerable" but lamented the English dialogue, finding it distracting "from the seriousness of the situation".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verma |first1=Sukanya |title=Effectively intriguing |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/lear/20080912.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 April 2020 |language=en |date=12 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006132618/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/lear/20080912.htm |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Last Lear'' was named the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English|Best English Film]] at the [[55th National Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Rituparno-wins-national-award-for-Last-Lear/articleshow/4984188.cms |title=Rituparno wins national award for Last Lear |last=Sengupta |first=Ratnottama |work=The Times of India |publisher=Times News Network|date=8 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229170527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Rituparno-wins-national-award-for-Last-Lear/articleshow/4984188.cms |archive-date=29 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Initially dismissive of art films, Zinta eventually spoke positively of her experiment with the genre, confessing, "I did think with art films that they don't pay you, they don't feed you, but I was wrong, and I'm so happy to be here."<ref>{{cite news|author=Yelajam, Prithi |title=India's top stars not afraid to take risks |date=10 September 2007 |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/254778 |work=Toronto Star |access-date=6 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011120600/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/254778 |archive-date=11 October 2007 }}</ref>

In the same year she played the leading role of Chand in [[Deepa Mehta]]'s Canadian film ''[[Heaven on Earth (2008 film)|Heaven on Earth]]'', a [[Punjabi language|Punjabi-language]] mystical drama based on the true story of a young Indian woman who, after an arranged marriage to a [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indian]] man from Canada, migrates to Toronto and becomes a victim of severe domestic abuse.{{sfn|Clini|2018|pp=50–69}} Zinta described Mehta as one director she was longing to work with to fulfill her desire for "a new kind of acting challenge".<ref name="art film"/> To prepare for the part, she studied extensively the subject of domestic violence and took a crash course in Punjabi, a language that was totally alien to her.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jha, Subhash K.|title=Punjabi was alien to me: Preity|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-15/news-interviews/27921262_1_preity-zinta-punjabi-deepa-mehta|date=15 July 2008|access-date=10 August 2011|agency=Times News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214009/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-15/news-interviews/27921262_1_preity-zinta-punjabi-deepa-mehta|archive-date=19 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> She confessed to not being able to emotionally disconnect from the part during the making of the film: "I never knew a character would affect me so deeply. I've become completely withdrawn and introspective{{nbs}}... I can't snap out of the character."<ref>{{cite news|title=Preity cries for home|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-12-08/news-interviews/27962575_1_preity-zinta-deepa-mehta-priety-zinta|date=8 December 2007|access-date=10 August 2011|agency=Times News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214021/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-12-08/news-interviews/27962575_1_preity-zinta-deepa-mehta-priety-zinta|archive-date=19 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> She eventually called it her most challenging project, as it helped her "shed everything that Preity Zinta was about".<ref>{{cite news|author=Jain, Princy |title=Heaven on Earth is my most challenging film: Preity Zinta |date=10 March 2008 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/interviewscinema/Heaven-on-Earth-my-most-challenging-film-Preity/Article1-281094.aspx |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=27 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712094055/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/interviewscinema/Heaven-on-Earth-my-most-challenging-film-Preity/Article1-281094.aspx |archive-date=12 July 2012 }}</ref> ''Heaven on Earth'' was first screened at several film festivals and garnered career-best reviews for Zinta.<ref>Reviews of ''Heaven on Earth'' in India:

*{{cite web |last1=Masand |first1=Rajeev |title=Masand's Movie Review: Videsh a thought-provoking film |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-videsh-a-thoughtprovoking-film/88864-8.html |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330055416/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-videsh-a-thoughtprovoking-film/88864-8.html |archive-date=30 March 2009 |url-status=dead |date=28 March 2009 }}

*{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj |title=Tale of a tormented wife – Videsh – Heaven On Earth |url=https://www.thehindu.com/archive/print/2009/04/03/ |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=3 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110142456/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/04/03/stories/2009040350030200.htm |archive-date=10 November 2012 |language=en }}

*{{cite web |last1=Chopra |first1=Anupama |title=Videsh: Heaven on Earth |url=https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/videsh-heaven-on-earth-389 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=1 August 2020 |language=en |date=7 March 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803013051/https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/videsh-heaven-on-earth-389 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=dead }}

*{{cite web |last1=Verma |first1=Sukanya |title=Watch Videsh for Preity Zinta |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/27review-watch-videsh-for-preity-zinta.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=1 August 2020 |date=27 March 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909094216/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/27review-watch-videsh-for-preity-zinta.htm |archive-date=9 September 2012 |url-status=live }}

*{{cite news |last1=K. Jha |first1=Subhash |title=Preity surprises in Heaven on Earth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Preity-surprises-in-Heaven-on-Earth/articleshow/4327782.cms |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=28 March 2009 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212230253/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Preity-surprises-in-Heaven-on-Earth/articleshow/4327782.cms |archive-date=12 February 2021 |url-status=live }}

*{{cite news |last1=Baliga |first1=Shashi |title=Review: Videsh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/review-videsh/story-GGhZTZrc72TrvNrXG2gBtK.html |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 March 2009 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803014036/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/revoking-article-370-didn-t-usher-in-any-development-in-j-k-farooq-abdullah/story-23rObQ2tyn3epkj80VBFlI.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}

*{{cite news |last1=Adarsh |first1=Taran |title=Videsh |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/videsh/439786/0 |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Indian Express |date=27 March 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803014109/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/videsh/439786/0 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Peter Debruge of ''Variety'' wrote of her "stunning psychological transformation" in the part and Will Sloan labelled her "a revelation".<ref>Foreign reviews of ''Heaven on Earth'':

*{{cite news |last1=Monk |first1=Katherine |title=Heaven on Earth an eloquent portrayal of a family in trouble |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=6aac15f4-de60-49d5-998a-2b03907ae4a2 |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027014738/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=6aac15f4-de60-49d5-998a-2b03907ae4a2 |archive-date=27 October 2008 }}

*{{cite news |last1=Debruge |first1=Peter |title=Heaven on Earth |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/heaven-on-earth-2-1200470914/ |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=Variety |date=7 September 2008 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830194825/http://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/heaven-on-earth-2-1200470914/ |archive-date=30 August 2013 |url-status=live }}

*{{cite news |last1=Sloan |first1=Will |title=Heaven On Earth |url=http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/latestsub.aspx?csid1=126&csid2=870&fid1=34367 |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=[[Exclaim!]] |date=2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413012758/http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/latestsub.aspx?csid1=126&csid2=870&fid1=34367 |archive-date=13 April 2009 }}

*{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Wendy |title=Heaven On Earth |url=https://www.screendaily.com/heaven-on-earth/4040671.article |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=Screen |date=7 September 2008 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830194800/http://www.screendaily.com/heaven-on-earth/4040671.article |archive-date=30 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her performance earned her the [[Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress]] at the 2008 [[Chicago International Film Festival]], for "her strong yet subtle performance as a woman struggling to keep her dreams despite brutal realities".<ref name="Chicago">{{cite web |title=Awards 2008 |publisher=[[Chicago International Film Festival]] |url=http://www.chicagofilmfestival.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CIFFSite.woa/wa/pages/Awards%202008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105225422/http://www.chicagofilmfestival.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CIFFSite.woa/wa/pages/Awards%202008 |archive-date=5 January 2009 |access-date=27 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrge |first1=Duane |title='Hunger' strikes at Chicago fest |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-strikes-at-chicago-fest-121770 |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=27 October 2008 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803021052/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hunger-strikes-at-chicago-fest-121770 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Elder |first1=Robert K. |author-link1=Robert K. Elder |title=Brazilian film 'The Dead Girl's Feast' wins a top honor |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-10-27-0810260229-story.html |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=27 October 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803021158/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-10-27-0810260229-story.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> She was also nominated for the [[Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress|Genie Award for Best Actress]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Every scene in 'Videsh' is some woman's story: Preity Zinta|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200903141821.htm|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=17 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317081634/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200903141821.htm|date=14 March 2009|access-date=20 April 2011|agency=Indo-Asian News Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixon |first1=Guy |title=Genie Award voters anoint The Necessities |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/genie-award-voters-anoint-the-necessities/article20444424/ |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=11 February 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803021230/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/genie-award-voters-anoint-the-necessities/article20444424/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following ''Heaven on Earth'', Zinta took a two-year sabbatical from films, later explaining that she had chosen to focus on her work with [[Preity Zinta#Ownership of cricket teams|her cricket team]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Will soon return to films, says Preity|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/will-return-to-films-soon-says-preity/article1531036.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=12 March 2011|access-date=10 August 2011|agency=Press Trust of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141015134757/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/will-return-to-films-soon-says-preity/article1531036.ece|archive-date=15 October 2014}}</ref> In 2011, she launched her own production company, [[PZNZ Media]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/i-had-lost-inspiration-for-movies-preity-zinta/732160 |title=I Had Lost Inspiration For Movies: Preity Zinta |magazine=Outlook |date=23 August 2011 |access-date=3 August 2020 |location=Mumbai, India |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803024455/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/i-had-lost-inspiration-for-movies-preity-zinta/732160 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two years later and following numerous delays, she starred in her first film under the banner{{snd}}the [[Prem Raj]]-directed romantic comedy ''[[Ishkq in Paris]]'', which she also co-wrote.<ref>{{cite news|title=Preity Zinta debuts as a producer and writer |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/preity-zinta-debuts-as-a-producer-and-writer/1114738/ |access-date=14 November 2013 |work=The Indian Express |date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808164217/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/preity-zinta-debuts-as-a-producer-and-writer/1114738/ |archive-date= 8 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jha, Subhash K. |title=Preity Zinta postpones Ishkq in Paris release indefinitely |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Preity-Zinta-postpones-Ishkq-In-Paris-release-indefinitely/Article1-951587.aspx |access-date=14 November 2013 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=29 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314025415/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Preity-Zinta-postpones-Ishkq-In-Paris-release-indefinitely/Article1-951587.aspx |archive-date=14 March 2014 }}</ref> An Indo-French collaboration, the film saw Zinta as a half-Indian half-French Parisian woman alongside [[Rhehan Malliek]] and [[Isabelle Adjani]]. Zinta's role required her to learn French and follow a strict diet and fitness regime, for which she hired the services of celebrity trainer [[Tracy Anderson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Preity Zinta learns French for next|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-06/news-interviews/29742619_1_preity-zinta-indo-french-production-paris|author=Jha, Subhash K.|date=6 July 2011|access-date=10 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919213923/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-06/news-interviews/29742619_1_preity-zinta-indo-french-production-paris|archive-date=19 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_preity-zinta-s-wants-maiden-home-production-to-be-of-top-notch-quality_1565253 |title=Preity Zinta's wants maiden home production to be of top notch quality |author=Mahadevan, Sneha |date=13 July 2011 |access-date=10 August 2011 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309152814/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_preity-zinta-s-wants-maiden-home-production-to-be-of-top-notch-quality_1565253 |archive-date= 9 March 2012 }}</ref> Whilst the film bombed at the box office and received mostly negative reviews, Zinta's performance attracted a mixed critical reception.<ref name="BOI Filmography" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Kulkarni |first=Onkar |title=Preity Zinta's comeback film Ishkq in Paris is a wipe out at box office |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/preity-zintas-comeback-film-ishkq-in-paris-is-a-wipe-out-at-box-office/1122879/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=14 November 2013 |date=31 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113061303/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/preity-zintas-comeback-film-ishkq-in-paris-is-a-wipe-out-at-box-office/1122879/ |archive-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dutta |first=Saptarishi |title=Reviews: Preity Zinta Comeback Disappoints |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/05/24/reviews-preity-zinta-comeback-disappoints/ |access-date=14 November 2013 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=24 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310170610/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/05/24/reviews-preity-zinta-comeback-disappoints/ |archive-date=10 March 2014 }}</ref> Sonia Chopra of [[Sify]] called her "hugely likeable", and added that she is a "good actress, astute producer and{{nbs}}... writer".<ref>{{cite web|last=Chopra |first=Sonia |title=Ishkq in Paris review: An irresistible evening in Paris! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ishkq-in-paris-review-an-irresistible-evening-in-paris-review-bollywood-15029807.html |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=14 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119203549/http://www.sify.com/movies/ishkq-in-paris-review-an-irresistible-evening-in-paris-review-bollywood-15029807.html |archive-date=19 January 2014 }}</ref> Shilpa Jamkhandikar from ''[[Deccan Herald]]'', critical of both the film and Zinta's work, concluded a scathing review by calling it "a mediocre film, one that was supposed to showcase one of our favourite leading ladies, but instead just shows us what a shadow of her past she's become".<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=24 May 2013 |title=Ishkq in Paris Movie Review: Love gone wrong |author=Jamkhandikar, Shilpa |access-date=7 April 2015 |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/334566/ishkq-paris-movie-review-love.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406192843/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/334566/ishkq-paris-movie-review-love.html |archive-date= 6 April 2015 }}</ref>

Following a five-year sabbatical, Zinta starred opposite Sunny Deol as an aggressive Varanasi-based wife in Neeraj Pathak's action comedy ''[[Bhaiaji Superhit]]'' (2018).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Preity-Zinta-starts-shooting-for-Bhaiyyaji-Superhitt/articleshow/53432147.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|title=Preity Zinta starts shooting for 'Bhaiyyaji Superhitt'|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|date=28 January 2017|access-date=28 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803045741/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Preity-Zinta-starts-shooting-for-Bhaiyyaji-Superhitt/articleshow/53432147.cms|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/901946/preity-zinta-is-back-with-bhaiaji-superhit-this-film-has-reignited-my-passion-for-acting |title=Preity Zinta is back with 'Bhaiaji Superhit': 'This film has reignited my passion for acting' |publisher=[[Scroll.in]] |date=19 November 2018 |last=Raman |first=Sruthi Ganapathy |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108211144/https://scroll.in/reel/901946/preity-zinta-is-back-with-bhaiaji-superhit-this-film-has-reignited-my-passion-for-acting |url-status=live }}</ref> Ajit Duara of ''[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]]'' magazine called the film a "rude, sexist, and completely mixed-up farce" and bemoaned that the "once vivacious [Zinta] appears completely disinterested in her surroundings and in her co-actors".<ref>{{cite news |work=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]] |date=24 November 2018 |title=Bhaiaji Superhit Movie Review |author=Duara, Ajit |access-date=1 December 2018 |url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/cinema/bhaiaji-superhit-movie-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201182337/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/cinema/bhaiaji-superhit-movie-review |archive-date=1 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, Zinta appeared alongside [[Vir Das]] in an episode of the American [[sitcom]] ''[[Fresh Off the Boat]]'', titled "The Magic Motor Inn"; she was set to reprise her role in a spin-off series, centered around her character's family,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/fresh-off-the-boat-spinoff-abc-vir-das-preity-g-zinta-1203385502/ |work=Variety |title='Fresh Off the Boat' Spinoff Moves Forward at ABC |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=28 October 2019 |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010180141/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/fresh-off-the-boat-spinoff-abc-vir-das-preity-g-zinta-1203385502/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/preity-zinta-vir-das-to-star-in-spin-off-show-of-hit-us-series-fresh-off-the-boat/story-Dua3BojdtqgNQpDLpbJj8I.html |title=Preity Zinta, Vir Das to star in spin-off show of hit US series Fresh Off The Boat |author=Press Trust of India |work=Hindustan Times |date=29 October 2019 |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028085844/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/preity-zinta-vir-das-to-star-in-spin-off-show-of-hit-us-series-fresh-off-the-boat/story-Dua3BojdtqgNQpDLpbJj8I.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but in June [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] announced that it would not be moving forward with the spin-off.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=17 June 2020|title=ABC Boss On Potential 'Fresh Off the Boat', 'Modern Family' Spinoffs, 'Mad About You' & Acquisitions|url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/fresh-off-the-boat-modern-family-spinoff-mad-about-you-abc-boss-acquisitions-1202961854/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617230045/https://deadline.com/2020/06/fresh-off-the-boat-modern-family-spinoff-mad-about-you-abc-boss-acquisitions-1202961854/|archive-date=17 June 2020|access-date=17 June 2020|website=Deadline}}</ref>

Zinta has been the subject of several controversies.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-ll-always-be-there-for-shekhar-kapur-preity/story-OKtFsO0kCXYXvIChKoOxxH.html |title=I'll always be there for Shekhar Kapur: Preity |author=Bhattacharjee, Devapriyo |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=1 July 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803022156/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-plan-protocol-to-avoid-skirmishes/story-vIhdZCJb2jGmd7RlSE2OFM.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bollywood-s-sleaze-out-in-open/story-nh2Jvb7iwfJjHMyyLOCg3J.html |title=Bollywood's sleaze out in open |author=Chakravorty, Vinayak |agency=Press Trust of India |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=19 March 2005 |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803022335/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/baghjan-gas-well-fire-not-spreading-says-district-administration/story-QqDT967sESh5bJ7YzAOM2M.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, as a witness in the [[Bharat Shah]] case, she testified against the [[Indian mafia]]. Bharat Shah, the financer of ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'', was arrested in 2000 for having connections with [[Chhota Shakeel]], a Mumbai underworld boss.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Philp |first1=Catherine |title=Bollywood starlet plays brave role in fight against the Mob |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bollywood-starlet-plays-brave-role-in-fight-against-the-mob-3zdzmrbzfr3 |access-date=11 October 2020 |work=[[The Times]] |date=11 January 2003 |language=en |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017150137/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bollywood-starlet-plays-brave-role-in-fight-against-the-mob-3zdzmrbzfr3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=18272 |title=Preity Zinta supports prosecution in Bharat Shah case, says she received extortion threat |work=The Indian Express |date=9 January 2003 |access-date=14 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235725/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=18272 |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> Unlike several of her colleagues, Zinta repeated in court her earlier statement that she had received [[extortion]] threats from the mafia during the shooting of the film.<ref>{{cite web|author=Firdaus Ashraf, Syed |title=Bharat Shah case: Preity Zinta sticks to her stand |date=9 January 2003 |url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/09shah.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=29 November 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115001335/http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/09shah.htm |archive-date=15 November 2006 }}</ref> After her testimony, she was given [[witness protection]] and was forced to stay out of the public eye for two months.<ref name="bubbly image"/> Thirteen other witnesses before her, including celebrities Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, were witnesses in the case but later retracted their earlier statements.<ref name="hostile">{{cite web|title=Except Preity, everyone turned hostile |date=30 September 2003 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/30shah.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 November 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514021118/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/30shah.htm |archive-date=14 May 2006 }}</ref> Zinta was the only witness who did not become [[hostile witness|hostile]] to the prosecution;<ref name="hostile"/> the nation responded positively to her actions.<ref name="nation applauded">{{cite news|title=This Preity woman is brave too|date=13 March 2003|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-03-13/news-interviews/27262456_1_physical-bravery-preity-zinta-silver-medal|access-date=12 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603130458/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-03-13/news-interviews/27262456_1_physical-bravery-preity-zinta-silver-medal|archive-date=3 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lancaster |first1=John |title=Bollywood Star's Act Makes Her a Hero, and Possible Target |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/01/23/bollywood-stars-act-makes-her-a-hero-and-possible-target/770a3db5-a3b4-44e6-9197-07c48f36b35b/ |access-date=11 October 2020 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=23 January 2003 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217040530/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/01/23/bollywood-stars-act-makes-her-a-hero-and-possible-target/770a3db5-a3b4-44e6-9197-07c48f36b35b/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Consequently, she was the first recipient of [[Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Awards#Mind of steel Award|Godfrey's Mind of Steel Award]] at the annual [[Red and White Bravery Awards]], given to her for the "courageous act" of standing against the Mumbai Underworld.<ref name="nation applauded"/> On receiving the award, she said, "To be brave is not to be fearless. It is when you fear and you get over it, then you can be called brave. I am human. It is not that I fear nothing. But getting over a fear is a continuous process and I have been successful so far."<ref>{{cite news|author=Sharma, Mandvi |title='Rome wasn't built in a day, neither was I' |date=29 July 2006 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day-neither-was-i/articleshow/1823394.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=30 August 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110165900/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day-neither-was-I/articleshow/1823394.cms |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref> Since 2006, Zinta has been the [[brand ambassador]] for the Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards.<ref name="Donating blood"/>

Zinta is known in the Indian media for her straightforward nature and for honestly expressing her opinions in public, be it about her on-screen or off-screen life or raising a voice against social injustice.<ref name="brave2">{{cite news|author=Mukherjee, Madhureeta |date=17 October 2006 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/preity-manages-traffic-on-the-road/articleshow/2191016.cms |title=Preity manages traffic on the road! |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110164014/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/Preity-manages-traffic-on-the-road/articleshow/2191016.cms |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="brave3">{{cite news|author=Sharma, Madhvi |date=7 March 2007 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1732791.cms |title=Women need no inspiration |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=22 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113162736/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1732791.cms |archive-date=13 January 2009 }}</ref><ref name="poised"/> While she does not believe she is "as tough as people portray [her] to be", she asserts having no qualms about speaking her mind, even if faced with surmounting opposition, as long as she stands "by what's right".<ref>{{cite news|author=Shetty-Saha, Shubha |date=12 October 2008 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-preity-zinta-talks-tough-1198726 |access-date=30 March 2015 |title=Preity Zinta talks tough! |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125012/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-preity-zinta-talks-tough-1198726 |archive-date= 2 April 2015 }}</ref> These features were noted during the Bharat Shah case, when she testified against the underworld; following this incident she was often called by journalists "the only man in Bollywood", a label she was unhappy with for its underlying misogynist connotations.<ref name="The only man in Bollywood">{{cite news|title=Now showing Chakde! – Fiesty{{Sic|nolink=y}} foot forward |date=14 August 2007 |url=http://cities.expressindia.com/local-news/fullstory.php?newsid=250929 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220192640/http://cities.expressindia.com/local-news/fullstory.php?newsid=250929 |archive-date=20 February 2009 }}</ref><ref name="charities"/> Film actor Amitabh Bachchan, describing her as "frank and painfully honest", lauded her "drive and guts in a world that can be most cruel to a single girl".<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[NDTV]] |agency=Press Trust of India |title=Amitabh Bachchan praises Preity Zinta |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-praises-preity-zinta-605652 |date=20 June 2012 |access-date=30 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100950/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-praises-preity-zinta-605652 |archive-date= 2 April 2015 }}</ref> Author and columnist [[Shobhaa De]], while commending her for lodging a molestation complaint against Ness Wadia in 2014, expressed concern regarding Zinta's repeated quest for justice, believing it could eventually play against her: "India is not terribly kind to strong-willed, outspoken women who are dubbed 'trouble makers' if they dare to raise their voices, especially against men. Zinta is such a woman."<ref name="Shobhaa">{{cite web|publisher=[[NDTV]] |author=De, Shobhaa |author-link=Shobhaa De |title=Preity Zinta Will Find Herself Increasingly Isolated |url=http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/preity-zinta-will-find-herself-increasingly-isolated-578585 |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=30 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328132737/http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/preity-zinta-will-find-herself-increasingly-isolated-578585 |archive-date=28 March 2015 }}</ref>

Director [[Tanuja Chandra]] ascribed Zinta's screen appeal to her lack of acting pretense, commenting, "She doesn't act, she's so real that you just can't look away from her."<ref name="Chandra"/> Reviewing ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' (2001) for ''Hindustan Times'', Vinayak Chakravorty noted that "there is an admirable zest that Preity pumps into every role she does".<ref name=CCCCHT/> [[Farhan Akhtar]], who directed her in two films, believes she is an actress who "can mould herself{{snd}}the way she speaks, works and her body language{{snd}}and adapt herself to roles", while [[Vidhu Vinod Chopra]] (director of the 2000 film ''Mission Kashmir'') credits her with the ability to "make the viewer believe even in the most convoluted situation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/08farhan.htm |title=Lakshya is about Hrithik, about finding yourself |last=Ashraf |first=Syed Firdaus |date=8 April 2004 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=4 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607050325/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/08farhan.htm |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Champagne"/> In a review of ''Salaam Namaste'', Australian film critic Jake Wilson observed, "While Preity Zinta isn't the subtlest actress, she's quite a comedienne{{snd}}for a Hollywood equivalent to her combination of beauty, high-strung emotion and facial gymnastics you might have to go back to [[Natalie Wood]]."<ref>{{cite web|title=Salaam Namaste |author=Wilson, Jake |publisher=Urban Cinefile |date=8 September 2005 |access-date=3 September 2011 |url=http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=10857&s=Reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205113738/http://urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=10857&s=Reviews |archive-date= 5 December 2011 }}</ref> American critic Derek Elley considers her to be "one of Bollywood's best pure actresses."<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Elley, Derek |date=16 August 2006 |url=https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1200514147/ |title=Review: 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=5 April 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417122456/http://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/kabhi-alvida-naa-kehna-1200514147/ |archive-date=17 April 2015 }}</ref>

Following her portrayal of such characters as those in ''Sangharsh'' (1999), ''Kya Kehna'' (2000), ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' (2001), ''Salaam Namaste'' (2005) and ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'' (2006), Zinta was recognised for her versatility and gained a reputation for playing roles that go against Indian traditional mores.<ref name="Early life"/><ref name="bubbly image"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Nair, Nandini|title=Time to play a woman – Preity Zinta|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/time-to-play-a-woman/article1433508.ece|date=20 March 2008|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=20 May 2009|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217040527/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Time-to-play-a-woman/article15397918.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> These roles were cited by critics as having helped to establish a new image for Indian screen women by means of departure from conventional parts previously played by leading actresses in mainstream Hindi films.<ref name="The only man in Bollywood"/><ref name="changing">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2005/06/19/stories/2005061900110500.htm |title=On the verge of extinction |author=Duara, Ajit |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=19 June 2005 |access-date=5 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227042536/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2005/06/19/stories/2005061900110500.htm |archive-date=27 December 2007 }}</ref>{{sfn|Omar|2006|pp=161–162}} Karan Johar describes her as "a new-wave actress" who has the advantage of working at a time when "films portray a woman who knows her mind".<ref name="Champagne"/> Author Monika Mehta notes the similarity between Zinta's public image as an independent and opinionated woman and her culturally defiant character in ''Salaam Namaste''.{{sfn|Mehta|2017|p=351}} According to Jennifer Thomas, who analysed Zinta's roles for a chapter in the book ''Once Upon a Time in Bollywood'' (2007), Zinta "resists patriarchal constraints through her modern lifestyle and the controversial roles she chooses".{{sfn|Singh|Wadhwani|Barretto|2007|p=164}}

Zinta is one of the best-known celebrities in India; at her career peak she was one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated stars and was acknowledged for having managed a career without any traditional assistance or family relations in the film industry.<ref name="The only man in Bollywood"/><ref name="changing"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Trivedi |first1=Tanvi |title=Who is the next Bollywood queen? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Who-is-the-next-Bollywood-queen/articleshow/3085603.cms |access-date=1 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=31 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602084537/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Who_is_the_next_Bollywood_queen/articleshow/3085603.cms |archive-date=2 June 2008 |language=en}}</ref> She featured in [[Box Office India]]'s top actress listing for seven years and ranked first for two consecutive years (2003–2004).<ref name="top actresses" /> In 2003, Zinta appeared in the number one spot on Rediff.com's "Top Bollywood Female Stars".<ref>{{cite web|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita |title=The unanimous No 1: Preity Zinta |date=8 December 2003 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/08sld1.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=6 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227065852/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/08sld1.htm |archive-date=27 February 2007 }}</ref> She was ranked second for the following three years.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sen, Raja |year=2004 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/29sld4.htm |title=Best Actress 2004 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070404044350/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/29sld4.htm |archive-date= 4 April 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita |year=2005 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/23yend2.htm |title=Ten best Bollywood actresses of 2005 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516022358/http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/23yend2.htm |archive-date=16 May 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Sen, Raja |date=5 September 2006 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/05sld9.htm |title=Readers' Pick: Top Bollywood Actresses |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516024052/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/05sld9.htm |archive-date=16 May 2007 }}</ref> She has been featured frequently on other Rediff.com lists, including "Bollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses",<ref>{{cite web|title=Bollywood's Most Beautiful Actresses |url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2004/mar/24sld7.htm |work=Rediff.com |year=2004 |access-date=6 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515202824/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2004/mar/24sld7.htm |archive-date=15 May 2007 }}</ref> "Bollywood's Best Dressed Women"<ref>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya |title=Bollywood's best dressed women |date=9 May 2007 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld5.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522130450/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/02sld5.htm |archive-date=22 May 2007 }}</ref> and "Women of Many Faces".<ref>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya |title=Women of many faces |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/mar/08sld5.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706164923/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/mar/08sld5.htm |archive-date= 6 July 2007 }}</ref> Between 2006 and 2008 Zinta made three consecutive appearances at the [[Cannes Film Festival]]. At first she attended the [[2006 Cannes Film Festival|2006 Film Festival]] along with filmmaker Karan Johar to represent the Hindi film industry and promote ''Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'',<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |title=Bollywood Actress Heads To Cannes |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/entertainment/cannes/main1614686.shtml |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc |date=12 May 2006 |access-date=16 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009122238/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/entertainment/cannes/main1614686.shtml |archive-date= 9 October 2007 }}</ref> returning in later years as the brand ambassador of [[Chopard]], the maker of luxury watches and jewellery.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Indo-Asian News Service |title=Exhausted Preity Zinta flies off to Cannes |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/dresscircle/Exhausted-Preity-Zinta-flies-off-to-Cannes/Article1-311247.aspx |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=16 May 2008 |access-date=7 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716233606/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/dresscircle/Exhausted-Preity-Zinta-flies-off-to-Cannes/Article1-311247.aspx |archive-date=16 July 2012 }}</ref>

In September 2006 the UK magazine ''[[Eastern Eye (newspaper)|Eastern Eye]]'' ranked her among "Asia's Sexiest Women".<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia's sexiest women |date=20 September 2006 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/20sld1.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=25 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208151814/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/20sld1.htm |archive-date= 8 February 2012 }}</ref> In 2010, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine selected her as one of the candidates for its list of [[Time 100|the world's 100 most influential people]]. She was the only Indian actress nominated for the poll and eventually did not make it to the final list, ranked at 144.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 2010 TIME 100 Poll |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972075_1972078_1972573,00.html |date=1 April 2011 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=3 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405203358/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972075_1972078_1972573,00.html|archive-date= 5 April 2010 }}</ref> This was followed, however, by a marked period of decline in her popularity when she restricted her work in films, which was further decreased with the debacle of her self-produced comeback vehicle.<ref name="Shobhaa"/> Film journalists like [[Khalid Mohamed]] and Subhash K. Jha have written columns in which they lament her absence from the movies and encourage her to return to acting.<ref name="openletter">{{cite web |last1=K Jha |first1=Subhash |title=Open letter to Preity Zinta: You have the ability to bring back your good times in Bollywood |url=https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/open-letter-to-preity-zinta-you-have-the-ability-to-bring-back-your-good-times-in-bollywood-2605298.html |website=[[Firstpost]] |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=en |date=31 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205121629/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/open-letter-to-preity-zinta-you-have-the-ability-to-bring-back-your-good-times-in-bollywood-2605298.html |archive-date=5 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |title=Pretty please, Preity |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/wknd/bollywood/pretty-please-preity |access-date=4 May 2020 |work=Khaleej Times |date=27 May 2016 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803022551/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/wknd/bollywood/yeh-ballet-could-be-the-best-thing-youre-likely-to-watch-on-netflix-this-month |archive-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

*{{cite book |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |last2=Bachchan |first2=Amitabh |author-link2=Amitabh Bachchan |title=The Essential Guide to Bollywood |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8u9kAAAAMAAJ |date=2005 |publisher=Lustre Press |isbn=978-81-7436-378-7 |language=en }}

*{{cite book |last=Mehta |first=Monika |editor1-last=Viswamohan |editor1-first=Aysha Iqbal |editor2-last=John |editor2-first=Vimal Mohan |title=Behind the Scenes: Contemporary Bollywood Directors and Their Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wigBDgAAQBAJ |year=2017 |publisher=[[SAGE Publishing]] |isbn=978-93-86062-41-3 |chapter=Chapter 19: Location and Agency in Crafting Habib Faisal's Authorship }}

*{{cite book |last1=Mishra |first1=Vijay |editor1-last=Donald |editor1-first=James |editor2-last=Renov |editor2-first=Michael |title=The SAGE Handbook of Film Studies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A9NX-vJqFy8C |date=2008 |publisher=SAGE Publishing |isbn=978-1-4739-7180-6 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 30: Re-Mapping Bollywood Cinema: A Postcolonial Case-Study }}

*{{cite book |title=Once Upon a Time in Bollywood: The Global Swing in Hindi Cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HbwaAQAAIAAJ |last1=Singh |first1=Gurbir Jolly |last2=Wadhwani |first2=Zenia B. |last3=Barretto |first3=Deborah |publisher=[[TSAR Publications]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-8947-704-08 }}