In an industry often ruled by silence, few have dared to stand their ground. Especially in the face of real danger. One such exception is Bollywood actor Preity Zinta. Her courage off-screen once made as many headlines as her performances on it. Back in 2001, Preity Zinta was just 26 and still building her film career. She found herself entangled in a chilling controversy. The producer of her film ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’, Bharat Shah, was arrested. He was accused of helping gangster Chhota Shakeel invest in the movie. While most of Bollywood distanced itself from the case, Preity did the unthinkable. She testified in court.
Preity Zinta’s stand against Underworld
Preity revealed she had received threatening calls and was asked to pay Rs. 50 lakh in extortion. Preity refused. Even when the Union Home Minister L.K. Advani advised her to take armed security, she declined. Her fearlessness was later recognised with the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award, making her one of the rare actors to confront the underworld without flinching.
