Preity Zinta Says Bollywood Has Shifted from NRI Romances to India’s Pride, History

Actress Preity Zinta has opened up about the changes she has witnessed in Bollywood throughout her journey in the film industry.

Looking back at her career, which began in the late 1990s, the actress reflected on how filmmaking, technology and storytelling have evolved over the years. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Preity recalled being part of a period when the industry was undergoing several significant changes. From the introduction of live sound to the transition from film cameras to digital technology, she said filmmaking has come a long way.

The 'Veer Zara' actress stated, "By 28 years, I say, I was very lucky that I actually came right at the end of the '90s, really. Films were changing then because I did a film called Kya Kehna, and it was a very different film. Not so different, as they had made films like that before, but for me, as a newcomer, to debut in a film like that was very different."

"Then, in 2000, Dil Chahta Hai came, and it was a film that used live sound, so dubbing stopped. I think I was part of that change when it was happening in the industry. From there to now, I don't see any big difference in terms of how films are approached, except that digital cameras have come in, and you're not shooting on film anymore."

The 'Soldier' actress also highlighted a shift in the themes explored by Hindi cinema. Preity said Bollywood's focus has gradually shifted from the NRI-centric romances that were popular during an earlier era to stories that are more rooted in India. She noted that filmmakers are now exploring themes such as national pride and history.

Preity said, "So, the one thing that I see that's different about films is that there's a lot more pride in being Indian. Earlier, we did a lot of NRI romances, but now the focus has shifted to India - you know, our pride, historical movies, movies on the army. Comedies are different in terms of the vibe - the vibe is vibing, as you say. So, there are some differences, but not that many." (IANS)

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