Actress Preity Zinta reflects on her return to the film industry after an eight-year absence, describing her initial nerves and the support she received from co-star Sunny Deol during the filming of ‘Batwara 1947.’
After an eight-year hiatus from the film industry, actress Preity Zinta has opened up about her experience returning to the set of her upcoming movie, ‘Batwara 1947.’ In an interview with Hindustan Times, Zinta candidly discussed the nerves she felt upon stepping back into acting, particularly when faced with the challenge of performing one of the film’s most difficult scenes on her very first day. She expressed gratitude towards her co-star, Sunny Deol, who provided her with encouragement and support during what she described as a daunting return to the screen.
Initial Return to the Set
As Zinta prepared to resume her acting career, she reflected on the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied her comeback. When asked whether returning to acting felt like riding a bike, Zinta laughed and admitted that it was not that simple. “It took me a while to settle in,” she said, acknowledging the nerves she experienced at the onset of filming. Zinta recalled that director Rajkumar Santoshi assigned her one of the film’s most challenging scenes right from the start, exacerbating her anxiety. “He tortured me on day one by putting the most difficult scene of the film on the first day. So I was just looking at him, and I was shaking ki abhi main kya karoon (what do I do now)?”
Throughout this difficult transition, Zinta praised Deol for his unwavering support. She described him as a “wonderful, big-hearted, kind, decent, good human being to work with,” emphasizing how his presence helped ease her nerves. Deol reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, he loves retakes. Kuch khaayegi? (Will you eat something)?” This camaraderie helped Zinta navigate her first day’s challenges and regain her confidence.
Overcoming Early Jitters
As filming progressed, Zinta found that her anxieties began to dissipate after successfully completing the demanding early scene. “We shot the whole night. We did the look test, and the next day we did one or two readings, and then we were shooting. After that, it kind of felt easier,” she explained. This gradual acclimatization allowed her to settle back into the rhythm of acting, highlighting the importance of teamwork and mutual support on set.
Reflections on a Prolonged Absence
‘Batwara 1947’ marks Zinta’s return to the silver screen after her last film, ‘Bhaiaji Superhit,’ released in 2018, which also featured Deol. Despite this long absence from the industry, Zinta remarked that she did not feel a longing to return to acting. “I didn’t miss it, to be honest. I was enjoying having a family; it was new to me, having kids, focusing on my personal life,” she stated. Zinta elaborated that, while she values her career milestones, her most significant achievement has been motherhood. This perspective illustrates her prioritization of family over professional pursuits during her hiatus.
Motherhood and Character Connection
Delving into her role in ‘Batwara 1947,’ Zinta expressed that her experiences as a mother enriched her portrayal of her character. In the film, she plays a Muslim woman whose husband, portrayed by Sunny Deol, shelters a Hindu woman in their Lahore home during the tumultuous period following the Partition of India in 1947. “That’s why I could identify with this film that even though it’s 2026, my number one priority is family. So imagine, in 1947, how it must have been. It’s a very different worldview from the different lens in those times,” she remarked. This connection highlights the film’s exploration of family dynamics amidst historical turmoil, an issue that resonates with contemporary audiences as well.
About ‘Batwara 1947’
‘Batwara 1947’ features a notable ensemble cast, including veterans such as Shabana Azmi, along with Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, and Kanikka Kapur. The film’s music is composed by the renowned A.R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by esteemed lyricist Javed Akhtar. In a positive turn for the film, it has received a clean pass from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which means it will not require any cuts before its release. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on August 14, further building anticipation among fans of Zinta and the wider film community.
As Zinta prepares for her return, her story serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by artists in the entertainment industry. Her reflections on family, support, and the complexities of returning to a beloved craft resonate with many, making her journey an inspiring narrative in the realm of cinema.
