Preity Zinta's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 11, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Preity Zinta. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Preity Zinta is a prominent Indian actress celebrated for her work in Hindi cinema. After earning degrees in English and criminal psychology, she debuted in films like Dil Se.. and Soldier in 1998, winning a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She gained further recognition for her role in Kya Kehna (2000). Zinta established herself as a leading actress, known for her diverse roles and unconventional on-screen persona. Her performances, often considered culturally defiant, have earned her numerous accolades.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: First Film Release: Dil Se..

In 1998, 'Dil Se..' was released, marking Preity Zinta's first film role. She played Preeti Nair, Shahrukh Khan's fiancée. The film garnered her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, and she also starred in Soldier, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performances in both 'Dil Se..' and 'Soldier'.

1998: Acting Debut and Soldier Role

In 1998, Preity Zinta made her acting debut in 'Dil Se..' and subsequently appeared in 'Soldier'. These performances led to her winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

2001: Roles in Farz and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

In 2001, Preity Zinta starred in 'Farz', which was not successful, and 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke', where she played a surrogate mother. Her performance in 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' earned her a second Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards.

2003: Ranked Top Bollywood Female Star

In 2003, Preity Zinta appeared in the number one spot on Rediff.com's "Top Bollywood Female Stars".

2003: Testimony against the Indian mafia

In 2003, Preity Zinta testified against the Indian mafia in the Bharat Shah case, where she repeated her statement about receiving extortion threats during the filming of "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke".

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2003: Filmfare Award and Top-Grossing Films

In 2003, Preity Zinta won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'. She also starred in 'Koi... Mil Gaya', one of the top-grossing films in India that year.

2004: Ranked First in Box Office India's top actress listing

In 2004, Preity Zinta ranked first for the second consecutive year in Box Office India's top actress listing.

2004: Veer-Zaara release

In 2004, Preity Zinta starred in "Veer-Zaara" as Zaara Haayat Khan. The film was a commercial success, becoming the top-grossing Hindi film in India and abroad that year. Zinta received a Filmfare Best Actress nomination for her performance.

2005: Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen and Salaam Namaste releases

In 2005, Preity Zinta starred in "Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen", which received negative reviews and poor box office returns. She also starred in "Salaam Namaste", which was a commercial success. Zinta received Best Actress nominations for her role in "Salaam Namaste".

September 2006: Ranked among Asia's Sexiest Women

In September 2006, the UK magazine Eastern Eye ranked Preity Zinta among "Asia's Sexiest Women".

2006: Brand ambassador for Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards

Since 2006, Zinta has been the brand ambassador for the Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards.

2008: Heaven on Earth release

In 2008, Preity Zinta starred in "Heaven on Earth". Her performance earned her the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival.

2008: International Role in Heaven on Earth

In 2008, Preity Zinta took on her first international role in the Canadian drama 'Heaven on Earth', for which she received the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress and a Genie Award nomination.

2009: Received IIFA-FICCI Frames Awards

In 2009, Preity Zinta received the IIFA-FICCI Frames Awards, among 10 "Most Powerful Entertainers of the Decade".

October 2010: Honorary Doctorate of Arts

In October 2010, Preity Zinta was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of East London for her cultural contribution and humanitarian work.

2010: Nomination for Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2010, Time magazine selected Preity Zinta as one of the candidates for its list of the world's 100 most influential people; she was the only Indian actress nominated but did not make the final list.