Preity Zinta, who is getting ready for the release of her next film where she debuts as a producer -- called Ishkq In Paris -- is pretty shaken by the recent spot-fixing scandal.
“Look, I’d still like to give the accused the benefit of the doubt," she says. "But if the allegations are true, it’s really sad for the country, for the game and for IPL. So much faith is placed on these players. I don’t think they have any business betraying us like this.
"If the allegations are true then let me tell you, the BCCI is going to take very stern against these players. At the same time, we can’t write off the game just because there might be some rotten eggs in the basket.”
Preity admits there have been times when she has felt out of place during the IPL.
“I will not deny that there have been moments when I felt, ‘What am I doing here?’ But on the whole, the IPL experience has been very fulfilling and I’ve never been seriously tempted to question my place in it.
"I only wish people who are part of the IPL would take their responsibilities seriously," she says.
Preity has learnt to take the criticism on her stride. “These last three years have made me stronger," she says. I feel I am far more experienced now as a human being than I was three years ago. We actors lead very cocooned lives. Being an actor limited my world view. We go to the studios, do our shots and come back home.
"As an entrepreneur, a cricket team owner and a producer, I’ve had rigorous exposure to the world outside the film studio. Today, I feel I am in touch with many more realities both within myself and in the outside world. Yeah, I think I’m stronger.”
Photograph courtesy: BCCI
