Bollywood Flashback: Preity Zinta Recalls Amusing Encounter with a Disciplinarian Sunny Deol on KBC 18
Mumbai, India – After a decade-long hiatus from mainstream Hindi cinema, Preity Zinta is poised for a grand return with the much-anticipated film ‘Batwara 1947’. Starring alongside veteran actor Sunny Deol and produced by Aamir Khan, the film’s buzz is already reaching a crescendo, amplified by the trio’s recent appearance on the opening episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 18’, hosted by none other than Amitabh Bachchan.
The premiere episode of the popular quiz show offered a delightful blend of cinematic insights and nostalgic anecdotes, as the stars delved into their upcoming project and revisited cherished memories from their illustrious careers. Among the many engaging stories shared, Preity Zinta’s recounting of her very first interaction with Sunny Deol stood out, painting a humorous picture of the actor’s legendary disciplinarian streak.
The incident unfolded as Preity contrasted the personalities of Sunny Deol and his younger brother, Bobby Deol, highlighting their stark differences. “Bobby is my friend. I have known him even before he and I made our debut in the movies,” Preity revealed, setting the stage for her amusing tale. She fondly recalled their early days, stating, “Bobby had a van and all of us used to go out in that van.”
The story then took an unexpected turn, illustrating a charmingly awkward moment from Preity’s nascent days in the industry. She narrated how, on one evening, while out with friends, they decided to call Bobby to inform him of their planned visit. Preity, then a fresh face, bravely volunteered to make the call, blissfully unaware of who would answer the landline.
“I called. I didn’t know that his dhai kilo ka haath would take the call,” she quipped, referencing Sunny Deol’s iconic and formidable dialogue about his powerful hand. This playful nod to his famous on-screen persona immediately elicited laughter from both actors on the KBC set.
Preity continued, vividly recreating the moment: “I said, ‘Hi, can I speak to Bobby please?’ I think it must have been 10:30-11 pm at night. And he said, ‘Is this the time to call anyone’s home?’” The stern inquiry, delivered by the imposing Sunny Deol, clearly caught Preity off guard. She confessed to being “very nervous” and instinctively ended the call, admitting that it took the experience of working on “two or three films” with him before she felt truly comfortable in his presence. Their on-screen collaborations subsequently included successful films like ‘The Hero: Love Story of a Spy’ and ‘Farz’.
Sunny Deol, with a knowing smile, then offered his perspective on the incident, shedding light on his unwavering commitment to his brother’s discipline during those formative years. “We were not allowed to go out after 8 pm. And it was around 10:30 pm. I see Bobby as my son, so I was always very strict with him, in terms of discipline, but he would sneak around a lot.” His explanation underscored the deep bond and paternal affection he held for Bobby, even as he enforced strict rules.
Preity added a touch of romantic trivia, noting that this particular incident occurred around the same time Bobby Deol had met his future wife, Tanya Deol. The couple would later tie the knot in 1996, embarking on a journey that continues to this day.
The on-screen chemistry between Preity and Bobby has been a consistent delight for audiences over the years. They have shared the screen in several memorable films, including critically acclaimed and commercially successful ventures such as ‘Soldier’ and ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’. Preity also made a special appearance in ‘Dillagi’, a film that notably featured both Sunny and Bobby Deol in lead roles alongside Urmila Matondkar.
As ‘Batwara 1947’ prepares for its release, these delightful anecdotes from the past only serve to heighten anticipation for Preity Zinta’s return to the silver screen and the opportunity to witness her dynamic with Sunny Deol once again. The KBC episode provided a heartwarming glimpse into the personal histories and enduring friendships that define Bollywood’s celebrated personalities, reminding fans of the rich tapestry of stories behind the glamour.
