'Mera Bharat Mahaan' - Preity carries on despite injured foot

- Abid           Let us know what you think about this story

The Western look suits her and she has shot extensively in foreign locales. But perky Preity Zinta, who got injured while working in Chandigarh for "Mera Bharat Mahaan", says she enjoys shooting in India's hinterland and mishaps don't discourage her.

"We've been shooting here for 'Mera Bharat Mahaan'. While doing an outdoor scene with Salman Khan I was running barefoot when a nail pierced the sole of my foot," Preity informed.

"At that time I didn't feel the pain so much. But as the day progressed the foot got worse. I'm still alive and kicking. These things don't bother me much, except that this one is hurting and hurting."

Preity had to take a tetanus injection.

"And now my arm too is heavy and swollen. So I'm managing on one foot and with one arm. And although I'm in considerable pain I've to continue shooting because we have to wrap up this week. Oh, the hardships of being an actress!"

After wrapping up her shooting for director Samir Karnik's "Mera Bharat Mahaan", she will be shooting in eastern India next.

"While last year I was mostly out of the country, this year I'm on an extended Bharat Darshan. I got quite sick of shooting abroad all the time. 2007 is my India year.

"It's so nice to see the rural areas. Right now everything is so green and lovely in Punjab. It feels good to know one's own country even if I've to limp my way through the hinterland," she said.

However, there were practical problems about shooting in Chandigarh.

"I've been hanging around cows and buffaloes. I've never been so close to nature before. Out here there's a jamun tree and a keree tree. Every day I feed the buffaloes and pluck jamuns. But the whole world lands up for the shoot.

"The crowds get quite unruly and the fan attention does tend to distract from the work at hand. We've to tell them, 'We are working'. And they look strangely at us. It does get quite hectic."

Preity is quite excited about "Mera Bharat Mahaan".

"I love doing this film as long as it doesn't rain. Everything was quick and organised. It's a small role for me. But like I always say, it's the power of the punch not the size of the fist that matters."

She's all praise for her co-star Salman. "He doesn't complain and he's very chilled out. He's become quieter of late and very focused on the film.

"Me? After nine years in this business I've learnt not to crib. I hate whiners. You've a choice. Either you do your work or you don't. And if you do you might as well do it smiling."

After she returns from Chandigarh, the actress heads for the US for a weeklong break and then starts her new film with Jahnu Barua that stars Amitabh Bachchan too.

Before this, Preity had teamed up with the Big B in Rituparno Ghosh's "The Last Lear". She perks up when she talks about the legendary actor.

"It's always a pleasure to work with him. I've just completed 'The Last Lear' with Mr. Bachchan and he's awesome. In fact shooting for the film was like a picnic. We never knew when it started and when it ended.

"I hope Jahnu's film is as much fun. Working with Rituda was a revelation. I'm quite charged up about working with Jahnuda."

More News ...