Second Innings

Someone who takes her role as a team owner seriously,Zinta has,for half a decade now,kept her acting career on the backburner. “I took T-20 cricket as a challenge,to be one of the few women in a man’s field. There’s a lot of work that goes into it and I have had my hands full,” said Zinta,who is now geared up for what could be called her second innings in Bollywood.

While she returns as the leading lady in Ishqk in Paris,the film also marks her debut as producer and co-writer. “Donning the hat of a producer was a new experience and a challenging one,” admits the actor,who stars opposite Rhehan Malliek (better known for his role as Rahul from the TV show Sanjivani). The film,shot primarily in Paris,also stars French actor Isabelle Adjani,and is set to release on May 24. “It’s a contemporary story,a romcom,that promises to appeal to all age groups,” said Zinta,who is quick to dismiss any notions that suggest the film is inspired by her own life. “As compared to my character in the film,I think I’m sorted in my life. But having said that,I know that art imitates life and I have been inspired by incidences from my life and my friends while writing the film,” she said.

Incidentally,it was a chance meeting with Tibetan spiritual leader,The Dalai Lama,that brought Zinta back to films. “I am very glad I had a conversation with him. I was upset over KXIP losing a game,but then he asked me to compete in my own field and use my own craft to the best,” shared Zinta,who feels more excited than nervous on her comeback. “I am someone who has always been comfortable with the choices I have made — be it as an actor,an entrepreneur or now as a producer,” said Zinta,who has produced the film along with her mother.

Zinta admits she’s intrinsically involved in the team’s performance and the working of the franchise. So disappointments mustn’t come easy? “At the end of the day,you have to realise that it’s a game. There are lessons to be learnt and it’s been five years now. The team is set and we are making profits. I feel I can devote time to films now,” summed up Zinta.