I want to succeed in business too: Preity

By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Jan 29 (IANS) Actress-turned-businesswoman Preity Zinta who, along with her partner Ness Wadia and two others, has cut a lucrative deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL), says she wants to succeed in her endeavour.

The actress, who was last seen in "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", told IANS: "When I do anything in life for the first time, I want to succeed. I'm very lucky to have such a competent group of partners. Not just Ness, who's much more than my business partner.

"Then there're Karan Paul and Mohit Puri - very reputed and solid businessmen. We're all going to contribute in our own ways. It's our dream to be a part of the cricket team. And we'll focus on the spirit of sportsmanship. Of course, it's finally about numbers."

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Preity is doing business with Ness.

"Go Air, which I endorse, is doing so well. I'm so excited. I haven't been able to sleep. I've got dark circles around my eyes. I've forgotten I'm an actress and I need to look after myself.

"It's very different from working on a film where you're on your own when 'action' is called on camera. In a boardroom, there's constant conference and multi-tasking. The creative process is different in both the spheres."

Preity won the IPL bid for the Mohali team for a whopping Rs.3 billion. So does that strike as a good number?

"Well, if we play we might as well play big. But, honestly, I believe cricket to be truly a gentleman's sport, regardless of winning and losing. No point in negative competition. The good thing about this deal is that it will enhance domestic cricket, which in turn will enhance our reputation internationally."

Preity, who turns 33 on Jan 31, was planning a big birthday party.

"But now, with all this happening, I'll have to delay it a little bit. It's suddenly sunk into me that I need to get seriously creative. My partners have left all the creative decisions to me. I need to build a solid team of creative people. I feel every woman should feel good for me. It's 2008! Women should get more active in business."

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