Exuberant, chirpy, happy-go-lucky Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, who has now turned into a businesswoman, says she invested in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in spite of warnings from an astrologer friend.
"In spite of the warning from my astrologer friend, I went for the deal as I had a gut feeling that it is the future. I told my friend that if it doesn’t work for me then I would become the fiftieth wife of the Sultan of Brunei," Preity, who co-owns the IPL Mohali team, told IANS.
The star of hits like Salaam Namastey and Kal Ho Naa Ho, Preity said it was only in a developing country like India that one could think of buying a sports team.
"The scenario is going to change after 10 years. One can never dream of buying a team like Manchester United or Arsenal today in a country like England."
Preity bought Kings XI Punjab in partnership with her boyfriend Ness Wadia and Karan Paul of Apeejay Surrendra Group and Mohit Burman of Dabur. They paid $76 million for the franchise.
Although Preity’s team failed to reach the final, she is not complaining.
"My team performed well and I am happy with all the team members and will continue my support for the team," she said.
As far as book balancing was concerned, she said this had not been a profitable year but was optimistic they would do better next time.
How long will her association with the team last?
"I am there for life. I am not there just for the sake of it. First people took me as a brand ambassador and then as a face value, but I wanted to make people take me seriously in the game and I did my best to prove myself.
"I think I was successful (in this)," the actor added. "I do things which I believe in and am passionate about, be it the IPL or films. I give my heart and soul to them," Preity said.
