Preity upset over filmi gossip hounding her

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Preity Zinta said that c o n s t a n t g o s s i p s about her during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) were the only low point for her in the otherwise-successful competition which saw her team, Kings XI Punjab, reaching the semifinals. “I had left my image as a film star behind and donned a new role when the IPL began. I was never dressed as a film star. Since I was the only woman among the team owners, I wanted people to take me seriously. I am no Barbie doll and such rumours, which are normally the order of the day on a film set, was very demeaning to me as a woman,” Preity, the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab team told reporters here. Preity said the rumours disturbed her no end. “It is only after I started thinking that this has happened because some people are upset that I am happy and successful. I started feeling better and concentrated on my work in a better way,” she said. Describing her experience in the first IPL season, Preity said hers was a well-chosen team which was the crux of its success. She said she has invested hugely in the IPL as an individual. “I was not just a brand ambassador. I worked hard right from bidding, auction and throughout the team’s journey, I was present,” she added. She said she was proud of her team’s achievements. “The worst day was the semifinal where we lost. We have a year to prepare for the second season,” she said. AGENCIES