From Cannes, with love

Preity Zinta speaks on her love for watches and jewellery and her association with Chopard at the Cannes Film Festival 2007.

Anita Khatri*

After earning a degree in criminal psychology, Preity Zinta began her career as a model, television anchor, and commercial actress before breaking into cinema in 1998 with her role in Dil Se, for which she won the Filmfare Sensational Debut Award. In 2003, Preity Zinta had two smash hits films: Koi… Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho. She is currently among the most successful actresses in Bollywood, having made it without any relation to the industry. In the year of 2003, she won many awards for her role as “Naina” in the film, Kal Ho Naa Ho. She also won herself another Filmfare Award but this time in the popular award category. Since then she has appeared in two other box office hits: Veer-Zaara and Salaam Namaste. She joined a group of top stars in the Temptation 2004 concert, which was a huge international success.

How did your association with Chopard and the Cannes Film Festival begin?

I met Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, two or three years back. She extended an invitation to me to visit the festival and I accepted it. Caroline and I share a great rapport, probably due to her childlike nature. This has also helped our professional relationship. And of course, Chopard makes beautiful jewellery. I am very happy to be associated with the event.

Are you fond of jewellery?

Yes, of course! I love jewellery. My favourite piece from Chopard is a pendant with an ‘OM’ inscription that I wear as often as possible. A diamond ‘OM’ is very western, and yet elegant. I love wearing Chopard because their designs are very good.

And what is your definition of fine jewellery?

I wore this stunning Chopard necklace in 18 carats white gold with round brilliant cut diamonds and a heart shape cabochon Colombian emerald pendant at the Cannes Film Festival, 2007. That, according to me, is fine jewellery. I don’t believe in adorning myself with too many jewels. If I’m wearing a heavy neckpiece, then I avoid the earrings. A very dressy affair calls for a beautiful neckpiece, but not too chunky. If it’s a casual event, then I accessorise my outfit with a nice jewellery watch and avoid any jewellery.

Do you think that a jewellery watch is an essential item in a woman’s wardrobe?

Yes. Look at me for instance - when I dress casually, I don’t wear too much jewellery. I usually opt for just a jewelled timepiece. One doesn’t need to go bling all the time. According to me, a watch is very much a part of jewellery.

Are you brand conscious?

When it comes to clothing, I am conscious about the fit and the cut, rather than the brand. I am ‘like-conscious’ - it is essential to like a product. However, in terms of jewellery and watches, I always choose brands as there is an element of trust and you are assured of quality products. This method suits me because jewellery is also an investment. In watches, I love elegant designs and my favourite is a timepiece from Chopard.

In a country like India, where most people go to family jewellers, is it just a style statement to flaunt a brand?

With brands, you are assured of quality and the knowledge that the product is worth the price. Moreover, you can change the piece if you are dissatisfied with it. With an international brand, you receive a guarantee and certification that is valid globally. Having undergone an unpleasant experience, I feel that it isn’t possible to trust even a family jeweller. For instance, if we have to make a movie and if we can afford it, we approach Yash Chopra and not a small-scale, independent filmmaker!

Do you like any other brands, when it comes to watches?

There is a watch called T-Box in the entry-level price range, which I picked up from Turkey. Made of cloth, the straps can be changed. I like it’s colourful range and funky designs. Sometimes, I also pick up watches from airports. I don’t wear very expensive watches everywhere as it’s risky, especially when you are travelling on a holiday or to a beach.

What in Cannes is unique to you, as compared to any Indian film festival?

For me, it would be a unique experience if my film was competing here. The festival defines high-end glamour from fashion designers. The viewership is very high and the world is watching all the glamour, along with the films that are being screened from around the globe. There can be no comparison between any Indian film festival and the Cannes Film Festival.

Anything in the pipeline of being signed on as a brand ambassador?

I love working with Chopard and I also love the jewellery, so you never know! ■

*India Consultant

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