Preity Zinta is set to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contribution to the film industry.

She will be presented with the degree from Birmingham City University in India next year.

Zinta made her acting debut in 1998’s “Dil Se..” before acclaimed roles in movies like “Dil Chahta Hai”, “Koi… Mil Gaya” and “Veer-Zaara”, as well as an award-winning role in “Kal Ho Naa Ho”.

Outside of the world of film and TV, she has been involved in entrepreneurship, becoming co-owner of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab in 2008 (renamed Punjab Kings in 2021).

Professor David Mba, vice chancellor of BCU, said he was “thrilled” and hoped to work with Zinta to explore “exciting opportunities” spanning from Indian cinema to entrepreneurship.

Zinta herself said, “It’s a tremendous privilege to be receiving this honorary doctorate from BCU, especially given its strengths in business and media that chime so well with my own career.”

(Photo credit: Preity G Zinta on Facebook)