by Subhash K Jha

Preity Zinta along with her life-partner Ness Wadia and two others has cut a lucrative deal for the Indian Premier League.

Interestingly this isn't the first time Preity is doing business with her life partner. "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."

She says she's numb with nervousness. "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. All very reputed and solid business persons. We're all going to contribute in our own ways.

It's our dream to be part of the cricket team. And we'll focus on the spirit of sportsmanship. Of course it's finally about numbers."

Does Rs 300 crores strike Preity as a good number? "Well, if you play you might we 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 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."