From the climes of Muritius to New Zealand – that`s what Preity Zinta prefers. As trade pundits carried favourable reports of her latest release, Dil Hai Tumhara, Preity was not around to cash in on its popularity. She was far away memorizing lines for Honey Irani`s debut film as a director, Armaan, opposite Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.

But while the unit was organising things in a foreign land, getting their equipment ready and mobilising local support for the film`s smooth schedules, Zinta started feeling the pressure. Of having to measure up to the giants as co-stars, and missing out on the fun. Though she was the most wanted entertainer who everyone admired and cracked a joke with, she showed signs of cracking up every now and then.

It was then that director Irani sensed the lack of zest in her and permitted her to take a week off but not before wrapping up her work. And where did she fly to? Mumbai? No way. If foreign shores beckon you, why would you choose homeland? And off she went to New Zealand with her mysteriously anonymous phirang boyfriend. And did she come back rejuvenated? One may not know how but her characteristic effusiveness was back in harness.