'Preity Zinta is a businesswoman in her head'

She is a successful actress, has represented many brands, co-owns an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise and is now ready with her debut film production. Preity Zinta has a good business sense, says Prem Raj, director of her home production "Ishkq In Paris".

"She is a taskmaster. She is a businesswoman in her head. She has worked a lot, owns an IPL team. So it is not possible that she will not have a business sense," Raj said during a media interaction.

He was particularly happy that Preity, who also plays the lead in the youthful romantic drama, was a director's producer. "She is not stingy at all. I am sure she will become a big producer some day," he said.

Preity, who co-owns IPL team Kings XI Punjab, was not just handling finances and didn't just focus on getting her shots right. She was also actively involved with the movie's creative side along with Raj, he says.

"We have no ego. We can say anything to each other. This is how we have been," he said of their chemistry and understanding. The movie marks Preity's comeback to films after 2008 film "Heroes". The director gaurantees it will showcase the actress at her best and says her chutzpah is the film's biggest USP.

"You will see her (Preity) in her elements. I don't remember when she did a romantic comedy earlier," he said. Preity was originally not a part of the cast and was just producing the film, but the director says he tricked her into the project.

"I didn't give her a choice. I said, 'You are acting and producing it.' I actually locked her up and said 'You have to do it. When do we start? Tell me the date'," recounted Raj.

"Ishkq In Paris" is Raj's second film as a director. He forayed into direction with  Salman Khan- and Kareena Kapoor-starrer "Main aurr Mrs Khanna". About "Ishkq In Paris", he said: "This is a youth film. The agenda and focus were straight. It is not a mature love story or a classic romantic film. We are talking about Paris, where there is a love story starting in every lane and by the way, finishing in every lane too."

"That is the pace there. It's very fast. So, this film is also quick and instant," Raj said. The film's fate will be decided once it releases Oct 5, but Raj says a strong script is of paramount importance these days.

"I feel that if you have the right script, then everything falls into place, but if you don't have the right script, then everything becomes a problem," he said. His movie features newcomer Rhehan Malliek. Explaining the importance of casting him, Raj said: "We could have taken any actor. Preity is a big star and knows people. She has a lot of goodwill in the industry. But the idea of the love story is fresh and if we didn't have a new actor, the film wouldn't have a fresh appeal," he said.