One of the most popular and recognisable stars of Indian cinema, Preity Zinta, will be coming to Birmingham next month to help lead the region’s Diwali celebrations.

The Bollywood star will join Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), for a weekend of exciting events in conjunction with the Consulate General of India on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November.

The Mayor said: “Diwali is a special time for the Indian diaspora and communities right across our region are looking forward to celebrating the Festival of Lights.

“From the very outset of my time as Mayor, the WMCA has worked closely with local groups and the Consulate General of India to mark this occasion in suitably grand style – with dance, special guests and entertainment.

“This year, events will be spread across the weekend including a star-studded gala dinner at Millennium Point with Bollywood star turned self-made businesswoman Preity Zinta and a cultural programme at Birmingham Town Hall. I look forward to seeing local people at the festivities and joining in the celebrations myself.”

Zinta’s life story has captivated audiences worldwide including across the subcontinent, Asia & the Middle East. The winner of two Film Fare awards (India’s equivalent of the Oscars), she is most fondly remembered for her role in the legendary film ‘Veer Zara’ among many other blockbusters.

Now based in Los Angeles, Zinta has achieved considerable success in the world of business – becoming one of the richest self-made Indian females in the world thanks to her investment interests, production company and co-ownership of the Punjab Kings cricket team in the IPL.

A former UNAIDS ambassador and member of the UN Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council, she has taken a keen interest in charity work throughout her life.

Zinta is expected to be honoured by some of the city’s leading civic and educational institutions – and set to get a rapturous reception from the hundreds of Indian students enrolled at Birmingham’s colleges and universities as well as the city and wider region’s substantial diaspora. Her last appearance in the UK was over a decade ago when she spoke to Oxford University students at the Oxford Union Society.

Speaking about her forthcoming visit, Zinta said: “I’m very excited to be part of the Diwali celebrations in Birmingham and look forward to meeting all the wonderful people there – marking the Festival of Lights together.”

Saturday 4th November

• The actress will tour the burgeoning creative district of Digbeth – home to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc studios, the Creative Content Hub at The Bond and a host of film and media schools. The intention is to showcase the area’s potential for attracting filmmakers from around the globe – including the multibillion-dollar Bollywood film industry and to explore opportunities to forge links and partnerships/
• Drinks and networking reception at Millennium Point.
• Evening gala dinner at Millennium Point.
• A Diwali Dinner with Preity Zinta at Birmingham’s landmark Millennium Point which is expected to attract over 200 attendees including business leaders, political dignitaries and special guests from the UK, India and global Indian diaspora with evening speeches & entertainment. Dress code – black tie or traditional dress.

Sunday 5th November

• Cultural Programme at Birmingham Town Hall – a free of charge Community Event open to the public. 
• Preity Zinta is set to make a guest appearance on stage to light the divas.