Preity Zinta on why NRIs seek 'Indian-ness' in films abroad
Synopsis
Preity Zinta says NRIs abroad are often 'more Indian' than those living in India — and that this intensified cultural longing is exactly why diaspora audiences seek out 'Indian-ness' in cinema. She also makes a pointed case for comedy as the genre best suited to a high-stress global audience, arguing that films must respect viewers' time and intelligence to succeed across borders.
Key Takeaways
Preity Zinta says NRIs in the US often feel a stronger need to hold on to Indian identity than those living in India.
She argues diaspora audiences actively seek 'Indian-ness' in the films they watch as a cultural anchor.
The actress stressed that filmmakers must respect audience time and money worldwide: 'You cannot insult the audience by promising them something and giving them something else.' She advocated for comedy as the genre best placed to succeed globally, citing rising stress levels in modern society.
Preity has been based in Los Angeles since marrying Gene Goodenough in 2016 ; the couple welcomed twins via surrogacy in 2021 .
Actress Preity Zinta has opened up about why Indian cinema holds such enduring emotional power for diaspora audiences — particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United States — saying that physical distance from the homeland often intensifies, rather than weakens, one's cultural attachment.
The Diaspora Connection
Speaking in an interview, Preity said that geographical boundaries do little to dilute the emotional bond audiences share with Indian films. She argued that this connection is especially pronounced among those who have settled abroad. 'People that live outside India in some ways are more Indian than people that live in India. Because you want to hold on to, me included, you know. I want to hold on to what I have and not get lost in another place,' she said.
The 'Kal Ho Na Ho' actress explained that this sense of cultural rootedness is precisely why NRIs actively seek out a distinct 'Indian-ness' when choosing films to watch. 'So, they definitely look for that Indian-ness,' she added.
Value, Respect and the Audience Contract
Beyond cultural identity, Preity emphasised that filmmakers carry a fundamental responsibility toward viewers — regardless of where those viewers live. 'I think the audience is the same worldwide. You have to give them value for their money and their time. You cannot insult the audience by promising them something and giving them something else,' she said.
This perspective reflects a broader industry conversation about content quality at a time when OTT platforms and global streaming have expanded choices for Indian diaspora audiences, raising expectations significantly.
The Case for Comedy
The actress, who has starred in beloved comedies alongside her dramatic roles, made a strong case for humour as a universal unifier. She argued that well-crafted comedy — one that entertains without condescending — is uniquely positioned to succeed with audiences across markets.
'But there is no second place for humor. If humor is there and people can laugh about it and a film can entertain you without insulting your intelligence, it's an all-out winner for everybody,' she said.
She also pointed to the pressures of modern life as a key driver of audience appetite for lighthearted content. 'Today, more than ever, it's a high-stress society, high-stress life. There's a lot more stress. So, I think comedies are the way to go because people want to just relax and have fun,' Preity concluded.
Life in Los Angeles
Preity Zinta is currently based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband Gene Goodenough and their two children. The couple married in 2016 and welcomed twins through surrogacy in 2021. She continues to travel to India for professional commitments, balancing her film industry ties with family life in the US.
Her remarks come at a moment when the Indian film industry is increasingly looking westward, with several major productions targeting diaspora audiences as a primary revenue stream.
Point of View
Particularly in North America, is now a meaningful box-office force, yet many productions still treat it as a bonus rather than a primary constituency. Her point about audience respect cuts both ways: NRI viewers have wider content choices than ever, and hollow spectacle dressed up as cultural connection tends to backfire sharply in markets with discerning, engaged communities. The comedy argument is equally strategic — with mental-health awareness rising globally, the demand for genuinely funny, intelligent films is an underserved gap that Bollywood, historically strong in the genre, is well placed to fill if quality holds.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Preity Zinta say NRIs are 'more Indian' than people living in India?
Preity Zinta argues that living outside India creates a stronger impulse to hold on to one's cultural roots and identity, which she says she experiences personally as a Los Angeles -based resident. This emotional pull, she says, is why NRIs actively seek out 'Indian-ness' in the films and entertainment they consume.
What does Preity Zinta say filmmakers owe their audiences?
She says filmmakers worldwide must offer genuine value for viewers' time and money and must not mislead audiences about what a film delivers. 'You cannot insult the audience by promising them something and giving them something else,' she said.
Why does Preity Zinta think comedies will succeed globally right now?
She believes rising stress levels in modern society are driving demand for entertainment that allows people to relax and laugh without feeling patronised. She described a film that delivers humour without insulting the audience's intelligence as 'an all-out winner for everybody.'
Where does Preity Zinta currently live and what is her family situation?
Preity Zinta is based in Los Angeles with her husband Gene Goodenough , whom she married in 2016 , and their twins born via surrogacy in 2021 . She continues to travel to India regularly for professional work.
How do Preity Zinta's comments relate to the broader Indian film industry?
Her remarks reflect a growing industry conversation about catering to diaspora audiences, particularly as OTT platforms expand global access to Indian content and raise viewer expectations. Several major productions now explicitly target the North American diaspora as a primary revenue stream.
