Preity Zinta on why Saif Ali Khan would be her last call in crisis
Synopsis
Preity Zinta's candid revelation on Koffee with Karan exposed a stark contrast: while she and Saif Ali Khan shared genuine on-screen chemistry in two acclaimed films, his real-life response to her 2004 tsunami trauma — a joking text message — proved he was the last person she'd want by her side in a crisis. The anecdote offers a rare glimpse into Bollywood's gap between reel camaraderie and real friendship.
Key Takeaways
Preity Zinta named Saif Ali Khan as the last person she would call in a crisis on Koffee with Karan Season 2 .
She was trapped in Phuket, Thailand during the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami , which killed over 2,30,000 people across 14 countries.
Saif sent her a flippant message reading "Hey, PZ, underwater or what?" while she was struggling with the trauma.
Preity and Saif starred together in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Salaam Namaste (2005), both films earning critical acclaim.
Preity is making her comeback with Lahore 1947 , directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan .
Actress Preity Zinta once revealed on the second season of Koffee with Karan why she would not reach out to actor Saif Ali Khan during an emergency, tracing the reason back to his response during one of her darkest moments.
When host Karan Johar posed the hypothetical — "Who is the last person from the film industry you would think of if you were kidnapped?" — Preity named Saif without hesitation. Her answer was rooted in a deeply personal incident: the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on 26 December, which claimed over 2,30,000 lives across 14 countries.
The Tsunami Incident
Preity was holidaying with friends in Phuket, Thailand when the disaster struck, trapping her in one of the worst natural calamities of her lifetime. While she battled shock and survival instincts, Saif sent her a message that, in her view, missed the gravity of the moment entirely.
Saif's Ill-Timed Message
"Because I was in the tsunami and I had the worst experience of my life, and he sends me a message going, 'Hey, PZ, underwater or what?'" Preity recounted, visibly exasperated. "I was just like, 'Ah! What kind of a guy is he?'" The flippant tone, she suggested, revealed a lack of empathy during a crisis — precisely the opposite of what one needs from a co-star or friend in distress.
Their On-Screen Chemistry
Interestingly, Preity and Saif had shared strong screen presence in two acclaimed films: Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Salaam Namaste (2005). Their natural chemistry in both dramas earned praise from audiences and critics alike, making his real-life response to her trauma all the more jarring in her memory.
Preity's Comeback Project
Preity is now set to return to cinema with Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The period drama, backed by Aamir Khan, is set against the backdrop of the Partition of India and features Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key roles. The project marks her significant return to mainstream Hindi cinema after a prolonged absence.
Point of View
And when stakes are personal, the masks slip. Her willingness to air this on national television also signals a shift: Bollywood insiders are no longer protecting each other's images as fiercely as they once did.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Preity Zinta name Saif Ali Khan as the last person she would call in a crisis?
Preity revealed that during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when she was trapped in Phuket facing a near-death experience, Saif sent her a flippant message saying "Hey, PZ, underwater or what?" His lack of empathy during her trauma made her decide he would be the last person to rely on in a genuine emergency.
What happened to Preity Zinta during the 2004 tsunami?
Preity was holidaying with friends in Phuket, Thailand on 26 December 2004 when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck. She was trapped in the disaster, which killed over 2,30,000 people across 14 countries, and has spoken about the traumatic experience on multiple occasions.
Which films did Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan work together on?
Preity and Saif starred together in two acclaimed films: Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Salaam Namaste (2005). Both films showcased their natural on-screen chemistry and earned critical praise.
What is Preity Zinta's next project?
Preity is making her comeback with Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan. The period drama is set against the backdrop of the Partition of India and features Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key roles.
