Preity Zinta was destined to make it big.

Born in Himachal Pradesh, the spirited actress came down to Mumbai to audition for a part in Shekar Kapur's Ta Ra Rum Pum Pum Pum.

Though the film never took off, Preity's career did with roles in Mani Ratnam's Dil Se.., Abbas Mastan's Solider and Kundan Shah's Kya Kehna!

Just when Preity was in the danger of being slotted in the cute tomboy category, she displayed her mature side in Tanuja Chandra's Sangharsh, Abbas Mastan's Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Mission Kashmir.

But Preity truly bloomed in Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai and Nikhil Advani's Kal Ho Naa Ho.

Now we hear Preity is all set to turn film columnist for BBC's website.

A filmmaker's delight and adored by her fans, the actress with the dimpled grin is here to stay.

Join rediff.com in raising a toast to the actress who celebrates her birthday on January 31.