Noticed just how gorgeous Preity Zinta is looking in the promos of Karan Johar’s glitzy multi-starrer extravaganza Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

No wonder she jokes how it “felt good to be wearing clothes that sometimes cost more than the location”.

She may be limited as an actress but her honesty shines through her performances and persona. And that’s what makes her endearing.

Going by the publicity and character profile on the KANK website, Preity Zinta doesn’t play the conventional heroine in this relationship saga. Her character, Rhea Saran isn’t apologetic about being an ambitious career woman. Sometimes, even at the expense of marriage and motherhood.

I have a nagging feeling she’ll turn out to be the surprise package here. And Abhishek Bachchan, in all probability, will garner all the sympathy votes. Guess Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji will have to stick to routine – vying, sighing, crying, the works. We’ll cheer for them anyway, right?

Enough of figuring out now, I’ll simply sit and wait for the movie to release on August 21.

Coming back to the subject of this discussion: Ms Zinta. Here’s what I love and not so love about the effervescent star.

Her debut: was Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se... She rocked in her short role. Remember her cutely drilling SRK, over the topic of virginity, while stuffing in burger and fries? How could you not like her? Hate SRK’s character for choosing Manisha Koirala over her. Hmpf!

Her best work: Gucci glasses notwithstanding, Preity was sensitive and wonderful as the reserved but fun Naina Catherine Kapur in Kal Ho Naa Ho.

Her best look: She looks vivacious and fresh in all her movies. But Dil Chahta Hai takes the cake. Soft curls+ pastel make up+chic outfits= an ethereal Preity Zinta.

Her worst acting assignment: You could say Farz and Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke were a waste of Preity’s talent but Armaan really raised the bar. A badly fleshed out role of a paranoid, possessive spoilt brat had the Aquarian screaming unreasonably and unconvincingly on all and sundry. And the horrendous wig she wore made matters only worse.

A look gone wrong: The makers of Dil Chahta Hai went overboard charting a distinct appearance for the actress in Lakshya. Both the Hobbit inspired frizzed hairdo and the short bob failed to work and distracted one’s attention from her performance.

Her cutest trademark: Dimples? Chuckle? Chirpiness? I think it’s the sense of humor in her disposition. Talk to her, and you’ll know what I mean.

She can get away: with bizarrely staged filmi situations with utter conviction, applause even, as seen in the ultra melodramatic stage speech of Kya Kehna.

She makes a cute pair with: Saif Ali Khan. Kya Kehna, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Salaam Namaste are cases in the point. SRK and Aamir Khan come a close second.

One role Preity that would fit like a glove is: Drew Barrymore’s role in the 1999 hit romantic comedy, Never Been Kissed. In the film, Barrymore plays Josie Gellar, an undercover journalist posing as a high school student to research for an article. What makes it worse is Josie carries quite some unpleasant memories of high school. Preity has the right blend of vulnerability, exuberance and comic timing to effortlessly essay the part.

One actor Preity should definitely romance on big screen: Abhishek Bachchan. We have already seen how comfortable they are in each other’s presence on Koffee with Karan. And even though Bachchan JR played her gynecologist in Salaam Namaste and co-stars in KANK, a romantic pairing is still waiting in the wings.

One director Preity should work under: Hmm, she’s already worked with Mani Ratnam, Yash Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Kundan Shah. How about Sanjay Leela Bhansali? It would be interesting to see how the indulgent filmmaker extracts his brand of exaggerated drama from an actress mostly associated with frothy fare.