Meeting Preity Mukhundhan was more like having a conversation with a gal pal. Her relaxed demeanour makes Preity a delight…maybe because she’s in her 20’s something. The actress was in Hyderabad for a narration. And after a successful last year, this year too has been quite a fruitful one for her with two releases – Kannappa in Telugu and Maine Pyar Kiya in Malayalam. But she knows she has a long way to go and is all game to slog it out. While the actress is gearing up for another project in Tamil, she looks back at the year with profound gratitude. And she couldn’t be happier about it.

‘Kannappa pushed me as an actor’

If films like Kannappa broadened her creative horizons, Maine Pyar Kiya provided her with great understanding into filmmaking. The actress describes her journey so far in film industry as a massive learning experience. “For Kannappa I had to learn horse riding, sword fighting etc. Before getting into films, I had several acting workshops and dance practice sessions. But working on a film of such a massive scale was very liberating. The character challenged me as an actor and pushed my creative limits.”

Hailing from Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), Preity is not new to the camera! She had done a few ad commercials and also appeared in a music video (Muttu Mu2) in 2022 before getting into showbiz. In 2024, she debuted in Telugu and Tamil with films, Om Bheem Bush and Star, respectively. As an outsider, while trying to navigate through the challenges in film dynamics, she got the Aasa Kooda song offer (2024) that gave her great visibility.

“Before the song, people hardly knew me. But the song (Aasa Kooda) became a sensation and gave me a great boost in terms of visibility. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me to find a foothold in the industry,” she acknowledges. “The super hit music video gave me a different dimension and tapped my expressive side thereby opening a slew of opportunities. But I had waited for a long time to sign my next film, so the biggest challenge was the waiting time.”

‘My uniqueness, being authentic’

The actress states that she is still trying to crack the code on what works in the film industry. At the same time, she shares that her uniqueness lies in being authentic. “As an actor what’s significant is how can I bring my unique side and contribute to the narrative. Despite the super success of the song, I patiently waited before signing two big offers in Telugu and Tamil. So I realized that an actor’s true character is defined by being patient and self-confident.”

Preity is glad to have bagged substantial roles early in her career but she’s also quick to understand the challenges ahead. “I know it’s a slow process, but I want audiences to remember me for my performances. I am quite prepared for a long haul and marathon and not just to sprint myself.” The actress may be part of two super hit music videos but maintains that dance isn’t her X factor. “Dance adds another facet to me,” she comments. “It complimented my acting skills, enhanced performance, and fuelled my emotional connection to the narrative. But I believe a captivating performance that supports the script comes with an overall personality.”

Working in multiple languages

Preity transcended the boundaries of language to work in multiple Indian film industries viz., Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam industries. She feels blessed to work in multiple industries at an early stage of her career. “It made me realize how each industry is rich, different and unique in its own way. It also made me multifaceted and adapt to emerging challenges,” she replies.

According to her, every film taught her something creatively and professionally. No matter how much you prepare, going into the film sets is always an unpredictable journey, she admits. “Life in cinema so far has been a roller coaster ride and every day is a challenge. But at the same time, it gives opportunities for growth. So, staying focused is the key to sustenance.”

Films, not a natural progression from modelling

Preity graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering. But coming from an orthodox family, she did not experience any cultural shift when she came into showbiz. “That could be because I used to meet a lot of people for various dramatic activities in academics. Soon, modelling experience further fostered me, and the film industry made my experience more interesting. I just started to understand life better and navigate through various challenges.”

Coming into films after modelling isn’t a natural progression for her. That’s because when she started modelling, she never thought she would become an actor. “But modelling gave me an avenue to showcase my personality. It is certainly a significant part of my career transition.”

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Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam Dhar bring their undeniable chemistry to life in the soulful new track Qubool from their upcoming film Haq. Presented by Junglee Music, a division of Times Music, the song captures the emotional heartbeat of the story, composed by Vishal Mishra who is known for crafting melodies that stir deep emotion. With its blend of simplicity and soul, Qubool stands out as one of Vishal Mishra’s most heartfelt works, offering a soundscape that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Penned by Kaushal Kishore and beautifully sung by Armaan Khan, the track is a tender reflection on love that speaks more through silence than words. The visuals highlight Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam Dhar’s effortless on-screen bond built on longing, connection, and quiet moments of understanding. The soundtrack of Haq promises more such emotionally rich tracks, including Dil Tod Gaya Tu, adding layers to the film’s narrative of love and redemption.

Sharing his thoughts, Emraan Hashmi said, “There’s a certain magic when music becomes the soul of a film, and Qubool does exactly that. Vishal has crafted a melody that feels alive with emotion; it beautifully carries the heart of our story.” 

Yami Gautam Dhar added, “Qubool lives in the quiet spaces, in glances, unsaid words, and aching silences. It mirrors my character’s deepest emotions, her vulnerability, strength, and longing. Performing to it felt like embodying a silent storm within.”

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Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has suffered a big setback in his plea against extradition to India. A Belgium court has said there are no legal barriers and the charges against him were serious enough to justify it.