Long before she became a mother to twins Jai and Gia through surrogacy, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta had already taken on a unique maternal role. On her 34th birthday in 2009, she adopted 34 orphan girls from the Mother Miracle orphanage in Rishikesh.
The actress, known for her work in films such as Dil Se, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, has always been associated with social causes, particularly those supporting underprivileged women and children. The decision to adopt 34 girls on her 34th birthday was a personal and meaningful gesture.
Preity’s Words About the Adoption
Speaking to the media at the time, Preity said:
“I’ve adopted 34 girls. I’ll be looking after their entire upbringing from education to food, clothes etc. You’ve no idea how wonderful it feels to hear the excited chatter of all these girls together. These are my children now, my responsibility. I’ll be constantly connected with them and I’ll visit them twice a year.”
She shared that her heart melted when she interacted with the girls and that she planned to stay involved in their lives. Preity also expressed concern about the condition of underprivileged girl children in India, mentioning issues such as girl foeticide and toxic environments. She said the adoption was only the beginning and that she hoped to support more children over the years.
From Bollywood Star to Hands-On Supporter
Preity has long maintained a relatively low-key personal life despite her high-profile career. After the early loss of both her parents — her father in a car accident when she was 13 and her mother two years later — she focused on building her career and later on social initiatives.
In November 2021, Preity and her husband Gene Goodenough announced the arrival of their twins, Jai and Gia, through surrogacy. The couple expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and their surrogate for helping them begin a new chapter as parents.
Quick Facts: Preity Zinta’s Adoption of 34 Girls
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2009 (on her 34th birthday) |
| Number of Girls | 34 |
| Orphanage | Mother Miracle, Rishikesh |
| Commitment | Education, food, clothing and overall upbringing |
| Planned Visits | Twice a year |
| Later Parenthood | Twins Jai and Gia (via surrogacy, announced 2021) |
| Motivation | Concern for underprivileged girls and desire to give back |
Preity Zinta’s decision to support 34 girls remains one of the more heartwarming examples of a celebrity using a personal milestone to create a lasting positive impact. While the story dates back to 2009, it continues to be remembered as a meaningful chapter in her life beyond the screen.
What do you think of Preity Zinta’s gesture of adopting 34 girls on her 34th birthday? Do you know of other celebrities who have taken similar steps for underprivileged children? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
