Bollywood icon to visit Birmingham for Diwali celebrations - dates, where you can meet her & more

South Asians in Birmingham are in for a treat because one of the most popular and recognisable stars of Bollywood is set to visit the city next month to lead the region’s Diwali celebrations.

The Bollywood star will join Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), for a weekend of exciting events in conjunction with the Consulate General of India on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November.

Diwali - the Festival of Lights - is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. For some, it also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations and is all about new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival usually occurs between October and November, with the date changing each year. This year Diwali takes place over five days with the main day of celebration on Monday 12 November.

And this year, it will be a special Diwali in Birmingham as Preity G Zinta, actress and owner of Indian Premier League team Punjab Kings (PBKS), will be here for it.

Tell us more about the Bollywood icon visiting Birmingham for Diwali

Preity G Zinta’s life story has captivated audiences worldwide including across the subcontinent, Asia & the Middle East. The winner of two Film Fare awards (India’s equivalent of the Oscars), she is most fondly remembered for her role in the legendary film Veer Zara among many other blockbusters.

Now based in Los Angeles, Preity has achieved considerable success in the world of business - becoming one of the richest self-made Indian women in the world thanks to her investment interests, production company and co-ownership of the Punjab Kings cricket team in the IPL.

A former UNAIDS ambassador and member of the UN Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council, she has taken a keen interest in charity work throughout her life. Preity’s last appearance in the UK was over a decade ago when she spoke to Oxford University students at the Oxford Union Society.

Speaking about her forthcoming visit, Preity said: “I’m very excited to be part of the Diwali celebrations in Birmingham and look forward to meeting all the wonderful people there - marking the Festival of Lights together.”

Where can you meet Preity Zinta in Birmingham?

Preity will be visiting Digbeth on Saturday, November 4 so Birmingham’s leaders can showcase the area’s potential for attracting filmmakers from around the globe - including the multibillion-dollar Bollywood film industry. She will also attend a gala dinner at Millennium Point - which is expected to attract over 200 attendees including business leaders, political dignitaries and special guests from the UK, India and global Indian diaspora.

On Sunday, November 5, fans of the exuberant actress will be able to meet her at a cultural programme at Birmingham Town Hall - which will be open to the public free of charge.

What West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said

Mayor Andy Street said: “Diwali is a special time for the Indian diaspora and communities right across our region are looking forward to celebrating the Festival of Lights.

“From the very outset of my time as Mayor, the WMCA has worked closely with local groups and the Consulate General of India to mark this occasion in suitably grand style - with dance, special guests and entertainment.

“This year, events will be spread across the weekend including a star-studded gala dinner at Millennium Point with Bollywood star turned self-made businesswoman Preity Zinta and a cultural programme at Birmingham Town Hall. I look forward to seeing local people at the festivities and joining in the celebrations myself.”