F E AT U R E
Home – Preeti currently lives in Los Angeles, but caught
up with Tees Life during a recent visit to see family.
“I wasn’t able to fly back for Bonfire Night because I was
shooting, but otherwise I’ll be there, grafting,” says Preeti. “It
keeps me grounded!”
That may be why Preeti comes across as a genuinely warm
and down-to-earth person who is unlikely to allow success
to change her. While she loves her glamorous new life, she is
happiest of all surrounded by the people she knows best.
“There’s something about northerners I love, they’re just
so friendly,” she says. “This is the place I grew up and a lot
of who I am today is because of Middlesbrough. For me, it’s
home.
“I’ve lost touch with a lot of friends but I was a little
weirdo growing up anyway, a socially awkward kid. I
bonded with my Yorkshire terrier, Charlie, and stayed in and
watched a lot of films. I absolutely love all animals – I need
me-time away from people, but I could spend all day with
animals.
“Sadly, Charlie died recently and I just feel bad that I was
unable to be there. He gave us so many good years together
and was part of the family. It’s the worst thing – your best
friend, little brother, son and guardian angel all passing away
at once.
“When I’m here, I want to go back to being a little kid.
I love to lounge and sometimes I keep my pyjamas on for
days! I miss having a pasty, so I’ll go to Greggs and get a
steak bake and a sausage roll, and I miss my stodgy Brit food
– shepherd’s pie, mince and dumplings, Sunday roasts and
good old Yorkshire puddings – and my mum does a mean
curry.
“Suggit’s in Great Ayton make the best ice cream in the
world and there are also so many nice new places opening
up around Teesside. I didn’t go walking much when I
was younger – it’s too bloody cold – but now we live near
Beauty – Preeti was the first woman of Indian
origin to be crowned Miss Great Britain.
Roseberry Topping, so it’s more appealing.”
Preeti is now back in the States training for a new film
that’s set to be her biggest yet – “I can’t talk about it now
because it’s so hush-hush, but it’s very exciting,” she says.
But until she gets the chance to come back home again,
she’ll continue in her role as Teesside’s unofficial ambassador
to Hollywood.
“I love our Middlesbrough accent,” she says. “My sister,
Anjlee, who is now a singer-songwriter in London, still has
hers. Mine’s a mish-mash but if I run into someone from
home, my accent quickly comes back.
“I still like to stay me, even in LA. I’m proud of being a
northern girl – everyone knows I’m a northern lass!”
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