Shubha Shetty-Saha for Daily News & Analysis

Oct 20: It was perhaps one of the most touching parties thrown by a star in eons. Yesterday, actor Preity Zinta held the first peek of her film ‘Jaan-E-Mann’ for more than 1000 children from various orphanages and trusts across the city.

Preity was at the theatre since 9.30 in the morning, rehearsing for the show that she was later going to put up for the children. The entire floor of a mall was converted into a kiddie zone with various stalls that included tattooing, hair braiding, hair colouring, drawing etc. And, food and drinks flowed too.

Preity, looking like a small girl in a tee and miniskirt, was bubbling with enthusiasm as she posed with each of the kids. The magic show turned out to be the highlight of the evening as Salman Khan himself emerged out of his cut-out, amidst squeals of excitement from the kids.

Most kids couldn’t believe their eyes, like Bobby who came from St. Catherine’s home, told us, “Preity toh achchi lagti hai, par Salman bahooot achche lagte hai!” Bobby could not have asked for anything more that afternoon. If Bobby was happy, Salman looked happier posing with him and other kids.

Said Preity, “All the kids were wishing me happy birthday, even though I kept telling them it’s not my birthday! It’s my first such event and I am so happy that it went off well. Salman Khan never says no to a good cause and I am so glad he was here to give me company. Akshay (Kumar) couldn’t make it because he’s in Dubai.”

Wizcraft managed the event. Volunteers wore a t-shirt that said, ‘Live bravely’ autographed by Preity and the kids were given goodie bags as presents. Sajid Nadiadwala, the producer of Jaan-E-Mann was also present at the evening.

A happy sight of beaming children around us, Preity proved to be a jaanemann (sweetheart) in real life too!