Mumbai: Everyone knows Preity Zinta is the type of person who has a lot of backbone. She has seen her fair share of hardships, and then some. At the age of 12 she lost her father. Barely into Hindi Cinema, she took on the mafia when she testified in court against the underworld.

However, she says she can't begin to prepare herself to face the loss of her 'dear one'. As a result, recent Preity's birthday was a very subdued affair.

"I'm going through rather trying times. My dog Junior is dying. I've been in and out of hospital with him, seeing to his blood transfusion, etc. He has been very very ill for the past few days. I feel I'm losing a son! So there's no question of celebrations this year. I told all my friends that we're putting the birthday on hold while I just sit with my dog and hope to see him go as painlessly as possible."

That's not a very nice way to spend one's birthday. "I know. These things can't be helped. But I do intend to buy myself a really nice gift later. And my friends can wait."

How does it feel to be a year older? "I feel wiser. I see the difference in myself between what I used to be at 17 and what I am now. You could say my decision to pitch in for the Mumbai Municipal elections this year was a result of that maturation. Earlier, perhaps civic matters in Mumbai wouldn't have mattered so much to me. But now they do."

However, Preity quickly adds, "This doesn't mean I'm turning to politics. Please! I'm totally an apolitical person. I just went out and told people about how important a clean and healthy Mumbai is, that's it. Beyond that, I'm not interested in politics. I'm not affiliated to any party."