Abhay Deol: 'I do not push Preeti Desai's career'

Abhay Deol has denied that he is responsible for pushing his girlfriend Preeti Desai's career in Bollywood.

The British-born actress has been given a cameo in the zombie romantic comedy Rock the Shaadi.

Deol told Hindustan Times: "She found it hilarious and told [director] Navdeep Singh who had dropped by, that she'd like to play the role of the non-resident Indian because it was cool and fun."

He added that they had a similar approach to their acting career, choosing films based on instinct rather than commercial success.

"Maybe it's a somewhat naïve and idealistic approach to a competitive career but since I took the route myself and have never regretted it, I encourage her to do the same," he commented.

The two actors announced that they would be getting married in May.

In 2006, Desai won The Sun's competition for Miss Great Britain after the original winner Danielle Lloyd was dropped due to allegations of impropriety.

The beauty contest winner made her acting debut this year in the film Shor in the City.

In April, she admitted that her biggest worry is speaking Hindi on the screen in the wrong accent.