Ms Zinta will join Lord Dholakia and Lord Parekh

BOLLYWOOD superstar Preity Zinta will swap the sweltering subcontinent for icy East London when accepts an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London today.

The screen icon and will attend a special ceremony at UEL’s Docklands in campus in University Way, Beckton, where she will receive an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts for her contribution to world cinema and humanitarian work.

Ms Zinta has starred in countless Bollywood hits and has been an outspoken supporter of many causes in her native India, particularly women’s rights, AIDS awareness and campaigns to clean up Mumbai.

She said: “I am extremely humbled and excited at the nomination as it really makes me feel that my work has been recognised. I may not have managed to become a doctor in my younger years but that dream is now being fulfilled”.

UEL Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee said he was delighted to honour Ms Zinta.

“We notice her involvement in the Delhi blood donor camps and her tireless work in raising awareness of the challenges over AIDS, human trafficking and the plight of street children in India.”

Her involvement as ambassador for the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Awards and the Loomba Trust proves that she is not afraid to stand up for justice and those in need.”

At the same event Lord Dholakia OBE, who served as a member of the Commission for Racial Equality for 25 years, and philosopher Professor Lord Parekh will also be bestowed with Honorary Doctorates, both in law.