"He is a great player and an all-rounder and we wanted such a player, " stated co-owner Priety Zinta.

BBC: England players top IPL auction

But over the past couple of years, skinny actresses like Urmila Matondkar and Preity Zinta have become very popular.

CNN: Once Again, With Attitude

Unusually for a Bollywood production, Zinta doesn't share the limelight with any hero.

CNN: Once Again, With Attitude

Consider Kya Kehena, one of the biggest domestic hits of the year, starring the hottest young actress in Hindi moviedom, Zinta.

CNN: Once Again, With Attitude

Bollywood star Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab team, said every team had a "specific strategy" only to bid for certain players.

BBC: Third Indian Premier League begins with a whimper

Indian batsmen Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly attended the auction along with Bollywood movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta in a chaotic atmosphere.

BBC: Dhoni tops Indian auction bidding