I would say absolutely do a PPL or something equivalent.
It shows commitment, it tells YOU whether you have an aptitude for flying, and equally important whether you enjoy it.
For those purposes, any of NPPL(M), NPPL(SSEA), JAR-FCL-PPL(SEP), NPPL(SLMG), JAR-FCL-PPL(TMG), FAA-PPL(SEL), or a gliding club taking you towards, say, Silver C will do this.
However, if you are aiming at the airlines, you'd be well advised to shoot for an ICAO aeroplane licence since those hours will count towards your eventual ATPL.
So, I'd recommend doing either a JAR-FCL-PPL(SEP) or a FAA-PPL(SEL).
Also, do pick a good school, and don't assume that your chances of getting sponsorship are high - so also position yourself to self-fund through a modular fATPL.
G