Why Did Vidya Balan Crack Up During the Director’s Briefing for ‘Parineeta’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vidya Balan shares her joyful experiences while filming ‘Parineeta’.
- The film is set for a re-release in 8K restored print.
- Director Pradeep Sarkar played a significant role in shaping the film's unique character.
- The nostalgia surrounding the film continues to resonate with audiences.
- Sanjay Dutt highlights the personal connections he formed during the film's production.
Mumbai, Aug 5 (NationPress) Actress Vidya Balan is feeling nostalgic as her Hindi debut film ‘Parineeta’ is about to be re-released in cinemas in 8K restored print.
Reflecting on past experiences, the actress recalled how she would often burst into laughter when the film's director, Pradeep Sarkar, demonstrated scenes to her, especially the mannerisms of her character.
The film has been meticulously restored by Prasad Film Labs, reviving its stunning visuals and captivating narrative for a fresh audience. A new trailer has also been released, showcasing the film's enduring charm, beautiful cinematography, enchanting music, and the nostalgic grace of its time.
Discussing the new trailer, Vidya Balan mentioned, “I remember my first experience with ‘Piyu Bole’; it felt incredibly special even then. It had a gentle quality, a hint of innocence that resonated with my own feelings at the time—new, uncertain, and quietly optimistic. Watching the trailer now brings back memories… particularly of the scenes with (Dada) Pradeep Da, who would shout directions from behind the monitor and act out scenes for us to emulate. His portrayal of a woman in my scenes always made me laugh; I would say, ‘Dada, you don’t need to show me how to walk’ (laughs).”
“I suppose I was so absorbed in the moment that I hardly noticed the camera. I really couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful debut. The purity and magic of that first experience, ‘Parineeta’, encapsulates the essence of firsts for many of us, and that’s something I will always treasure,” she added.
Regarding the film, Sanjay Dutt shared, “Playing Girish was my first Bengali role, and I was thrilled to take it on. I have great admiration for Bengali culture. Although Girish was a reserved character, there was much more beneath the surface, and I truly related to that. Pradeep Dada was incredibly supportive, guiding me through every nuance of the script. I hold him dear and miss him dearly. I was grateful that Vinod offered me this role, as we have a long-standing successful partnership.”
“He is like family. Some scenes may appear straightforward now, but they were quite challenging at the time. Watching the trailer today brought back memories from twenty years ago. Parineeta was never merely another film for me. It was crafted with immense heart and love, which is why even after two decades, it occupies a special place in everyone’s hearts,” he remarked.
The restored version of ‘Parineeta’ is scheduled to be re-released in selected PVR INOX cinemas across India on August 29, 2025.