Did Saif Ali Khan Just Call Vidya Balan Extraordinary in Parineeta?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saif Ali Khan praises Vidya Balan for her outstanding performance in Parineeta.
- The film marks Vidya Balan's Bollywood debut and has a lasting impact on audiences.
- Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the film is celebrated for its artistic beauty.
- The music, composed by Shantanu Moitra, remains iconic even two decades later.
- Parineeta's re-release is a nostalgic journey for fans.
Mumbai Aug 29 (NationPress) The excitement among fans is palpable with the upcoming re-release of the 2005 blockbuster Parineeta. This celebrated film features iconic performances by Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, marking the debut of the talented actress in the Bollywood industry.
Reflecting on the film's impact, Saif Ali Khan shared his thoughts on Pradeep Sarkar, stating, “Experiencing a film like Parineeta on the big screen is something special. I eagerly anticipate the audience's reaction. Parineeta holds a significant place in my heart for numerous reasons; it is one of the most beautifully crafted films I've participated in.”
In remembrance of the late filmmaker, Saif reminisced, “Pradeep Sarkar was one of the most artistic directors I've collaborated with. His meticulous attention to detail and the beauty he infused into every frame is unforgettable. Recently, Vidya kindly messaged me saying you can sense Dada's presence in every scene, and I couldn’t agree more. His legacy lives on through this film, which is a beautiful monument to his creativity.”
Discussing his role, Saif explained, “When I took on the character of Shekhar, it was a refreshing departure from the traditional romantic leads I usually portrayed. He was complex and vulnerable, giving me a chance to explore a more nuanced performance, reminiscent of Sarat Chandra's novel. This role allowed me to channel a certain depth as an actor, and I relished the experience; I adore my work in this film!”
On working with Vidya Balan, Saif praised her talent, stating, “Collaborating with Vidya was truly remarkable—considering it was her debut, she infused so much elegance, poetry, and freshness into her role. Her performance in this film is a testament to her extraordinary talent. The entire cast was exceptional. The set design and ambiance transported us to an old Kolkata that many, including my mother, would fondly remember, a city that was once a vibrant artistic hub.”
He also highlighted the film's mesmerizing music, which continues to resonate with audiences even 20 years post-release. “The music was truly outstanding—I witnessed Sonu Nigam's incredible vocal talent in this project. His ability to convey subtle nuances while performing was astonishing. Shantanu Moitra crafted exceptional music. I cherish my record of the soundtrack, which evokes nostalgic memories.” He added, “Parineeta is immensely meaningful to me; capturing lyrical moments in a kurta and dhoti while strumming the guitar by the Hooghly River is an enduring image in my mind. This is one of the beautiful aspects of acting; we create enduring memories.”
Saif further expressed his gratitude towards filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, saying, “I extend my thanks to Mr. Vinod Chopra for casting me in this role; he has been an incredible producer and a significant influence in my life and career. His support has been invaluable, especially during key moments, and I appreciate him for bringing this film to life for all of us!”
This timeless romantic drama, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's renowned 1914 Bengali novel, has been meticulously restored by Prasad Film Labs. Vinod Chopra Films is the first Indian production company to restore its entire film library in stunning 8K resolution, with soundtracks remastered in 5.1 surround sound—a meticulous undertaking that took over four years to complete. Some of the VCF films are being restored at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, a world-renowned lab specializing in cinematic restorations.
Parineeta is set to be re-released starting August 29, 2025, exclusively for a week.
–IANS