Mumbai, July 5, 2026
Actress Vidya Balan made a lasting impression as Parineeta with her debut movie. However, the journey of getting her big break in Bollywood was full of roadblocks for the ‘Kahaani’ actress.
During an exclusive interaction with veteran actress Simi Garewal on one of the episodes of her popular chat show, “Rendezvous with Simi Garewal”, Vidya recalled the exact moment she was selected for her first Bollywood project.
Vidya had already undergone numerous auditions and had practically given up on the hope of getting the film. However, fate had other plans for her.
Sharing the incident in her own words, the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ actress said, “I was at an Enrique concert, and my cell was off, because I didn’t want to be disturbed. A friend of mine was with me, who also worked with Dada, incidentally. So, Dada called him and said, “Where is Vidya? Isn’t she at the concert?” So, he said, “Yeah, she is”. As I picked up the phone and he said, “Mr. Chopra (Vidhu Vinod Chopra) wants to speak to you”.”
Vidya revealed that she was certain he was calling to politely inform her that she did not get the part.
However, to her amusement, the filmmaker said, “Vidya Balan, you are my Purineeta. I’ve only been wanting to push you to get the best out of you. And I’m investing my faith in you. I know you’ll always bring honor to the family.”
A cinematic adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel of the same name, “Parineeta” also marked the directorial debut of Pradeep Sarkar.
Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the project starred Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and Vidya Balan in lead roles, along with Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, and Dia Mirza as the ancillary cast.
The film was released in the cinema halls on 10 June 2005.(Agency)
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