Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: 25+ wishes, messages and inspirational quotes to share
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India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Vidhu Vinod Chopra recalls Vidya Balan giving him gaalis during Parineeta auditions
Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently shared insights into the casting journey of actor Vidya Balan for the film 'Parineeta'. Ahead of the film's re-release, Chopra recounted the exhaustive audition process that led to Balan's 72-year-old highlighted the intense competition for the role of Lalita in 'Parineeta'. He also pointed out that Balan was so exhausted by the end of the process that she must have given him gaalis (expletives) before the final selectionDuring the special screening, Chopra said, "A lot of top heroines wanted to do 'Parineeta'. But Pradeep Sarkar said there's a new girl from Chembur. So I said, 'Test this girl from Chembur.'" Chopra further described Balan's state during the auditions and remarked on her fatigue from the extensive testing phase. "The actor had gone through a lot of tests. Then I told Sarkar, 'Let's do one final test.' She was so exhausted by the process that she actually muttered gaalis (expletives) before her final audition."Despite the challenges, Balan delivered an exceptional final audition. As Chopra elaborated, "By then, she had done 20–25 tests. But then she gave such a brilliant final test, it was unbelievable. I told Sarkar, call her immediately." This performance cemented her role as life-changing momentThe 'Parineeta' actor recalled the moment she learned that she had secured the part. "So Dada (Sarkar) called him, and I told him, 'Dada, I'm in the middle of the concert, I'll call you back.' But he said, 'No, Chopra wants to speak to you.' So I said, 'Yeah, I'll call you after the concert.' So then Chopra said, 'Teri zindagi badalne waali hai, bahar nikal (Your life is about to change, come outside).'"Balan's emotional reaction upon hearing the news was profound. "I didn't think otherwise for a second, because I had gone through so many tests. But he said, 'Come out.' So I came out, and he told me on the phone, 'You're my Parineeta.' And I started crying right there." More about 'Parineeta'The romantic musical, directed by Pradeep Sarkar, is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic Bengali novel. Starring Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, the film is set in the 1960s Kolkata. It explores themes of love and societal 'Parineeta' completes 20 years of release, the film is set for a limited re-release in theatres starting August 29- Ends IN THIS STORY#Vidya Balan
Mint
4 hours ago
- Mint
Earlier, it was about Delhi: Bengal Files actor Saswata Chatterjee makes striking claim; netizens say, ‘Uncle is scared'
Amid the controversy around The Bengal Files, actor Saswata Chatterjee has claimed that he was not aware that the film was about his own state. The upcoming political drama, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, has created a lot of buzz well ahead of its release. Chatterjee, while speaking to The Wall News, said that the makers had only explained his role during the shoot, not the full story. He was told it would be a strong, villainous character, which very few actors would get in their career. 'Nowadays, they don't share the full story with anyone. Only a track is given, and only the character is explained. When I was told about my role, it was said to be a strong character, a villain-type role, which very few actors get,' Chatterjee said. 'During the entire shoot, the film's name was Delhi Files. After the shoot got over, I saw the name had been changed to Bengal Files,' he added. Saswata explained that such decisions were not in his control. He added that he liked the role and simply performed it. He can figure out why it was changed from Delhi Files to The Bengal Files only after watching it. On questions about history being depicted wrongly, he said it was not his responsibility. If authorities feel Bengal has been shown in a bad light, they should approach the court with facts instead of creating unnecessary disputes. At the same time, the renowned Bengali actor said that people should feel 'scared' while watching him in The Bengal Files. 'I have seen my scenes. If you watch them, you'll feel the fear,' he said. While the interview was uploaded on YouTube on July 29, a clip of the video has now gone viral on social media platforms. 'After this statement, no one should have any doubt about what a 'propaganda film' really means. If a movie is truly based on real events, then why did it have a different name during shooting? Or is it that they made a generic story and then, for political purposes, changed the name before release?' wrote one Instagram user while sharing the clip. However, many others feel Saswata Chatterjee is now opting for a 'lame excuse' to justify his choice to work with Vivek Agnihotri. 'Why would they even take him in Delhi Files, and why is the entire star cast from Bengal?' asked one user. 'While shooting, can't you realise if they are showing Bengal or Delhi?' asked another. 'Even a 2-year-old would not believe such a lame excuse,' posted one user. Another wrote, 'Uncle is scared!' Yes, Vivek Agnihotri's movie was originally called The Delhi Files. Later, it became The Bengal Files. The director said the change had been made on 'public demand' after a poll. Since the focus changed to Bengal's past, Agnihotri renamed the movie from The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter to The Bengal Files: Right to Life. Some social media users claim the movie's 'focus' changed after the BJP came to power in Delhi. Some even claim that the movie is 'anti-Bengal' propaganda ahead of the state elections in 2026. However, no official statement supports such claims.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Exhausted Vidya Balan gave ‘gaalis' to Vidhu Vinod Chopra during Parineeta auditions. Here's why
Parineeta, the film that marked actor Vidya Balan's Bollywood debut, has completed 20 years. To celebrate the occasion, the film's producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra held a special screening in Mumbai. During the event, the filmmaker revealed how Vidya bagged the role despite 'top heroines' wanting to do it. Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals how Vidya Balan bagged role in Parineeta. How Vidya Balan got the role in Parineeta Talking about how Vidya landed the role after exhausting rounds of auditions, Chopra said at the screening event, "A lot of top heroines wanted to do Parineeta. But Pradeep Sarkar said there's a new girl from Chembur. So I said, 'Test this girl from Chembur.' I don't usually meet actors during screen tests. Vidya had gone through a lot of tests. Then I told Pradeep, 'Let's do one final test.' She was so exhausted by the process that she actually muttered gaalis before her final audition, I could see her saying, 'Who does he think he is?' By then, she had done 20–25 tests. But then she gave such a brilliant final test, it was unbelievable. I told Pradeep, call her immediately.' Vidya recalled that she was at an Enrique concert with Vidhu Vinod Chopra's assistant when the film's director called her. She said, 'So Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) called him, and I told him, 'Dada, I'm in the middle of the concert, I'll call you back.' But he said, 'No, Mr Chopra wants to speak to you.' So I said, 'Yeah, I'll call you after the concert.' So then Mr Chopra said, 'Teri zindagi badalne waali hai, bahar nikal (Your life is about to change, come outside).' I was like, 'What are you going to tell me, that I didn't get the part again?' I didn't think otherwise for a second, because I had gone through so many tests. But he said, 'Come out.' So I came out and he told me on the phone, 'You're my Parineeta.' And I started crying right there. It was a crazy moment.' The special screening was attended by Rekha, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shreya Ghoshal and Rajkumar Hirani, among others. A sweet moment from the event, where Vidya was seen touching Rekha's feet, also won the internet. About Parineeta The 2005 musical romantic drama directed by Pradeep Sarkar is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic Bengali novel of the same name. The film stars Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. Set in 1960s Kolkata, the story revolves around childhood friends Lalita and Shekhar, whose innocent love faces trials due to misunderstandings, societal pressures, and a wealthy outsider's entry. The film was praised for its soulful music by Shantanu Moitra, powerful performances, and Vidya's graceful screen presence. As the film completes 20 years, it is set to re-release in theatres for one week starting August 29.
