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A love that is unconventional and poetic

A love that is unconventional and poetic

It does not happen regularly that authors devote parts of a novel to epistolary storytelling. It is a risky terrain, that too when the story is predictable and the plot feels almost flat. But Pinaki Gangopadhyay's Yet, Remember Me navigates it well, and his novel is a delightful read, even though the storyline itself may not seem that exciting. What keeps readers hooked until the end are the letters being exchanged between Shashi and Aditi—a celebrated Bengali couple at the heart of this novel.
The novel is about this couple separating after more than two decades of marriage; they are on their final date, trying to find resolution. Now they have memories of life they lived, despite so much love, they decided to part ways. Eros (passionate love) has subsided in their lives, and they have moved to agape love—selfless and unconditional love.
Shashi is a celebrated poet of his time, and Aditi is a literature professor obsessively in love with Rabi Thakur (Rabindranath Tagore). She is an idealistic woman whose love for Shashi is an aesthetic transference—a projection of her love and admiration for Tagore. Naturally, Aditi falls for Shashi because his persona echoes her romanticised image of Rabi. Through their conversations, it is gradually revealed how Shashi is both similar to and distinct from Tagore.
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Vidhu Vinod Chopra recalls Vidya Balan giving him gaalis during Parineeta auditions
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Vidhu Vinod Chopra recalls Vidya Balan giving him gaalis during Parineeta auditions

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Earlier, it was about Delhi: Bengal Files actor Saswata Chatterjee makes striking claim; netizens say, ‘Uncle is scared'
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Exhausted Vidya Balan gave ‘gaalis' to Vidhu Vinod Chopra during Parineeta auditions. Here's why
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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.

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