Vidya Balan Gave " Gaalis Before Her Final Audition" For Parineeta. Vidhu Vinod Chopra Reveals Why
It's been 20 years of Vidya Balan, as it has been for Parineeta. Her debut film was released in theatres on June 10, 2005. On this milestone occasion, the film is re-releasing in theatres again on August 29, 2025. At the special screening of the film, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed how the actress was frustrated with the endless rounds of auditions and even muttered some " gaalis".
What's Happening
Vidhu Vinod Chopra arranged a special screening of Parineeta earlier this week, where the majority of the cast was in attendance.
The film is set to re-release in a restored 8K version on August 29, 2025. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the film.
At the screening, Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed that Vidya Balan was frustrated towards the end of the many auditions she had given for her role. So much so that she even gave some " gaalis".
Vidhu Vinod 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.' 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."
Recalling the surreal moment when Vidya Balan received the confirmation call for her role in Parineeta, the actress said, "So Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) called, 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."
Rekha, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shreya Ghoshal and Rajkumar Hirani were among the few from the cast and crew of Parineeta who were present to celebrate the occasion.
About Parineeta
Vidya Balan plays the role of Lolita, who lives with her financially unstable Uncle. Since childhood, she has had feelings for her next-door neighbour, Shekhar, played by Saif Ali Khan.
Shekhar's father, Navinchandra (Sabyasachi Chakraborty), is a wealthy but heartless businessman. Lolita soon discovers that Navinchnadra wants to seize her uncle's home and convert it into a hotel. She decides to seek help from the wealthy businessman Girish Sharma (Sanjay Dutt). However, misunderstandings arise when Shekhar suspects romance brewing between Lolita and Girish.
In A Nutshell
Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently revealed how Vidya Balan was tired of an endless loop of auditions for Parineeta, and it left her frustrated. The producer also added that at the end, she was perfect, and he had asked the director, the late Pradeep Sarkar, to call her immediately.
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NDTV
17 hours ago
- NDTV
Vidya Balan Gave " Gaalis Before Her Final Audition" For Parineeta. Vidhu Vinod Chopra Reveals Why
New Delhi: It's been 20 years of Vidya Balan, as it has been for Parineeta. Her debut film was released in theatres on June 10, 2005. On this milestone occasion, the film is re-releasing in theatres again on August 29, 2025. At the special screening of the film, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed how the actress was frustrated with the endless rounds of auditions and even muttered some " gaalis". What's Happening Vidhu Vinod Chopra arranged a special screening of Parineeta earlier this week, where the majority of the cast was in attendance. The film is set to re-release in a restored 8K version on August 29, 2025. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the film. At the screening, Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed that Vidya Balan was frustrated towards the end of the many auditions she had given for her role. So much so that she even gave some " gaalis". Vidhu Vinod 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.' 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." Recalling the surreal moment when Vidya Balan received the confirmation call for her role in Parineeta, the actress said, "So Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) called, 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." Rekha, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shreya Ghoshal and Rajkumar Hirani were among the few from the cast and crew of Parineeta who were present to celebrate the occasion. About Parineeta Vidya Balan plays the role of Lolita, who lives with her financially unstable Uncle. Since childhood, she has had feelings for her next-door neighbour, Shekhar, played by Saif Ali Khan. Shekhar's father, Navinchandra (Sabyasachi Chakraborty), is a wealthy but heartless businessman. Lolita soon discovers that Navinchnadra wants to seize her uncle's home and convert it into a hotel. She decides to seek help from the wealthy businessman Girish Sharma (Sanjay Dutt). However, misunderstandings arise when Shekhar suspects romance brewing between Lolita and Girish. In A Nutshell Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently revealed how Vidya Balan was tired of an endless loop of auditions for Parineeta, and it left her frustrated. The producer also added that at the end, she was perfect, and he had asked the director, the late Pradeep Sarkar, to call her immediately.
India Today
21 hours ago
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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
Hindustan Times
a day 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.
