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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
