Saif Ali Khan Praises Vidya Balan As ‘Extraordinary’ In ‘Parineeta’

MUMBAI- The re-release of the 2005 superhit movie ‘Parineeta’ has thrilled its fans. The film, which starred Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt in important roles, marked Vidya Balan’s debut in Bollywood.

Remembering the legendary filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, Saif said, “Pradeep Sarkar, whom we miss dearly today, is one of the artistic directors I have worked with. He took so much care over every frame and brought so much beauty to that film.”

He recalled a recent message from Vidya Balan, who told him, “You can feel Dada in every frame,” and Saif said he completely agrees. He believes the re-release is a wonderful testament to Sarkar, noting, “when your work speaks for you like that, it’s a monument to remember him by, and that’s what I would like to remember him as.”

Saif also talked about his character, Shekhar, and the opportunity it gave him to explore a more nuanced role. “Playing Shekhar was a challenge since he wasn’t the usual romantic hero that I was used to playing, but he was flawed, sometimes difficult, and vulnerable,” he said. He found the role, which was based on Sarat Chandra’s novel, to be deeply rewarding.“It is that one performance where I channeled the class of the tiger and played it like that… I love my work in that film!!!” he exclaimed.

On working with Vidya Balan, Saif said she was “extraordinary for her first movie; she brought so much grace and poetry and freshness to the role.” He called the film a testament to her talent, adding, “she was simply phenomenal in it.” He also praised the entire cast, as well as the set design and atmosphere that transported them to an old Kolkata, which he said “in part maybe doesn’t exist anymore—that’s what makes the film more nostalgic.”

The actor also spoke about the film’s music, which he said still lingers in people’s minds. He praised Sonu Nigam, noting that ‘Parineeta’ was the first time he truly became aware of what a wonderful singer he is. 

Saif concluded by thanking producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra for offering him the part. He called Chopra “an amazing producer” and a significant source of support, both personally and professionally. “When I’ve done good work, he has been a big support and encouragement,” Saif said, adding, “I would like to thank him for giving me this film and making the film for all of us and creating the environment for it to happen!”

The timeless romantic drama, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel, has been restored by Prasad Film Labs. Vinod Chopra Films is the first production house in India to restore its entire film library in 8K resolution, with soundtracks remastered in 5.1 surround sound. This meticulous process took over four years to complete. Some of the films are being restored at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy.

Parineeta’ was re-released on August 29. (IANS)