Bollywood actress Vidya Balan recently shared her unforgettable experience of meeting the legendary Rekha for the first time. In a candid interview with Filmfare, Vidya recalled her awe when she saw Rekha during the filming of Parineeta (2005). The actress described the moment as surreal, admitting that she had been mesmerized by Rekha’s presence.
Vidya was working on her debut film, Parineeta, which was directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel, had a star-studded cast, including Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt. Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, Parineeta was known for its rich visuals, soulful music by Shantanu Moitra, and compelling storytelling.
In the interview, Vidya Balan revealed that director Pradeep Sarkar had invited her to visit the set during the shoot of the iconic song Kaisi Paheli Zindagani. While Vidya was not involved in the song, she went to meet Rekha, who was filming at that time. “The moment I stepped into Rekha’s van, I was struck by her ethereal beauty,” Vidya said. She went on to explain how her father’s favorite film, Khoon Bhari Maang, also starred Rekha, making the moment even more special for her.
Vidya had first seen Rekha’s picture in The Times of India and had been instantly captivated by her. She had not seen many films before that, but Rekha’s image left a lasting impression. In fact, Vidya was so awestruck by the experience that she recalled it with great fondness.
As Parineeta celebrates its 20th anniversary, the film is being re-released in theaters across India. On August 29, 2025, Parineeta will return to select cinemas under PVR INOX for a limited one-week screening. This remastered version, enhanced with 8K technology, promises to showcase the film’s visual beauty like never before.
Vidya Balan expressed her emotions about Parineeta, saying that the film holds a special place in her heart. “Every frame of Parineeta carries a piece of my heart,” she added. The film’s music, visuals, and the performances of Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic.
With its re-release, Parineeta aims to bring its old-world charm to a new generation of viewers, celebrating the elegance and depth of love portrayed in the story.
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