Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Parineeta’: Vidya Balan and Rekha Reminisce

Vidya Balan’s life and career-defining film, Parineeta, has now completed 20 years. Released in 2005, the film instantly cemented Vidya’s celebrity status. To mark its 20th anniversary, a grand celebration was held at a theater in Mumbai.

The event was attended by filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vidya Balan, Rekha, Dia Mirza, singer Shreya Ghoshal, music director Shantanu Moitra, and many others. Highlights of the evening included Vidya Balan’s Dhunuchi dance, fun interactions, and nostalgic recollections of the film, along with performances by Vidya and Rekha to Shreya’s singing.

Parineeta is set to be re-released in theaters this Wednesday. The film, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel, was directed by the late Pradeep Sarkar. The lead cast included Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Dia Mirza, Raima Sen, and Sabyasachi Chakraborty.

Rekha, who had worked alongside Vidya in the film, said, “Vidya’s performance in the movie impressed me deeply. Her unconventional beauty and depth captivated me. Vidya will always remain synonymous with Parineeta.”

Vidya Balan recalled, “‘Parineeta’ changed my life. It feels as if I was born to be an actress. I am grateful to Pradeep Sarkar and Vidhu Vinod Chopra for giving me this platform that brought me where I am today.”

The film’s popular song “Kaisi Paheli Zindagani” and the dance sequence featuring Vidya and Rekha remain etched in audiences’ memories. Even after 20 years, the film continues to hold its place as a timeless Bollywood classic.