When Saif Ali Khan confessed he’d rather romance Aishwarya Rai than Vidya Balan in 'Parineeta'

It’s been two decades since Parineeta first graced the big screen, and as the film gears up for a special re-release on its 20th anniversary, an old casting revelation is making fans revisit its journey. The 2005 romantic drama, directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, marked Vidya Balan’s Bollywood debut, but she wasn’t the first choice for the role of Lolita.

In an interview years ago, Chopra revealed that the makers initially had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in mind for the part. Even Saif Ali Khan, who played the suave Shekhar in the film, once admitted that he would have preferred to romance Aishwarya over a newcomer. “I would have preferred Ash (Aishwarya Rai) to Vidya,” Saif had said, adding that he didn’t immediately realise Vidya would become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation.

But destiny had its own plans. Vidya, who was facing multiple career setbacks at the time, had already worked with Pradeep Sarkar on several music videos, including Euphoria’s Kabhi Aana Tu Meri Gali. Sarkar, impressed by her screen presence and sincerity, promised her a memorable debut and kept his word. Before Parineeta, Vidya tested her acting skills in the Bengali film Bhalo Theko, but it was Lolita that truly introduced her to Hindi cinema audiences.

Set in the Kolkata of the 1960s, Parineeta is based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic Bengali novel. It tells the tender yet turbulent love story of childhood friends Lolita and Shekhar, tangled in misunderstandings, pride, and the rigid norms of society. The film beautifully captured the old-world charm of Bengal, complete with soulful music and graceful performances. Alongside Vidya and Saif, Sanjay Dutt also played a significant role, adding depth to the love triangle.

When the film released in 2005, Vidya’s portrayal of Lolita won over both critics and audiences. Her mix of innocence, quiet strength, and emotional depth became the heart of Parineeta, earning her instant recognition and several awards.

As the film prepares for its anniversary re-release, the casting “what if” only adds to its nostalgia. While Aishwarya Rai in the role might have been a fascinating watch, it was Vidya Balan who made Lolita unforgettable, turning what could have been just another debut into a landmark in Hindi cinema history.