Vidya Balan and Abhishek together?

Vidya Balan and Abhishek Bachchan together?

Parineeta director Pradeep Sarkar is considering them for his next, a Yash Chopra production - Ram Kamal Mukherjee

Post-Parineeta, Vidya Balan's stakes have been raised. The actress seems to figure prominently on the industry's most-wanted list. While Preity, Rani, Kajol and Aishwarya have all crossed the '30' threshold, the young Vidya is slowly surfacing as the choice of many filmmakers. One such filmmaker is Pradeep Sarkar, director of Vidya's claim-to-fame –– Parineeta.

Apparently Sarkar has been approached by Yash Chopra to direct a film for his banner, and Sarkar wants Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan in the lead. A member from Sarkar's unit informs us, "Dada has worked on a commercial with Abhishek recently and they had some discussion regarding the forthcoming venture. And, of course, he will be repeating Vidya Balan in his next film. In fact even Yashji is keen on casting her."

When contacted, Sarkar says, "Yes I have worked with Abhishek for a commercial, and I think he is a wonderful actor. His energy level is always high and he is a director's delight. But it is too early to talk about the final cast for Yashji's film. I am still working on the script."

What about reports that Sarkar has decided to shelve his plans for adapting Bankim Chandra's classic Devi Chaudhurani? "That's not true," he insists. "I may not make it just yet, but I will make it for sure, some time in the future."

Will the director be casting Vidya in the Chopra film? "I would love to work with her in all my projects," he smiles.

Vidya, on her part, decided to pay a visit to Shirdi Sai Mandir after winning all the major awards this year for her performance in Parineeta. While most actors pop champagne and throw rooftop parties, Balan seems to celebrate her success differently. Not many are aware that Vidya is a staunch Sai Baba believer, and she makes it a point to visit the Sai temple in Chembur every Thursday. "I am not a religious fanatic, but I am a God-loving person," she says. "I believe in Sai Baba, and I think that apart from one's hard work and blessings from one's elders, one needs some kind of spiritual power to succeed in life. I don't believe in fasting and torturing myself, but I do believe in prayer."

When asked about Pradeep Sarkar's film, she says, "I am sure that Dada will call me when he makes a film. I am not aware of Abhishek being cast in the lead role, but it will be wonderful working with such an intense actor."


• I would love to work with her (Balan) in all my projects...But it is too early to talk about the final cast for Yashji's film – Pradeep Sarkar