Vidya Balan revealed that her Bollywood journey began in the most unexpected way during an Enrique Iglesias concert in Mumbai, where she got the call that would change her life forever.
In a recent interview, Vidya shared the almost cinematic moment when she was offered her debut film Parineeta in 2004. The actor was attending Enrique Iglesias’ concert with a friend, Pavitra, when director Pradeep Sarkar and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra tried reaching her. “My friend Pavitra and I were at Enrique’s concert in Mumbai when Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) called to offer Parineeta. My phone was off as we were trying to get closer to the stage,” she said, recalling the magical night.
Unable to reach Vidya, Sarkar contacted her friend instead. “He asked Pavitra, ‘Vidya kahan hai?’ and then asked to speak to me. I told him I was at a concert, but Mr Chopra came on the line and told me, ‘Vidya Balan, you need to get out of that venue and reach a quieter place,’” she said.
Vidya and her friend reluctantly stepped outside and that’s when destiny intervened. “Mr Chopra told me, ‘You are my Parineeta.’ At that very moment, Enrique returned to the stage and sang Hero. My hands were trembling, and I couldn’t stop crying. That song will always hold a special place in my heart,” she shared emotionally.
Reflecting on her journey, Vidya joked that it felt like destiny. “I got my big break at Enrique’s concert. So when people ask if I’ll attend his next show, I say maybe he’s coming back to celebrate my 20 years in cinema,” she laughed.