Vidya underwent several tests for Parineeta

Swanand Kirkire, the singer-writer-lyricist, shared Vidya Balan's challenging journey to landing the lead role in 'Parineeta.' To convince producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, director Pradeep Sarkar used Kirkire's song and shot it with Balan on set. Impressed, Chopra agreed to direct the film and have Kirkire as the lyricist, but insisted on a different female lead. However, Sarkar was determined to cast Balan and conducted several tests to persuade Chopra, eventually succeeding. Balan had a significant presence in ads and music videos before her breakthrough in 'Parineeta,' with Sarkar playing a crucial role in her opportunity.