'Parineeta' at 20: Ahead of film's 8K remastered re-release, Rekha reflects on 'Kaisi Paheli Zindagani' song

 

Ahead of the re-release of Pradeep Sarkar's Parineeta in theatres on August 29, to mark the occasion of the film's 20th anniversary, veteran actress Rekha, who appeared in the enchanting "Kaisi Paheli Zindagani" track from the 2005 film, crooned by Sunidhi Chauhan, reflected on its impact, calling it a "metaphor for life."

Written by lyricist Swanand Kirkire and composed by Shantanu Moitra, the song's tune was inspired by Louis Armstrong's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On", originally composed by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and Oscar Hammerstein II. The trio first titled it "Moonlight on the Meadow" and expected it to be used in the 1935 film A Night at the Opera, but since it wasn't taken, the song was later retitled and sung by Armstrong in 1951.

"'Kaisi Paheli' was not just a song; it was a mood, a vibe, and a metaphor for life. The song was so atmospheric; it reminded me of the time gone by and a certain enigma of a woman who owns her narrative," said the 'Umrao Jaan' actress in a statement. "Even 20 years ago, it stood out; the composition was rare, and the poetry was unlike most songs of that time. As I stepped onto that jazz club set, I became the jazz singer. Even today, when I hear the song, it brings a smile. It's one of those Pahelis you never want to solve; you just want to live it."

The Vidhu Vinod Chopra production, starring Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Khan, will be re-released by PVR INOX and Vidhu Vinod Chopra Films.

Set in 1960s Kolkata, the film explores a complicated relationship drama that's based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic 1914 Bengali novella of the same name, adapted by screenwriter and filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar.

In an earlier statement, Vidya Balan said the film holds a special place in her heart, since it launched her entry in Hindi cinema. "Parineeta is where it all began... Every frame of the film carries a piece of my heart, and I'll forever be grateful to Pradeep da (my Dada) and Mr Vinod Chopra for believing in me. I owe so much of who I am as an actor to this film. Even after all these years, people remember the film, the songs, and how it made them feel. People say every frame in the film is like a painting, and that is Pradeep Sarkar's magic. So I do hope people and the new generation discover old-world love through Parineeta."

Aside from Vidya Balan, the film has Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Dia Mirza, and Raima Sen, among others, in integral roles.

Prasad Film Labs undertook the restoration work. 

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