Saif Ali Khan opened up recently about working with Vidya Balan and director Pradeep Sarkar in the romantic-drama, Parineeta and said that the film gave him a chance to step into a nuanced space as an actor.

Speaking about his character in the film, Saif said, “At the time I did Parineeta it felt very different from the kind of roles I was offered. Playing Shekhar was a challenge since he wasn’t the usual romantic hero that I was used to play but he was flawed, sometimes difficult and vulnerable and his journey was one of self-discovery. That gave me a chance to step into a more nuanced space as an actor and I found that deeply rewarding.”

Talking about his experience of working with Pradeep, Saif said, “Pradeep Sarkar, who we miss dearly today, is one of the most artistic directors I have worked with. He took so much care over every frame and brought so much beauty to that film. Vidya very kindly recently messaged me and told me that you can feel dada in every frame and I completely agree and we miss him. It's a wonderful testament to him to have this film released because when your work speaks for you like that, it's a monument to remember him by and that's what I would like to remember him as."

He added that working with Vidya on the film was an amazing experience. “She was extraordinary for her first movie. She brought so much grace and poetry and freshness to the role. This film is testament to her talent; she was simply phenomenal in it. The whole cast was amazing,” Saif said.

Saif also thanked producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra for offering him the role in the film. “Whenever I have done good work, he has been a big support and encouragement. Also at this particular time, he was a personal support too in many ways and an important part of my career. I would like to thank him for giving me this film and making the film for all of us and creating the environment for it to happen.”

A restored version was the film was re-released in theatres on August 29 celebrating its 20th anniversary.