Mumbai: As 'Parineeta' gears up for a theatrical re-release nearly two decades after its original debut, lead actress Vidya Balan fondly looked back on one of the most challenging and defining moments of her career, doing 28 takes just to perfect a single teardrop.

Speaking at a special event announcing the film’s return to cinemas on August 29, Vidya reminisced about her experience working under the late director Pradeep Sarkar, who helmed the 2005 period romance. Adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914 Bengali novel, Parineeta marked Vidya’s debut in Bollywood, starring alongside Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Raima Sen.

Recalling the rigorous demands on set, Vidya said, “Once, I did 28 takes just to get a teardrop timed perfectly to a line in a song. That was the kind of precision he demanded.”

She added that Sarkar’s commitment to visual rhythm extended beyond performances. "His attention to detail was unmatched—he could do a hundred takes, not just for performances, but even to get pigeons flying at the right moment or leaves falling outside the window at exactly the right time. He believed there was rhythm in everything."

Vidya credited Sarkar with shaping her approach to acting in her early years. “His guidance taught me to observe, to absorb, and to respect every detail in the craft,” she said, also noting how even her longtime hairstylist Shalaka, learned the importance of balance and detailing under Sarkar’s mentorship.

Pradeep Sarkar passed away in 2023 at the age of 67. His legacy includes notable films like Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Mardaani and Helicopter Eela.

Parineeta, now restored by Prasad Film Labs, will hit theatres again on August 29.