Anees Bazmee and Vidya Balan’s Connection to a Memorable Bollywood Journey
Anees Bazmee, known for directing some of Bollywood’s biggest entertainers, recently collaborated with Vidya Balan in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. As the film continues to receive praise, Vidya shared a nostalgic memory that dates back to 2004, the night she was offered her debut film Parineeta during an Enrique Iglesias concert in Mumbai. The actor recalled the emotional and life-changing moment that marked the beginning of her cinematic journey.
In an interview with Bombay Times, the 46-year-old actress looked back on how destiny intervened amid music, lights, and thousands of fans cheering for the global pop sensation. She described how she was attending Enrique’s concert with her friend Pavitra when she unexpectedly received a call from Parineeta director Pradeep Sarkar. The night that started as a fun outing turned into a turning point in her career.
Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Actress Shares Her Unforgettable Debut Story
Vidya Balan revealed that while she and her friend were trying to get closer to the stage, her phone remained switched off due to the loud environment. Between songs, when Enrique briefly left the stage, director Pradeep Sarkar tried to reach her but couldn’t get through. Determined, he called Pavitra, who then passed the phone to Vidya. Amid the noise and crowd, Sarkar’s producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra took the phone and asked her to move to a quieter spot.
Vidya recalled that she was confused but followed his instruction, moving reluctantly towards the gate. That’s when Chopra told her, “You are my Parineeta.” Just as he said those words, Enrique returned to the stage and began performing his iconic song Hero. Vidya said that the moment was so powerful and emotional that she couldn’t hold back her tears. Her hands and legs trembled as she realized her dream was about to come true.
She added that Hero has remained one of her favorite songs ever since, symbolizing the start of her acting journey. That night, she didn’t just attend a concert, she stepped into a destiny that would make her one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors.
Anees Bazmee’s Leading Lady Remembers Her ‘Hero’ Moment with Enrique Iglesias
Reflecting on the coincidence, Vidya Balan said she completes 20 years in the film industry this year. She jokingly mentioned that Enrique’s return to Mumbai after two decades feels like a full-circle moment. “No wonder Enrique is coming back to celebrate that! The birth of me as a heroine happened at his show while he sang Hero,” she said with a smile.
She also shared that Enrique Iglesias was every young girl’s dream back in the early 2000s. “There was something raw about him. He was cool, effortlessly charming, and seemed like a passionate lover. I was definitely crushing on him,” she admitted.
Enrique Iglesias, who last performed in India in 2012, is returning for a two-day concert on October 29 and 30 in Mumbai. The event is expected to draw several Bollywood celebrities and fans who grew up listening to his romantic hits.
Anees Bazmee’s Film Brings Vidya Balan Full Circle After 20 Years
Vidya’s debut film Parineeta (2005), directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, featured an ensemble cast including Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Raima Sen, and Dia Mirza. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning Vidya widespread recognition for her powerful performance.
Two decades later, her role in Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has once again placed her in the spotlight. Known for his mastery of blending comedy and horror, Bazmee’s latest directorial venture brought Vidya back to the beloved franchise that helped shape her early career.
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Her portrayal in the film has been appreciated by fans who recall her as the unforgettable Manjulika from the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa. This connection between her debut’s emotional origin and her latest success adds poetic meaning to her journey from a dream realized at a concert to a celebrated career in Indian cinema. Also Read: Jamtara 2 Actor Sachin Chandwade’s Tragic Death at 25 Leaves Fans in Shock
Conclusion:
Anees Bazmee and Vidya Balan’s recent collaboration stands as a reminder of how far she has come since that fateful Enrique Iglesias concert in 2004. What began as a spontaneous moment became the start of a remarkable career that continues to inspire. As she celebrates 20 years in the film industry, Vidya’s story is not just about fame but about destiny, timing, and the magic of believing in the moment a journey that truly came full circle.
