As Parineeta returns to PVR INOX theatres across India for a one-week re-release on August 29, audiences can once again enjoy its storytelling, performances, and the memorable music that has long been associated with timeless romance.
Composed by Shantanu Moitra with lyrics by Swanand Kirkire, Parineeta’s music continues to resonate with listeners. The album opens with Piyu Bole, sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam, which became one of the defining romantic songs of the 2000s. Also memorable is Kasto Mazza, a lively, folk-inspired train journey rendered by the same duo, and Kaisi Paheli Zindgani, a jazz-tinged cabaret number performed by the legendary Rekha. Tracks like the reflective Raat Hamari Toh and the heartfelt Soona Man Ka Aangan showcase the seamless blend of Moitra’s melodies with Kirkire’s evocative lyrics.
Actress Vidya Balan said, “There is something about ‘Piyu Bole’ that just has my heart. I think it’s so easily hummable, it has that old-world charm, it’s so romantic, and the way it was shot added to making the song somewhat timeless. It’s still relatable, even for people today. In fact, a lot of young kids have told me they like that song, and I feel that is very telling that there’s truly something timeless about it. The first song I heard that was recorded for Parineeta was ‘Raat Hamari Toh.’ I was shooting with Dada for a music video in Kolkata, and he told me, “Just go down to the car, there’s a CD with a song we’ve just recorded.” I went down, played it, and I burst out crying in the car. It’s such a beautiful, haunting, and powerful song… it’s so easy to cry listening to it. I love the music of Parineeta every single song.”
Lyricist Swanand Kirkire said, “Parineeta was a dream — where poetry and melody danced in perfect harmony. Every song was born out of deep lived emotion—from the tender confession of Piyu Bole to the unrestrained joy of Kasto Mazza to the playful enigma of ‘Kaisi Paheli Zindgani.’ Shantanu’s music gave my words flight, and the voices of Shreya, Sonu, and Sunidhi breathed soul into them. And then came Vidya, Saif, and Rekha ji, bringing those songs alive on screen and turning them into instant classics. A special thanks to Vinod for empowering us with both the freedom to write poetically and the confidence to do so. Two decades later, hearing these songs remastered in all their glory feels like opening an old letter that still gives me goosebumps.”
