Sonali Bendre, a celebrated Indian actress, model, and author, enjoys widespread recognition for her remarkable contributions to Hindi cinema. This detailed profile explores her life, career, and personal journey.

Biography/Wiki

Born on January 1, 1975, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Sonali Bendre’s early life involved frequent moves across India due to her father’s government job. She attended several schools, including Kendriya Vidyalaya Malleswaram, Bengaluru; Holy Cross Convent High School, Thane, Maharashtra; and Welham Girls School, Dehradun. She later graduated from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai.

Her foray into modeling began unexpectedly after winning a college fashion show. This unexpected win launched her into the world of glamour and eventually the film industry. Her career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Lux New Face of the Year at Filmfare, and several other prestigious awards recognizing her talent and contribution to the entertainment industry. She has also made significant contributions in television as a host and judge on various popular shows.

Physical Appearance

Sonali Bendre possesses a striking presence. Standing at 5’6″ and maintaining a slim, fit physique, her physical attributes, including brown eyes and black hair, have often been highlighted in the media. She’s known for her impeccable fashion sense and maintains a modern and stylish look.

Family, Caste, Husband

Sonali hails from a middle-class Hindu Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) family in Mumbai. Her father, Jit Bendre, worked in the Central Public Works Department of India, and her mother is Roopse Bendre. She has one elder sister and one younger sister, Gandhali Paranjape.

She married filmmaker Goldie Behl in 2002, and the couple has a son, Ranveer Behl, born in 2005. Media reports have also linked her romantically to politician Raj Thackeray in the past.

Career

Sonali’s acting debut was in the Bollywood film Aag (1994). Prior to this, her success in a college fashion show opened doors to modeling opportunities which eventually led to her film career. She gained significant recognition through films like Diljale, Sarfarosh, Zakham, and Hum Sath Sath Hai. Her work extended beyond Bollywood, encompassing roles in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Marathi films.

She also embraced television, taking on roles as a host and judge in shows like Kya Masti Kya Dhoom, Mr & Mrs. Television, and others. After a decade-long break from acting, she returned with a cameo in Once Upon a Time In Mumbai Dobara (2013).

Facts

Sonali’s childhood was marked by frequent relocation due to her father’s profession. She initially had no aspiration to become an actress or model, discovering her talent quite unexpectedly. Mahesh Bhatt played a crucial role in launching her career after spotting her during a modeling assignment.

Her career has had its share of both highs and challenges. She faced legal issues concerning a magazine cover and navigated the pressures of being a leading actress. In 2018, she courageously shared her battle with high-grade metastatic cancer, inspiring many with her resilience.

Beyond her acting career, she is a passionate reader and writer, launching her own book club and publishing a book on parenting. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, writing, traveling, and collecting art. She is known for her love of dogs and European travel.