Sonali Bendre Says She Didn't Like Salman Khan At First, But What He Did Years Later Changed Everything
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Sonali Bendre says she wasn't fond of Salman Khan during Hum Saath Saath Hain but he proved to be a true friend when she battled cancer, visiting her in New York.
In 2018, Sonali Bendre's life changed in a flash — the actress was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer. What followed was a physically and emotionally grueling journey between hospitals in New York and Mumbai, punctuated by uncertainty, strength, and surprising support — one of which came from her Hum Saath Saath Hain co-star, Salman Khan.
While their early on-set chemistry might not have hinted at a deep friendship, Sonali recently revealed a more tender chapter involving the superstar. In an interview with ANI, the actress shared how Salman Khan turned out to be one of the pillars of strength during her treatment. 'There are two sides to Salman. You can either love him or you will hate him. And at that point of time, I was not fond of him," she admitted candidly, recalling how he would playfully distract her during serious takes on the set of the 1999 family drama. 'He's a prankster. He's like a child."
But it was this very childlike energy that later revealed a fiercely loyal heart. 'The same person who made faces behind the camera during my close-ups was now checking in with my husband, asking if we'd consulted the best doctors. He even made two trips to New York just to see if I was okay," she shared.
Sonali didn't hold back from reflecting on the emotional upheaval she faced post-diagnosis. 'I was in denial. I'd wake up at night and feel like it was all just a bad dream — only to realise nothing had changed. This was my new reality," she said.
The treatment itself — involving chemotherapy and radiation — was brutal. 'It kills your body from the inside," Sonali said. 'But the challenge wasn't just about surviving. It was about healing enough to return to a physically demanding job. Our industry doesn't allow for 'off' days. You either show up or you don't. There's no stand-in."
Years later, Sonali has not only reclaimed her health but also her presence on screen. She was recently seen in Season 2 of The Broken News on ZEE5 — a testament to her resilience, quiet strength, and renewed purpose.
First Published:
June 08, 2025, 15:18 IST
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