Latest news with #Bendre
India Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
20 years on, Sonali Bendre reacts to rumours of Raj Thackeray's crush on her
Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre recently opened up on the rumours about politician Raj Thackerey allegedly having a crush on her 20 years ago. She expressed her displeasure and said that such reports are not in good taste. Bendre also reflected on such speculations, since families of individuals are also involved in these actor confessed in an interview with ANI, how she never bothered about such reports while emphasising that such rumours are often in bad taste "when people talk about it".advertisementOn being asked whether the politician had a crush on her, Bendre said, "Did he? I doubt it, but ya." "Honestly, when I spoke, and I called in the video, I was talking to my sister, who was right there. Not even behind him, but I was telling my sister to come. That's the thing about this. It's just not in a very good taste when people talk about it," she criticising the internet gossip over the connection between her and Thackerey's family, she further said, "First of all, there are families and people involved. Secondly, something that till date I've never even bothered telling this, but other than the fact my brother-in-law, who is a cricketer, hence he used to play cricket with Raj's cousin.""Moreover, my sister's mother-in-law was the head of department in literature at the college I am from. She knows Raj because of his father. They all know each other somehow," Sonali revealed that Thackerey's wife Sharmila, her mother and the actor's maternal aunt were best friends. While recalling the nostalgic memories, the actor said, "For me, the connection was that Sharmila, Raj's wife, her mother, and my Maasi were best friends. Her mother has held me for 10 days because you know how, oh, her, my mother's younger sister, Maasi. So when she delivered Raj, they all came laughing. Oh, her elder sister's baby. Let's go and see the baby."She also highlighted there is no further connection between her family and the MNS chief beyond this point. She concluded, "They've come to the hospital and seen me. So literally, that's the kind of connection. I have always travelled around, so it's not like I know them beyond a point, because I came to Maharashtra only once in two years during summer holidays or something like that."In the same interview, Bendre also recalled how her 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' co-star Salman Khan was her pillar of strength during her cancer diagnosis. She said that Salman flew to New York to be with her during her Bendre was last seen in 'The Broken News Season 2.' The show is available for streaming on Reel
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"It was like he had taken on the role of an elder...": Sonali Bendre opens up about Salman Khan's unwavering support during her cancer journey
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Actor Sonali Bendre recently opened up about her evolving equation with co-star Salman Khan and how the actor surprised her with his heartfelt support during one of the most difficult phases of her life, her battle with cancer. In a candid conversation with ANI, Bendre reflected on how her impression of Khan transformed over the years. Recalling their time on the sets of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', she shared that the two were far from being close back then. 'Let me put it mildly, we were not the best of friends at the time,' she said, adding that Salman's mischievous side often got under her skin. 'I have had my close-ups when he's standing behind the camera, making faces at me. At that point, I was most offended, like, what is this behaviour?' she recalled. But time, as Bendre revealed, brought perspective and understanding. 'Salman is like a child, and everything about him is to the extreme, even his care and concern,' she said. This side of Khan became evident years later, when Bendre was undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer in the United States. Recounting the period, she revealed that Salman personally visited her in New York, not once, but twice, and was actively involved in ensuring she was receiving the best medical care. 'He called up my husband Goldie [Behl] and asked, 'Are you sure you've got the right doctors? You should speak to these doctors too,' and even shared contacts. He wanted to make sure we had ticked every box,' she shared, adding, 'It was like he had taken on the role of an elder from the fraternity, making sure everything was in place.' This show of empathy deeply touched Bendre, who admitted she hadn't expected such a gesture from someone she initially misunderstood. 'I've had my issues with him, but I've grown to appreciate that side of him,' she said. Salman Khan and Sonali Bendre starred together in the 1999 family drama 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', where she played Preeti, the on-screen wife of Khan's character Prem. Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, the film was a commercial blockbuster and remains one of the most beloved family entertainers of its time. Today, Bendre stands as a cancer survivor and advocate for awareness. Diagnosed in 2018, she underwent extensive treatment in the US and emerged victorious. Since then, she has used her platform to educate others and share her journey of strength and recovery. On the professional front, she recently made her OTT debut with ZEE5's 'The Broken News', portraying journalist Amina Qureshi. (ANI)
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"Every book teaches me something, even the ones I leave unfinished...": Sonali Bendre talks about finding peace in reading
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Actor and author Sonali Bendre, known for her grace on screen and resilience off it, is also making waves in the literary space. In a candid conversation with ANI, Bendre reflected on her deeply personal relationship with books and the motivations behind her latest literary offering, 'A Book of Books.' The book, released in collaboration with her thriving online community, Sonali's Book Club, is not a traditional memoir or novel, as she explains it as a celebration of reading itself. 'It's essentially a book of recommendations -- books that touched me, inspired me, or simply stayed with me,' she shared, adding, 'It's an extension of the book club I started eight years ago, one of the largest digital book clubs in South Asia.' Bendre began the club as a way to reconnect with her own reading habits, which had taken a backseat amid the responsibilities of motherhood and career. 'I had lost touch with books in the hustle of life. The club gave me the structure to come back to it,' she said. One of the most striking ideas in 'A Book of Books' is the permission it grants readers, especially those who feel burdened by expectations, to let go of guilt around incomplete books. 'There is no shame in not finishing a book,' Bendre said, adding, 'You don't have to read a book just because it won awards. If it doesn't connect with you, it's okay to move on.' She drew from personal experiences, even recalling a moment during cancer treatment when she realised some books, despite their literary merit, were emotionally draining. 'I couldn't finish A Little Life. It's a brilliant book, but so sad. My book club members gently suggested I step away from it -- and they were right,' she told ANI. Reading habits evolve over time, and so has Bendre's. Once an avid consumer of heavy literature, she admits her preferences shifted post-illness. 'I used to read very dark books. Directors like Sooraj ji would tease me on sets, especially during Hum Saath Saath Hain, about my taste,' she laughed, adding, 'Later, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I understood what he meant. I needed books that healed, not hurt.' This transformation is reflected in her book as well, which includes ideas like creating a reading bucket list and finding the right time of day to read and for Bendre, that's the early morning hours, 'before the world wakes up.' Even in her early acting days, Bendre was known as the one who always had a book in hand, even in the absence of vanity vans. 'There was just a chair and a fan. While others chatted, I'd read,' she recalled, adding, 'People thought I was boring. Maybe I was! But I was happy being that kind of boring.' Over time, she's come to embrace that image. 'Being non-controversial doesn't make headlines. But I'm okay with that. Social media gave me a chance to connect with fans directly, without a journalist's filter.' 'A Book of Books' is designed for a wide spectrum of readers, from seasoned bibliophiles to children just beginning their literary journey. 'On page 64, I've written about children who struggle to read. It's important for parents not to force reading on them. The joy of reading should come naturally,' she said. The book is packed with inventive ideas, like exploring genres through the lens of Snow White's seven dwarves, or reflecting on how reading can be the 'cheapest way to travel,' a belief she holds dear from her childhood. 'We didn't have the means to travel. But reading books took me everywhere, to the past, the future, across time and even other planets,' she said. While Bendre modestly claims she's 'not an amazing writer,' her book's thoughtful content says otherwise. In fact, it was HarperCollins who nudged her into the project after seeing the impact of her book club's recommendations. She said, 'I initially said no. But when they suggested a book about the books I love, it felt right.' The result is a work that blends memoir, advice, reflection, and recommendations, all rooted in a deep love for literature. On the professional front, Bendre recently made her OTT debut with ZEE5's 'The Broken News', where she portrayed journalist Amina Qureshi. She first entered Bollywood with 'Aag' in 1994 and rose to fame with 'Diljale' in 1996. Over the years, she's been part of acclaimed films like 'Sarfarosh', 'Zakhm', 'Major Saab', 'Duplicate', and 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. In 2018, Bendre was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment in the USA. Her recovery journey has not only made her an advocate for cancer awareness but also brought her closer to literature, both as a source of comfort and a means of connection. 'I may not finish every book I start,' she said with a smile, adding, 'But every book teaches me something -- even the ones I leave unfinished.' (ANI)
Mint
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
'It was like he had taken on the role of an elder...': Sonali Bendre opens up about Salman Khans unwavering support during her cancer journey
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Actor Sonali Bendre recently opened up about her evolving equation with co-star Salman Khan and how the actor surprised her with his heartfelt support during one of the most difficult phases of her life, her battle with cancer. In a candid conversation with ANI, Bendre reflected on how her impression of Khan transformed over the years. Recalling their time on the sets of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', she shared that the two were far from being close back then. "Let me put it mildly, we were not the best of friends at the time," she said, adding that Salman's mischievous side often got under her skin. "I have had my close-ups when he's standing behind the camera, making faces at me. At that point, I was most offended, like, what is this behaviour?" she recalled. But time, as Bendre revealed, brought perspective and understanding. "Salman is like a child, and everything about him is to the extreme, even his care and concern," she said. This side of Khan became evident years later, when Bendre was undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer in the United States. Recounting the period, she revealed that Salman personally visited her in New York, not once, but twice, and was actively involved in ensuring she was receiving the best medical care. "He called up my husband Goldie [Behl] and asked, 'Are you sure you've got the right doctors? You should speak to these doctors too,' and even shared contacts. He wanted to make sure we had ticked every box," she shared, adding, "It was like he had taken on the role of an elder from the fraternity, making sure everything was in place." This show of empathy deeply touched Bendre, who admitted she hadn't expected such a gesture from someone she initially misunderstood. "I've had my issues with him, but I've grown to appreciate that side of him," she said. Salman Khan and Sonali Bendre starred together in the 1999 family drama 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', where she played Preeti, the on-screen wife of Khan's character Prem. Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, the film was a commercial blockbuster and remains one of the most beloved family entertainers of its time. Today, Bendre stands as a cancer survivor and advocate for awareness. Diagnosed in 2018, she underwent extensive treatment in the US and emerged victorious. Since then, she has used her platform to educate others and share her journey of strength and recovery. On the professional front, she recently made her OTT debut with ZEE5's 'The Broken News', portraying journalist Amina Qureshi. (ANI)
Mint
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
'Every book teaches me something, even the ones I leave unfinished...': Sonali Bendre talks about finding peace in reading
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Actor and author Sonali Bendre, known for her grace on screen and resilience off it, is also making waves in the literary space. In a candid conversation with ANI, Bendre reflected on her deeply personal relationship with books and the motivations behind her latest literary offering, 'A Book of Books.' The book, released in collaboration with her thriving online community, Sonali's Book Club, is not a traditional memoir or novel, as she explains it as a celebration of reading itself. "It's essentially a book of recommendations -- books that touched me, inspired me, or simply stayed with me," she shared, adding, "It's an extension of the book club I started eight years ago, one of the largest digital book clubs in South Asia." Bendre began the club as a way to reconnect with her own reading habits, which had taken a backseat amid the responsibilities of motherhood and career. "I had lost touch with books in the hustle of life. The club gave me the structure to come back to it," she said. One of the most striking ideas in 'A Book of Books' is the permission it grants readers, especially those who feel burdened by expectations, to let go of guilt around incomplete books. "There is no shame in not finishing a book," Bendre said, adding, "You don't have to read a book just because it won awards. If it doesn't connect with you, it's okay to move on." She drew from personal experiences, even recalling a moment during cancer treatment when she realised some books, despite their literary merit, were emotionally draining. "I couldn't finish A Little Life. It's a brilliant book, but so sad. My book club members gently suggested I step away from it -- and they were right," she told ANI. Reading habits evolve over time, and so has Bendre's. Once an avid consumer of heavy literature, she admits her preferences shifted post-illness. "I used to read very dark books. Directors like Sooraj ji would tease me on sets, especially during Hum Saath Saath Hain, about my taste," she laughed, adding, "Later, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I understood what he meant. I needed books that healed, not hurt." This transformation is reflected in her book as well, which includes ideas like creating a reading bucket list and finding the right time of day to read and for Bendre, that's the early morning hours, "before the world wakes up." Even in her early acting days, Bendre was known as the one who always had a book in hand, even in the absence of vanity vans. "There was just a chair and a fan. While others chatted, I'd read," she recalled, adding, "People thought I was boring. Maybe I was! But I was happy being that kind of boring." Over time, she's come to embrace that image. "Being non-controversial doesn't make headlines. But I'm okay with that. Social media gave me a chance to connect with fans directly, without a journalist's filter." 'A Book of Books' is designed for a wide spectrum of readers, from seasoned bibliophiles to children just beginning their literary journey. "On page 64, I've written about children who struggle to read. It's important for parents not to force reading on them. The joy of reading should come naturally," she said. The book is packed with inventive ideas, like exploring genres through the lens of Snow White's seven dwarves, or reflecting on how reading can be the "cheapest way to travel," a belief she holds dear from her childhood. "We didn't have the means to travel. But reading books took me everywhere, to the past, the future, across time and even other planets," she said. While Bendre modestly claims she's "not an amazing writer," her book's thoughtful content says otherwise. In fact, it was HarperCollins who nudged her into the project after seeing the impact of her book club's recommendations. She said, "I initially said no. But when they suggested a book about the books I love, it felt right." The result is a work that blends memoir, advice, reflection, and recommendations, all rooted in a deep love for literature. On the professional front, Bendre recently made her OTT debut with ZEE5's 'The Broken News', where she portrayed journalist Amina Qureshi. She first entered Bollywood with 'Aag' in 1994 and rose to fame with 'Diljale' in 1996. Over the years, she's been part of acclaimed films like 'Sarfarosh', 'Zakhm', 'Major Saab', 'Duplicate', and 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. In 2018, Bendre was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment in the USA. Her recovery journey has not only made her an advocate for cancer awareness but also brought her closer to literature, both as a source of comfort and a means of connection. "I may not finish every book I start," she said with a smile, adding, "But every book teaches me something -- even the ones I leave unfinished." (ANI)
