Sonali Bendre: Bold And Beautiful

Unlike most actors, who at the cost of being diplomatic sound so rehearsed and predictable, this 90s bombshell is like a breath of fresh air. She belongs to the time when a heros sole purpose in a movie, was to save the heroine from the trap of a scheming, larger-than-life villain. And the heroines prime objective was to portray the damsel in distress, dance on kitschy numbers, and in exceptional cases, play the ultra-glam arm-candy. Sonali Bendre , who's slipped into both roles with equal ease in her glory days, has had her fair share of cinematic outings, both memorable and not-so-memorable. With a mind of her own, she doesn't give two hoots about stating her honest opinions, and has always epitomised the fiery Mumbai mulgi. On a lazy noon, at the Oriflame product launch (of which she's the brand ambassador), the tall and beautiful actress opened up to Pooja Sharma, in a candid chat.

- Pooja Sharma

What’s the secret behind your beauty and fitness?

About the beauty, I don’t know, it’s genes I suppose. In my 20s, I could get away with not using anything on my face. Now, I do need a little bit of help sometimes with the skin. As far as fitness is concerned, I have never worked out in my life. I’m paying for it now. I need the muscle. I’ve realised muscle are my best friends. Earlier, I lived and enjoyed what I had because of the genes, thank God for it! But now, it’s time to work on it a bit (laughs).

In your 10 year long sabbatical, did you miss the arc-lights?

I never really missed the arc-lights. In fact, I’m more of wall flower and happy to be so. I’m not the kind of person who’s comfortable with a lot of attention. I shy away from it. I prefer just doing my work and disappearing. I’m not on any social media. Unless, it’s relevant, I don’t talk that much about myself. I’m really not comfortable with everybody knowing me too much. I’m quite reticent, a loner… you can say.

You quit films post marriage, and the birth of your son. Is it true that you refused interesting offers and big banner films coming your way?