Of STRENGTH and SISTERHOOD

COMPASSIONATE, SUPPORTIVE AND SELFLESS—THESE WORDS, IN THEIR TRUEST FORM, ARE A REFLECTION OF THE BOND SONALI BENDRE SHARES WITH HER FRIEND, SUSSANNE KHAN. IN A CANDID CHAT WITH SUKRITI SHAHI, THE ACTOR/AUTHOR TALKS ABOUT FINDING SOLACE AND STRENGTH IN HER GIRL GANG DURING TOUGH TIMES.

- SUKRITI SHAHI

Her battle with cancer has inspired millions around the world, but Sonali Bendre owes a large part of the victory to her friends and family who were constantly around to keep her strong and determined. When we meet her, Bendre reminisces, trying to pinpoint that defining moment when her connection with Sussanne Khan transcended from being acquaintances to best friends. It started with casual ‘hang-out’ sessions and soon they became indispensable for each other. “We connected and she’s been my pillar of strength,” says Bendre. She recalls how Khan was with her throughout her treatment in New York. What followed was an unadulterated conversation about love, laughter, and struggles of the two friends.

How did you meet Sussanne? For how long have you been friends?

I got to know Sussanne when I met my husband, Goldie (Bahl). They are childhood friends from Juhu (laughs), and have grown up together. I started hanging out with her a lot more when I started dating Goldie. I am married for 17 years now; it’s almost two decades of knowing Sussanne.

In times when people switch friend groups constantly, how have you sustained this friendship for 20 years?