Sonali Bendre (born 1 January 1975) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi and Telugu films. She did modelling assignments prior to making her acting debut with Aag (1994), which won her the Filmfare Award for New Face of the Year. Bendre is a recipient of several accolades, including two Filmfare Awards and four Screen Awards.Bendre played the leading lady in such commercially successful films as Diljale (1996), Major Saab (1998), Sarfarosh (1999) and Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). Her performance in Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000) won her the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress. Bendre has also worked in the Tamil film Kadhalar Dhinam (1999) and the Telugu film Murari (2001). She earned a Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu nomination for the latter. Her other successful Telugu films include Indra, Khadgam, Manmadhudu (all 2002) and Shankar Dada MBBS (2004). Bendre then starred in the Marathi film Anahat (2003). This was followed by a hiatus from acting. She has since appeared as a judge on various reality shows like India's Got Talent and India's Best Dramebaaz. Later, Bendre starred in the television series Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye (2014) and The Broken News (2022). Along with her acting career, Bendre is a celebrity endorser for brands and products. She is married to filmmaker Goldie Behl with whom she has a son.

Early life

Sonali Bendre was born on 1 January 1975 in present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra in a Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu family. She has 2 sisters. Her father was a civil servant. She completed her schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bangalore and completed her graduation from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai.

Early life and family

Bendre was born on 1 January 1975 in present-day Mumbai in a Maharashtrian family. She has 2 sisters. Her father was a civil servant. She studied at Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai. She studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bangalore. She married filmmaker Goldie Behl in 2002 and has a son named Ranveer.

Early life and education

Bendre was born on 1 January 1975 in present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra in a Maharashtrian family. She has 2 sisters. Her father was a civil servant. She completed her schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bangalore and completed her graduation from Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai.

Personal life

Bendre married Behl on 12 November 2002. They have one child.
On 4 July 2018, Bendre announced that, she has been diagnosed with a metastatic cancer and was undergoing treatment in a New York City hospital. Despite having stage 4 cancer, the actress became cancer free in 2021.

Career

Bendre was a model before entering the ''Star Dust Talent Search''. She made her film debut with ''Aag'' (1994) at the age of 19. For this, she won the Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year and Screen Award for Best Female Debut. The same year, she also appeared in ''Naaraaz'', for which she was awarded Filmfare's Sensational Debut Award. Bendre had three releases in 1995 with ''The Don'', ''Gaddaar'' and ''Takkar''. Bendre later received recognition with the song "Humma Humma" from the film, ''Bombay''. Later, she played a village girl in ''English Babu Desi Mem'' opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Lastly, she appeared in ''Diljale'' opposite Ajay Devgn, which proved to be her breakthrough performance. It was a box-office hit. Avinash Ramchandani of ''Planet Bollywood'' said, "Sonali Bendre is dashingly beautiful". In 1997, Bendre starred in ''Bhai'' opposite Sunil Shetty, ''Tarazu'' opposite Akshay Kumar and ''Qahar'' opposite Sunny Deol.1998 was another successful year for Bendre. She first appeared in ''Keemat – They Are Back'' opposite Saif Ali Khan, in ''Humse Badhkar Kaun'' and ''Angaaray'' opposite Nagarjuna. She then appeared opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ''Duplicate'', which was an average success. She received Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female nomination for the film. Her next two films opposite Ajay Devgn were major box office success, ''Major Saab'', where ''India Today'' called her "insipid" and ''Zakhm'', where Anish Khanna noted that she made "an impact".In 1999, Bendre appeared opposite Aamir Khan in ''Sarfarosh''. ''Filmfare'' noted, "Sonali does justice to her first real role, the only one worth talking about, that is." She received IIFA Best Actress Award nomination. Bendre next portrayed Dr. Preeti in ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'' opposite Salman Khan, which became the highest-grossing film of the year. While Anupama Chopra from ''India Today'' quoted, "The women mostly doll up, dance and cook", Alok Kumar opined, "Sonali don't really do much, but looks good doing whatever she does". She then appeared in ''Dahek'' opposite Akshaye Khanna. The same year, she made her Tamil film debut with ''Kadhalar Dhinam'' opposite new Tamil actor Kunal, a box office success. Then, she had another Tamil release with ''Kannodu Kanbathellam'' opposite Arjun Sarja.Bendre had five releases in 2000. She first made brief cameos in ''Chal Mere Bhai'' and ''Dhai Akshar Prem Ke''. She then appeared in a supporting role in ''Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai'' with Anil Kapoor. She won Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance Reviewer from ''Planet Bollywood'' opined, "Bendre turns in a charming performance as Khushi. She looks beautiful and, for once, shows a glimmer of talent." Then she played the lead in ''Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain'' opposite Govinda. In the same year, she made her Kannada film debut with ''Preethse'', a remake of ''Darr'', opposite Shiva Rajkumar and Upendra. M D Riti of ''Rediff.com'' said, "Bendre looked pretty but her role lacked significance."Bendre appeared in three films in 2001. She made her Telugu film debut with ''Murari'' opposite Mahesh Babu. A critic of ''Sify'' found her to be "charming". It was a box office success. She next appeared in ''Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'' opposite Saif Ali Khan. Taran Adarsh stated, "Sonali Bendre doesn't get enough scope to display histrionics." She then appeared in the song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" in ''Lajja''. Lastly, Bendre appeared opposite Ajay Devgn in ''Tera Mera Saath Rahen''. Priyanka Bhattacharya of ''Rediff.com'' noted, "Sonali Bendre looks pretty but is not given much scope to act."In 2002, Bendre starred in three successful Telugu films. She first appeared in ''Indra'' opposite Chiranjeevi. Reviewer from ''Idlebrain.com'' noted, "Sonali suited the role to tee and did her bit to perfection." She next appeared in ''Khadgam'' opposite Ravi Teja. Lastly, she appeared opposite Nagarjuna in ''Manmadhudu''. A critic from ''Sify'' stated, "Sonali is excellent and has played her role with conviction." for which she won Star Screen Award for Best Actress - Marathi. Pankaj Upadhyaya opined, "Sonali Bendre has never looked so good, so sensual." She next appeared in ''Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaatha'' opposite Diwakar Pundir. Later, appeared in Telugu film ''Palnati Brahmanayudu'' opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna. ''Rediff.com''s reviewer found Bendre to be "good as the villain". Bendre took on supporting parts in her two last released films of the year - ''Chori Chori'' opposite Ajay Devgn, Sukanya Verma noted, "Bendre is required to look both beautiful and jealous and does it admirably." and in ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' alongside Shah Rukh Khan.In 2004, Bendre starred in ''Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.'', a remake of ''Munna Bhai M.B.B.S'', opposite Chiranjeevi. It was commercially successful. A reviewer of ''idlebrain.com'' stated, "Sonali Bendre is totally cool. She is the perfect choice for this role and has acted with ease.". She then made a special appearance in ''Aga Bai Arrecha!''s song "Cham Cham Karta Hai". In 2007, Bendre starred in a theatre play called ''Aap Ki Soniya''. Post this, Bendre took a break from acting in films and shifted to television.Bendre made her television debut hosting the dance show ''Kya Masti Kya Dhoom....!''. She went onto become a talent judge for Mr & Mrs Television, the reality shows ''Indian Idol 4'', ''India's Got Talent'', ''Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz'' and ''India's Best Dramebaaz''. She has hosted the 50th Filmfare Awards with Saif Ali Khan and Farida Jalal on 26 February 2005.Bendre turned narrator for the show ''Mission Sapne'' on Colors TV in 2014. Bendre made her film comeback with ''Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!'' in 2013, where she appeared opposite Akshay Kumar. Her part was described by director Milan Luthria as, "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The character doesn't fit into the usual mould of a mother or a sister or bhabhi but has an identity of its own. That is what makes it special. And that's why Sonali agreed to be a part of the film." Anupama Chopra from ''Hindustan Times'' opined, "Sonali Bendre shines in the few scenes she has."From 2014 to 2015, Bendre played a housewife Shobha Sachdev opposite Apurva Agnihotri and Harsh Chhaya, in her television acting debut, in the Life OK's series ''Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh''. In 2022, her delayed 1997 film ''Love You Hamesha'', opposite Akshaye Khanna, was released on YouTube. In 2022, her delayed 1997 film ''Love You Hamesha'', opposite Akshaye Khanna, was released on YouTube. She also turned judge for ''DID Li'ls Masters Season 5'' in 2022, marking her television comeback after 4 years. In her final work of the year, Bendre made her streaming debut with ''The Broken News'', portraying a news channel head. Namrata Thakker noted, "Sonali stands out, delivering a nuanced performance. She aces the emotional scenes." While Saibal Chatterjee added, "Bendre, brings remarkable maturity and balance to bear upon her interpretation of her role."

Modelling and movie debut (1994-1995)

Bendre started out as a model before getting selected for the Star Dust Talent Search. She eventually got the opportunity to study under the guidance of the best Bollywood actors and performers. Initially, she was cast in a movie called Ram, produced by Sohail Khan. However, this movie was never made. Her first major role was in Aag (1994) at the age of 19. For this, she won the Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year and Star Screen Awards for Most Promising Newcomer. In 1994, she also appeared in Naaraaz, for which she was awarded Filmfare's Sensational Debut award. In 1995, she appeared in Bombay in the song Humma Humma.

Modelling and film debut (1994-1995)

Bendre was a model before entering the ''Star Dust Talent Search''. She made her film debut with ''Aag'' (1994) at the age of 19. For this, she won the Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year and Screen Award for Best Female Debut. The same year, she also appeared in ''Naaraaz'', for which she was awarded Filmfare's Sensational Debut Award. Bendre had three releases in 1995 with ''The Don'', ''Gaddaar'' and ''Takkar''. Bendre later received recognition with the song "Humma Humma" from the film, ''Bombay''.

Breakthrough and establishment (1996-2000)

Bendre had five releases in 1996. She starred in ''Rakshak'' with Sunil Shetty, ''English Babu Desi Mem'' with Shah Rukh Khan, ''Apne Dam Par'', ''Sapoot'' with Suniel Shetty and ''Diljale'' with Ajay Devgn, which proved to be her breakthrough performance. It was a box-office hit. ''Planet Bollywood'' said, "Sonali Bendre is dashingly beautiful". Bendre starred in ''Bhai'' with Sunil Shetty, ''Tarazu'' with Akshay Kumar and ''Qahar'' with Sunny Deol, all in 1997.1998 was another successful year for Bendre. She first appeared in ''Keemat – They Are Back'' with Saif Ali Khan, ''Humse Badhkar Kaun'' and ''Angaaray'' with Nagarjuna. She then appeared opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ''Duplicate'', which was an average success. She received Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female nomination for the film. Her next two films with Ajay Devgn were box office success, ''Major Saab'', where ''India Today'' called her "insipid" and ''Zakhm'', where ''Planet Bollywood'' said, "she made an impact".In 1999, Bendre appeared opposite Aamir Khan in ''Sarfarosh''. ''Filmfare'' noted, "Sonali does justice to her first real role, the only one worth talking about,that is." She received IIFA Best Actress Award nomination. She nexted portrayed a doctor in ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'' opposite Salman Khan, the highest-grossing film of the year. ''India Today'' quoted, "The women mostly doll up, dance and cook." She then appeared in ''Dahek'' with Akshaye Khanna. The same year, she made her Tamil film debut with ''Kadhalar Dhinam'' opposite Kunal, a box office success. Then she had another Tamil release with ''Kannodu Kanbathellam'' with Arjun Sarja.Bendre had five releases in 2000. She first made brief cameos in ''Chal Mere Bhai'' and ''Dhai Akshar Prem Ke''. She then appeared in a supporting role in ''Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai'' with Anil Kapoor. She won Star Screen Award Best Supporting Actress, for her performance ''Planet Bollywood'' noted, "Bendre turns in a charming performance as Khushi. She looks beautiful and, for once, shows a glimmer of talent." Then she played the lead in ''Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain'' with Govinda. In the same year, she made her Kannada film debut with ''Preethse'', a remake of ''Darr''.

Breakthrough and establishment (1996–2000)

Later, she played a village girl in ''English Babu Desi Mem'' opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Lastly, she appeared in ''Diljale'' opposite Ajay Devgn, which proved to be her breakthrough performance. It was a box-office hit. Avinash Ramchandani of ''Planet Bollywood'' said, "Sonali Bendre is dashingly beautiful". In 1997, Bendre starred in ''Bhai'' opposite Sunil Shetty, ''Tarazu'' opposite Akshay Kumar and ''Qahar'' opposite Sunny Deol.1998 was another successful year for Bendre. She first appeared in ''Keemat – They Are Back'' opposite Saif Ali Khan, in ''Humse Badhkar Kaun'' and ''Angaaray'' opposite Nagarjuna. She then appeared opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ''Duplicate'', which was an average success. She received Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female nomination for the film. Her next two films opposite Ajay Devgn were major box office success, ''Major Saab'', where ''India Today'' called her "insipid" and ''Zakhm'', where Anish Khanna noted that she made "an impact".In 1999, Bendre appeared opposite Aamir Khan in ''Sarfarosh''. ''Filmfare'' noted, "Sonali does justice to her first real role, the only one worth talking about, that is." She received IIFA Best Actress Award nomination. Bendre next portrayed Dr. Preeti in ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'' opposite Salman Khan, which became the highest-grossing film of the year. While Anupama Chopra from ''India Today'' quoted, "The women mostly doll up, dance and cook", Alok Kumar opined, "Sonali don't really do much, but looks good doing whatever she does". She then appeared in ''Dahek'' opposite Akshaye Khanna. The same year, she made her Tamil film debut with ''Kadhalar Dhinam'' opposite new Tamil actor Kunal, a box office success. Then, she had another Tamil release with ''Kannodu Kanbathellam'' opposite Arjun Sarja.Bendre had five releases in 2000. She first made brief cameos in ''Chal Mere Bhai'' and ''Dhai Akshar Prem Ke''. She then appeared in a supporting role in ''Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai'' with Anil Kapoor. She won Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance Reviewer from ''Planet Bollywood'' opined, "Bendre turns in a charming performance as Khushi. She looks beautiful and, for once, shows a glimmer of talent." Then she played the lead in ''Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain'' opposite Govinda. In the same year, she made her Kannada film debut with ''Preethse'', a remake of ''Darr'', opposite Shiva Rajkumar and Upendra. M D Riti of ''Rediff.com'' said, "Bendre looked pretty but her role lacked significance."

Established actress (1996-2003)

In 1996, she starred in Rakshak, English Babu Desi Mem, Diljale, Apne Dam Par and Sapoot. In the same year, she welcomed Michael Jackson on his arrival in India in a traditional Marathi sari and applied tilak on his forehead. In 1997 and 1998, Bendre starred in Bhai, Tarazu, Qahar, Keemat, Humse Badhkar Kaun, Major Saab, Angaaray and Zakhm. She was seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Duplicate. In 1999, Bendre starred in two Tamil films: Kadhalar Dhinam and Kannodu Kanbathellam. Bendre also starred in Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United, Dahek and Sarfarosh as well.In 2000, Bendre made a brief cameo in Chal Mere Bhai and Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. She later appeared in Hamaara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Bendre won a Star Screen Award Best Supporting Actress and got nominated for Planet - Bollywood People's Choice Awards (Best Supporting Actress) and Best Supporting Actress. Then, Bendre starred in Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain. In the same year, she made her debut in Kannada with the movie Preethse, a remake of Darr.In 2001, she made her Telugu debut in Murari with Mahesh Babu. For this film, she was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Telugu. Then, she was seen in Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. She featured in a song, Mujhe Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai, in Lajja. Bendre later acted in Tera Mera Saath Rahen.In 2002, Bendre starred in 3 Telugu films: Indra, Khadgam and Manmadhudu. In 2003, Bendre made her Marathi debut with Anahat, for which she got nominated for Star Screen Awards Best Actress in Marathi. Consecutively, Bendre starred in Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaatha (Hindi), Palnati Brahmanayudu (Telugu) and Chori Chori (Hindi). She made a special appearance in Kal Ho Naa Ho.2004 was the last active year of Bendre's career. She starred in Shankar Dada MBBS and made a special appearance in Aga Bai Arrecha!. In addition to her acting, she was also recognised as a dancer through films such as Gaddar, Sapoot, Bombay, Lajja and Major Saab. She took a break after this. In 2007, Bendre starred in a play called Aap Ki Soniya.

Further success and break from films (2001-2012)

She next appeared in ''Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'' with Saif Ali Khan. She then appeared in the song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" in ''Lajja''. Lastly, she appeared opposite Ajay Devgn in ''Tera Mera Saath Rahen''. ''Rediff.com'' stated, "Sonali Bendre looks pretty but is not given much scope to act."In 2002, Bendre starred in three successful Telugu films. She first appeared in ''Indra'' with Chiranjeevi. ''Idlebrain.com'' noted, "Sonali suited the role to tee and did her bit to perfection." She next appeared in ''Khadgam'' with Ravi Teja. Lastly, she appeared opposite Nagarjuna in ''Manmadhudu''. ''Sify'' stated, "Sonali is excellent and has played her role with conviction."Bendre made five films in 2003. She made her Marathi film debut with ''Anahat'', for which she won Star Screen Award for Best Actress - Marathi. ''Rediff.com'' said, "Sonali Bendre has never looked so good, so sensual." She next appeared in ''Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaatha'' with Diwakar Pundir. She then appeared in Telugu film ''Palnati Brahmanayudu'' with Nandamuri Balakrishna. ''Rediff.com'' said, "Sonali Bendre is good as the villain." She later apoeared in supporting roles in ''Chori Chori'' with Ajay Devgn, ''Rediff.com'' noted, "Bendre is required to look both beautiful and jealous and does it admirably." and in ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' with Shah Rukh Khan.In 2004, she starred in ''Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.'', a remake of ''Munna Bhai M.B.B.S''. It was commercially successful. ''idlebrain.com'' stated, "Sonali Bendre is totally cool. She is the perfect choice for this role and has acted with ease.". She then made a special appearance in ''Aga Bai Arrecha!''s song "Cham Cham Karta Hai". In 2007, Bendre starred in a play called ''Aap Ki Soniya''. Post this, Bendre took a break from acting in films and shifted to television.

Further success and break from films (2001–2012)

Bendre appeared in three films in 2001. She made her Telugu film debut with ''Murari'' opposite Mahesh Babu. A critic of ''Sify'' found her to be "charming". It was a box office success. She next appeared in ''Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'' opposite Saif Ali Khan. Taran Adarsh stated, "Sonali Bendre doesn't get enough scope to display histrionics." She then appeared in the song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" in ''Lajja''. Lastly, Bendre appeared opposite Ajay Devgn in ''Tera Mera Saath Rahen''. Priyanka Bhattacharya of ''Rediff.com'' noted, "Sonali Bendre looks pretty but is not given much scope to act."In 2002, Bendre starred in three successful Telugu films. She first appeared in ''Indra'' opposite Chiranjeevi. Reviewer from ''Idlebrain.com'' noted, "Sonali suited the role to tee and did her bit to perfection." She next appeared in ''Khadgam'' opposite Ravi Teja. Lastly, she appeared opposite Nagarjuna in ''Manmadhudu''. A critic from ''Sify'' stated, "Sonali is excellent and has played her role with conviction." for which she won Star Screen Award for Best Actress - Marathi. Pankaj Upadhyaya opined, "Sonali Bendre has never looked so good, so sensual." She next appeared in ''Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaatha'' opposite Diwakar Pundir. Later, appeared in Telugu film ''Palnati Brahmanayudu'' opposite Nandamuri Balakrishna. ''Rediff.com''s reviewer found Bendre to be "good as the villain". Bendre took on supporting parts in her two last released films of the year - ''Chori Chori'' opposite Ajay Devgn, Sukanya Verma noted, "Bendre is required to look both beautiful and jealous and does it admirably." and in ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' alongside Shah Rukh Khan.In 2004, Bendre starred in ''Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.'', a remake of ''Munna Bhai M.B.B.S'', opposite Chiranjeevi. It was commercially successful. A reviewer of ''idlebrain.com'' stated, "Sonali Bendre is totally cool. She is the perfect choice for this role and has acted with ease.". She then made a special appearance in ''Aga Bai Arrecha!''s song "Cham Cham Karta Hai". In 2007, Bendre starred in a theatre play called ''Aap Ki Soniya''. Post this, Bendre took a break from acting in films and shifted to television.Bendre made her television debut hosting the dance show ''Kya Masti Kya Dhoom....!''. She went onto become a talent judge for Mr & Mrs Television, the reality shows ''Indian Idol 4'', ''India's Got Talent'', ''Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz'' and ''India's Best Dramebaaz''. She has hosted the 50th Filmfare Awards with Saif Ali Khan and Farida Jalal on 26 February 2005.

Intermittent work (2012–present)

Bendre turned narrator for the show ''Mission Sapne'' on Colors TV in 2014. Bendre made her film comeback with ''Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!'' in 2013, where she appeared opposite Akshay Kumar. Her part was described by director Milan Luthria as, "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The character doesn't fit into the usual mould of a mother or a sister or bhabhi but has an identity of its own. That is what makes it special. And that's why Sonali agreed to be a part of the film." Anupama Chopra from ''Hindustan Times'' opined, "Sonali Bendre shines in the few scenes she has."From 2014 to 2015, Bendre played a housewife Shobha Sachdev opposite Apurva Agnihotri and Harsh Chhaya, in her television acting debut, in the Life OK's series ''Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh''. In 2022, her delayed 1997 film ''Love You Hamesha'', opposite Akshaye Khanna, was released on YouTube. In 2022, her delayed 1997 film ''Love You Hamesha'', opposite Akshaye Khanna, was released on YouTube. She also turned judge for ''DID Li'ls Masters Season 5'' in 2022, marking her television comeback after 4 years. In her final work of the year, Bendre made her streaming debut with ''The Broken News'', portraying a news channel head. Namrata Thakker noted, "Sonali stands out, delivering a nuanced performance. She aces the emotional scenes." While Saibal Chatterjee added, "Bendre, brings remarkable maturity and balance to bear upon her interpretation of her role."

Television career

In 2001, Bendre hosted the television dance show Kya Masti Kya Dhoom....! and featured as a talent judge for Mr & Mrs Television, the reality shows Indian Idol 4, India's Got Talent, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz and India's Best Dramebaaz. She also hosted the 50th Filmfare Awards with Saif Ali Khan and Farida Jalal on 26 February 2005. She narrated the TV Show Mission Sapne on Colors in 2014. She played the lead role in Star Life OK's television series Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh.

Bollywood comeback (2013-present)

Bendre made her film comeback with ''Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!'', where she appeared opposite Akshay Kumar. Her part was described by director Milan Luthria as, "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The character doesn't fit into the usual mould of a mother or a sister or bhabhi but has an identity of its own. That is what makes it special. And that's why Sonali agreed to be a part of the film." ''Hindustan Times'' said, "Sonali Bendre shines in the few scenes she has."''Love You Hamesha'', with Akshaye Khanna, was released in 2022 on NMP Movies YouTube channel.

Bollywood comeback (2013–present)

Bendre made her film comeback with ''Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!'', where she appeared opposite Akshay Kumar. Her part was described by director Milan Luthria as, "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The character doesn't fit into the usual mould of a mother or a sister or bhabhi but has an identity of its own. That is what makes it special. And that's why Sonali agreed to be a part of the film." ''Hindustan Times'' said, "Sonali Bendre shines in the few scenes she has."''Love You Hamesha'', with Akshaye Khanna, was released in 2022 on NMP Movies YouTube channel.

Personal life and off-screen work

Bendre married Behl on 12 November 2002 in Mumbai. They have one child, a son born in 2005.On 4 July 2018, Bendre announced that, she has been diagnosed with a metastatic cancer and was undergoing treatment in a New York City hospital. Despite having stage 4 cancer, the actress became cancer free in 2021.When Michael Jackson performed at a concert in Mumbai in 1996, Bendre had the opportunity to welcome Jackson. She was dressed in a traditional Marathi sari and welcomed Jackson by applying the traditional 'tilak' on his forehead. Bendre co-owns Pune Jaguars, a team at "The Tennis Premier League". She has ramp walked for Made In India and Pidilite - CPAA charity. She has also been cover model for various magazines including Vogue. Bendre supports a number of causes, including children's education and has been actively supporting cancer survivors. She says, "In whatever capacity I can, I will always be there to help and support the cause of cancer survivors."

Controversy

In 1998, Bendre was charged with poaching two blackbucks on the outskirts of Kankani village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan during the filming of ''Hum Saath Saath Hain'' along with co-stars Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam Kothari. A lower court charged her with the others under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the IPC. She had filed a revision petition before a sessions court which discharged her of Section 51 (causing harm to wildlife) of Wildlife Act and both of 147 (punishment for rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly of persons) of the Indian Penal Code. The Rajasthan State Government then filed a revision petition before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur which again added Section 149 against her, which had been dropped earlier. In December 2012, the Jodhpur court summoned her along with all the accused for commencement of the trial with the revised charges on 4 February 2013. Although Bendre was acquitted in the blackbuck poaching case on 5 April 2018, the Rajasthan High Court issued her with a notice, challenging her acquittal on 11 March 2019.In 2001, Bendre was arrested by Mumbai Police for wearing thigh-length, lemon yellow kurta with Om and Om Namah Shivay printed on it.

Off-screen work

When Michael Jackson performed at a concert in Mumbai in 1996, Bendre had the opportunity to welcome Jackson. She was dressed in a traditional Marathi sari and welcomed Jackson by applying the traditional ‘tilak’ on his forehead.

Bendre co-owns Pune Jaguars, a team at "The Tennis Premier League". She has ramp walked for Made In India and Pidilite - CPAA charity. She has also been cover model for various magazines including Vogue.

Bendre supports a number of causes, including children's education and has been actively supporting cancer survivors. She says, "In whatever capacity I can, I will always be there to help and support the cause of cancer survivors."