Showing posts with label Sonali Bendre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonali Bendre. Show all posts
Pune farmer moves court against Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl; alleges land grab
9:26 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 3, 2026)
Mumbai: A farmer from Pune district has filed a civil lawsuit against Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre and her filmmaker husband Goldie Behl, accusing them of encroaching on their land and indulging in "mafia-style" intimidation.
Bendre, however, denied the allegation, saying it was an attempt to extort money as her name was not mentioned on any of the land purchase documents.
The complainants - Chandrakant Balu Shinde (50) and his mother Kamalbai (75) - claim that the celebrity couple was using their social influence and taking help of the local police to forcibly take possession of their 30 'guntha' (over 32,000 square feet) of land in Uksan village in Maval taluka of the district.
The suit was filed against the celebrity couple and two others through advocate Vanraj Shinde last month before a civil court at Vadgaon Maval. The matter will next be heard on April 24.
As per the suit, the Shinde family has been cultivating the land as "protected tenants" since the 1940s.
The family alleged that their names were illegally removed from revenue records in the 1980s without a notice.
The dispute began when the original owners allegedly sold the land to a local individual in 2012, who subsequently sold a portion of it to Goldie Behl in March 2021.
The aggrieved mother-son duo claimed these sales were "illegal and void" because their pre-existing tenancy rights were never legally terminated.
The plaintiffs have also made claims of intimidation and police bias. The Shinde family alleged that on December 14, 2025, Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl arrived at the site with workers and heavy machinery to begin unauthorized construction.
When Kamalbai tried to stop the work, she was allegedly met with threats. The police officers at the site also threatened to frame the mother-son duo in false theft cases if they continued to "harass" the celebrity couple, the lawsuit claimed.
Bendre, however, said her name is not there on any documents related to the Maval land purchase.
This is a false case orchestrated solely to extort money, her lawyer Raju Shinde said.
Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre to lead series on Delhi’s Ranga Billa case
8:13 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 17, 2025)
Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have been roped in for an upcoming web series based on the 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping and murder case, also known as the Ranga-Billa case. HT City has exclusively learnt that the series is currently being shot in Delhi.
The case, which shook the nation, led to the death sentences of the convicted criminals Kuljeet Singh (alias Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (alias Billa), and execution in 1982. In the series, Sonali and Ali will play investigative officers tasked with cracking the case.
A source close to the production tells us, “The team has been researching the case for several months... Shooting is underway in Delhi and is expected to continue through the end of April. This is the first time a series based on the Ranga-Billa case is being made, and it will explore the events in depth.”
Post the schedule wrap in Delhi, the crew will move to multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, with the final schedule in Mumbai next month, the source shares, adding, “The story has been treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi.”
The series is expected to enter post-production in June-July and will reportedly release by the end of the year.
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana’s cancer relapses after 7 years
10:02 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 8, 2025)
Filmmaker Tahira Kashyap Khurrana has revealed that her breast cancer has relapsed for the second time. The 42-year-old penned a note (see inset) on Instagram on Monday morning, speaking about battling cancer again after seven years.
Tahira, who is married to actor Ayushmann Khurrana, captioned the post, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life becomes too generous and throws them again at you, you squeeze them calmly into your favourite kala khatta drink and sip it with all the good intentions. Because for one it’s a better drink and two you know you will give it your best once again.”
Highlighting that it was World Health Day (April 7) when she got the news, Tahira credited regular mammograms for early detection this time around. Ayushmann commented, “My hero.” Actor Sonali Bendre, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in 2018 and became cancer-free in 2021, also expressed support: “No words baby! Just sending love strength and prayers (sic).”
Tahira was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, undergoing mastectomy and chemotherapy. She was vocal about the treatment throughout its course, sharing regular updates on social media for her fans.
Sharing my cancer diagnosis led many women to get tested-Sonali Bendre
2:44 PM
Devika V Menon (BOMBAY TIMES; March 21, 2025)
Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in 2018. The actor, who had, at the time, taken to social media to speak about her diagnosis, revealed that several people misinterpreted her openness as a publicity stunt. At a recent interaction in Bengaluru, Sonali recalled, “When I shared the news, people asked me if I was doing it for publicity. Because, you know, when you’re an actor everything is looked at as, ‘They wanted publicity’.”
“But, everyone has their own way of living,” Sonali explained. “That’s why I started speaking about my diagnosis. While some questioned my openness, there was a news report showing a significant increase in testing rates after I shared my story on social media. Even today, many women tell me they were tested and detected cancer early because of the action they took after learning about my experience,” she said. Excerpts from the interaction:
‘I WANTED TO PREVENT GOSSIP FROM CIRCULATING’
Sonali shared that being open about her diagnosis was her way of taking control of her own story. “I didn’t mean to be so public about my cancer diagnosis. I was filming a reality show when I received the news. Initially, I thought I could take a brief two-week break, have the cancer removed, and return. However, it wasn’t an early stage; it was much more advanced. Then, just three days after my diagnosis, I had to travel abroad. We were also in the era of social media, where information spreads rapidly. I wanted to prevent gossip from circulating. Someone needed to replace me on the show, and I didn’t want false stories to spread about a potential conflict or my being replaced. So, I shared my diagnosis on social media. And that’s the advantage of social media: I can communicate directly, in my own words, a luxury actors didn’t have before.”
‘THE TRICK TO GETTING THROUGH HARD TIMES IS BY TAKING IT ONE DAY AT A TIME’
Looking back, Sonali revealed that daily mantras helped her persevere through the ordeal. “When I was going through my journey, there were two hashtags that I really used. One was #OneDayAtATime and one was #SwitchOnTheSunshine. And I lived by that. Whenever I felt like, ‘Oh my God, this is too much to deal with’, I would just tell myself, ‘Okay, let me get through today and sleep. I will give up tomorrow. Let me go through today’. When the pain got too much, that’s what I would say. ‘I will not take this medication, which is such a problem from tomorrow, but let me just do it today’. And saying that, slowly the days passed and, suddenly I was six months past, nine months past, and so on. ‘One day at a time’ was my mantra for a long time.
‘THERAPY TAUGHT ME THAT SELF-LOVE IS VERY IMPORTANT’
Reflecting on the unique challenges faced by women, she said, “There was a point in time when I realized that I was pleasing my family and the people around me, and in doing so, I quite ignored myself. But, therapy taught me that self-love is very important. It was very difficult to start doing that because as women, we are so conditioned to put everybody else before us. It took me a lot of work to get over that, and I would also like to add that if you need help, then you should ask for help; there’s nothing wrong with that.”
‘I AM AT A STAGE WHERE I WANT TO DO ROLES THAT EMBRACE MY AGE’
Ready for a new chapter in her career, the actor added that she now desires roles that authentically embrace her age. “When you talk about playing your age, you only get a certain type of roles that come your way. Either you are too glamorous in high society or it becomes kind of a caricature. I wanted to avoid returning to those kind of roles and instead, pursue roles that resonated with my current stage of life. It took a little time for me to find what I wanted to do. A couple of great roles did come up, but they were very dark.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll of dark roles and her commitment to healing, she explained, “I think I’m better at compartmentalizing than a lot of other actors, but still it seeps into your life. And I’m healing. I don’t think I want to live with this darkness.”
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“Asking for help doesn’t make us any less strong. It’s okay to unload your emotions to a therapist who will give you a few tools and tell you to use them”
Ali Fazal to begin shooting for Prosit Roy's series as Raj-DK pause 'Rakt Bramhand' shoot
9:00 AM
With Rakt Bramhand’s shoot halted, Ali Fazal rejigs his dates; to kick off his crime series with Paatal Lok director Prosit Roy in April
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 21, 2025)
Last week, news emerged that Ali Fazal and director Prosit Roy are set to team up for an action thriller series for Prime Video. Now, mid-day has learnt that the series will go on floors as early as April. Reason? Fazal’s date diary has opened up after the shoot of his other project, Raj-DK’s Rakt Bramhand, has been put on hold. So, the actor and Roy will hit the accelerator on their modern-day crime story, kicking off the shoot in Delhi in April.
Last week, news emerged that Ali Fazal and director Prosit Roy are set to team up for an action thriller series for Prime Video. Now, mid-day has learnt that the series will go on floors as early as April. Reason? Fazal’s date diary has opened up after the shoot of his other project, Raj-DK’s Rakt Bramhand, has been put on hold. So, the actor and Roy will hit the accelerator on their modern-day crime story, kicking off the shoot in Delhi in April.
Also starring Sonali Bendre, the series will be filmed in Delhi, followed by a stint in Mumbai. Fazal is expected to start his prep this week.
The source adds, “Since it’s based on real-life events, the team is finalising real locations across Delhi. Prosit, who previously co-directed the first season of Paatal Lok, wants to keep the visuals raw and immersive. The series will also see Ali perform elaborate action sequences. After the Delhi schedule wraps up by May, the unit will move to Mumbai, where the climax will be filmed. The second leg may overlap with Rakt Bramhand, but Ali will juggle the two projects.”
Sarfarosh was a right mix of realism and commercialism-Sonali Bendre
8:06 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; May 7, 2024)
During a visit to the capital in 1991, ad filmmaker John Matthew Matthan was taken aback by the sight of deserted streets in the early evening hours, police personnel checking all vehicles to assess and avert security threats. Delhi was on a high alert, which made Matthan realise that in Bombay, he had never heard of similar terror-related security concerns. It’s this realization that led to the making of Sarfarosh.
For his debut film, John – the writer, director and producer of Sarfarosh – had approached Aamir in 1992, but due to scheduling conflicts, the film finally went on the floors in 1995 and was released in 1999.
Aamir, who essayed the role of ACP Ajay Singh Rathod in the film, had mentioned in an interview that he agreed to do the film because he believed there were certain societal issues that needed to be addressed through cinema. On being asked if he was aware of the political implications of the film, he had said, “Ofcourse, that’s why I did the film.”
I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since Sarfarosh: Sonali Bendre
The actress told us, “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since Sarfarosh. I owe Sarfarosh to my director John and nobody else. I had done ad films with John. He was so clear that he wanted me in that role. Sarfarosh was a right mix of realism and commercialism. Everything was just right in it. Though till date, I have not seen Sarfarosh. I have not seen any of my films. Now I see it in bits and pieces when it comes on social media.”
‘Naseeruddin Shah was initially considered for the role of Salim’
The director initially considered casting Naseeruddin Shah for the role of Salim, but the actor had declined to play a cop. So instead, John offered him the role of Gulfam Hassan, the ghazal singer, which Shah accepted. When it came to creating the villain for Sarfarosh, John said he needed a character with good access to places. During that period, only Pakistani cricketers and ghazal singers frequented the country.
The director told us, “I couldn’t have portrayed a cricketer as the villain in my film. So, I thought, why not a ghazal singer? Ghazal singers were often invited to high-profile gatherings, so I thought of using that for the plot.”
CBFC had asked the makers to remove Pak & ISI references
John recalled, “A few months before the film was submitted to the CBFC for certification, in February 1999, then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Lahore on the inaugural run of the Delhi-Lahore bus service. So, the CBFC wanted us to remove references to Pakistan and ISI. But after several discussions, the film was passed without any cuts.”
The film released on April 30, 1999, and shortly after, the Kargil war officially began on May 3, and went on till July 1999. John added, “I remember visiting the theatres in July; they were packed. People felt that the film was topical.”
‘It took Nida Fazli a year to write Hoshwalon’
About the iconic song Hoshwalon from Sarfarosh, the late lyricist Nida Fazli had said in an interview, “Director John Matthew Matthan asked me to get Jagjit to sing it, initially composed by Jatin-Lalit. But after he heard it, Jagjit refused to sing it because the metre and rhyme were out of sync. But Aamir wanted only Jagjit to sing for him. So I spoke to Jagjit again. Eventually, he agreed on one shart – that he would compose it.”
John shared with us, “It took Nida Fazli ji a year to write Hoshwalon.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• Sarfarosh was listed 33rd among Variety’s top 100 films of the week in 1999.
• Nawazuddin Siddiqui played a small role in the film.
• There have been multiple discussions to make a sequel to the film
• The film was shot in Mumbai and Jaisalmer. While Gulfam Hassan’s haveli was the Mohangarh Fort, Mirchi Seth’s den was the Mandir Palace in Jaisalmer
Even today, when the Behls get together and discuss movies, I still don’t feel like an insider-Sonali Bendre
8:31 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 6, 2024)
She did not have any connections in the industry when she began her career, but Sonali Bendre took up the challenge and carved her own path in showbiz. The actress credits her upbringing for making her the way she is.
Reflecting on it, she says, “I am the proverbial outsider. I come from a family that’s into education. Also, since my father was in government service, the entire family would move to a new city every two years and start all over again. I don’t have childhood friends to go back to.”
This almost-nomadic lifestyle, while unsettling at times, instilled within her a sense of independence. She explains, “Being able to be with myself and not needing people constantly gave me immense inner strength when I entered this industry.”
Navigating through the competitive landscape of Bollywood, Sonali found herself on the outside, which she believes gave her an edge. “On a film set where people knew each other, I was a complete outsider. Even today, when the Behls (her husband Goldie Behl’s family) get together and discuss movies, I still don’t feel like an insider. Goldie asks me for my opinion about a script as he finds that I still have that outsider’s point of view, which aligns more with the audience. Now, with my son (Ranveer) studying abroad, I am getting more involved with our production house.”
The actress has always enjoyed exploring other mediums. Recounting her stint on stage, she says, “While I was eight-and-a-half months pregnant, I acted in the iconic Farooq Shaikh and Shabana Azmi’s play, ‘Tumhari Amrita’. I was scared because look at the actors I was going to work with. However, I didn’t want to let go of the opportunity due to fear and regret later. The idea was to learn from the experience of working with a wonderful team.”
Sonali, who made a full-fledged comeback to acting after a break with the web series ‘The Broken News’ in 2022, is candid about her insecurities as an actor.
“I was not trained in acting, and I miss that. I am insecure about not having all the tools as an actor. ‘The Broken News’ was very important for me because I wanted to make a comeback with a certain kind of role that set the tone for my next chapter and that’s exactly what it has done,” she signs off.
It’s a visual medium, and looks are important. But in this phase of my life, it takes a back seat-Sonali Bendre
8:25 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 5, 2024)
Over the years, Sonali Bendre has been a part of the world of cinema, television, theatre, and now, OTT. Beyond the screen, too, her life as a cancer survivor showcases her resilience and adaptability. In a conversation with BT, she talks about how she continues to learn on the job, exploring the OTT world and gearing up for new chapters in her personal life. Excerpts:
‘Now, the focus is on performance’
Right from the beginning of her career, Sonali has been appreciated for her looks. The actress, who returned to acting with the web series ‘The Broken News’ in 2022, says, “I am grateful for being blessed with looks, which is why I am where I am today. It’s a visual medium, and looks are important. However, in this phase of my life, it takes a back seat, and the focus is on the performance. We recently concluded the second season of my web show. I worked non-stop in 2022, and it felt amazing to be able to work like that. I am looking forward to a repeat of that experience. It’s like tasting blood.”
‘I wanted to make a comeback with a certain kind of role’
Now that she is back, Sonali wants to push her boundaries as an artiste this year. “I am back with a bang and am greedy for more work. I wonder how I kept away from work all these years. But then, family has always been my priority,” she shares, adding, “Also, it took me a long time to find a script where I was not just a good-looking person because that’s what kept coming to me. I am not at all apologetic about being glamorous, but what I bring to the table beyond that is significant. I wanted to make a comeback with a certain kind of role that set the tone for my next chapter, and my web show has done that.”
‘My illness helped me find beauty in imperfection’
The actress ended her hiatus from films with ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara!’ (2013), but The Broken News marked her full-fledged return to acting. The return also meant that she had a whole new normal to get used to – paparazzi and social media. “I struggled with it, and I still do,” confesses Sonali, adding, “As an actor, you always want to put your best look forward. It’s been years of turning up correctly and putting up the right posture as soon as the camera is on. So, to be okay with not looking so great, and yet being papped (post-cancer), it took a bit of getting used to. Eventually, I made peace with this culture. The illness has been crucial in my growth as a person because I learnt to make peace and find beauty in imperfection.”
‘This is a new phase for Goldie and me’
Sonali sees the year as the beginning of many new chapters in her life. “With my son studying abroad now, I am enjoying me time and am ready to explore what else can be done. I also feel that this is a new phase for Goldie (husband, Goldie Behl) and me. It’s the beginning of the next step in our relationship and how we grow older together.”
As a cancer survivor, she has also felt the need to accomplish things she held back from in her second chance at life. “It is time to nurture a relationship with myself, especially after what I have been through. It highlighted the fact that time is short, and everything can be taken away from you at any moment. There are things that I have been wanting to do but haven’t, so it’s time to make things happen now. This is how I look at this chapter of my life,” she shares.
When I started acting, it was about the pay cheque, I needed the money. But today, it’s different-Sonali Bendre
8:20 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; March 26, 2023)
Sonali Bendre is loving the space she is in. When she started out as an actress years ago, there were compulsions, but today, she can choose the kind of work she wants to do. Whether it’s the OTT show that she recently featured in or the upcoming dance show that she will judge on TV, Sonali believes in enjoying every bit of her work. In a candid chat, she speaks about her career choices, reality shows today and how her battle with cancer has helped her evolve as a person. Excerpts...
You’ve been a judge on kids’ reality shows and now you are all set to be a part of India’s Best Dancer 3, which is for grown-ups. What prompted you to take this up?
I started with the reality show Kya Masti Kya Dhoom, which was one of the first talent shows in India. I love working with kids, they are so innocent and pure. I always shied away from older contestants because I found that space very competitive. But in recent years, there has been a boom of new choreographers, and I would wonder where these people have come from, they are so talented. And then I realised that these are contestants from reality shows, who are now emerging as choreographers. This is Indian talent, but it is so international. So yes, this is the first time I am judging grown-ups and it’s amazing to see the kind of talent that’s there in our country. It is so difficult to choose between contestants. . . it is not even unees-bees ka farak, it’s 19.5 and 20!
Singing and dance reality shows are often accused of adding too much drama by focusing on the contestants’ lives. What do you have to say about that?
Whichever shows I have done till now, I’ve never been told to play up or play down something. Dance is an emotion and I’m here to see that. Also, see where these contestants are coming from! Look at the struggle that they and their parents are going through. These platforms are literally giving them a chance to get noticed, and from there they go on to get more work. It’s not just their lives that change after being on a show, it’s also the lives of people in their bastis, chawls, districts, zillas. . . everyone’s life changes. This is India!
With the OTT medium exploding, this is considered a great time for actors. Where do you see yourself in this space?
I did a show called The Broken News, and in the coming months, I will start shooting its second season. The beauty of my work now is that I can do things that I enjoy doing. When I started acting, it was about the pay cheque, I needed the money. But today, it’s different. God has been kind and I have the luxury of being able to make choices. When I started working, I didn’t have the luxury of choosing. Now, what makes me comfortable and the story I feel like telling is what I want to work on. In The Broken News, I play my age and the story is relevant.
You have been a part of many big films as the leading lady, but do you feel your potential remained largely untapped?
But I also came in too raw! I came in unprepared, and I have said this earlier too — if I was a producer, I wouldn’t sign me because I had no clue what I was doing. I’m just grateful that I got to learn on the job. In the current times, you wouldn’t be able to do that, as you have to come in prepared. Whatever I am doing today is because of what I have learnt. So, whether my potential was tapped or untapped, what matters is how I have grown. I have always believed that life gives you opportunities and more chances. I hope that I am able to make good on the chances that are given to me.
On the personal front, you have come a long way since the time you were first diagnosed with cancer in 2018. When you look back at your journey, what goes through your mind?
It’s something I am already beginning to forget. I don’t know if that’s good or not, but it takes me forward and the kind of person I am, I tend to move on. That quality has actually helped me. But there are also things here that I don’t want to forget because there have been so many learnings out of this for me. I have said in the past that when I had my child, it was a mother who was born because it taught me so much. I would say the same thing here. It was a hard time, and it still is because there are certain things that are never going to change about your body. But I do hope that as time goes by, from the lessons that I have learnt, I evolve and turn into a better person.
You have been inspirational. Your fight with cancer and the way you have spoken about it has inspired many...
I don’t think I am inspirational; in fact, I find others inspirational. Like there is this girl in my pilates class who had an accident, and has taken so many years to recover. I find her very inspiring. But they are not known, hence, people aren’t aware of them. I was a known face, and I started a conversation which was very important... that there is nothing to hide if you are suffering from this illness. I didn’t intend to be inspirational, I was just trying to get on with it. If this is the equity I have, then I feel it’s my duty to talk about it and tell people that you can recover if it’s detected early, if you listen to your bodies and test early on.
What is the one change in you today compared to the Sonali of 10 years ago?
I am a few kilos heavier, and I don’t think I will ever get as light as I was at that point in time (laughs)! A few more lines are on my face, and they tell a story now; maybe I didn’t have a story at that time. The one change in me now is that I truly understand the meaning of gratitude.
I saw Sonali Bendre's bald look and I was like 'What a woman'. Later I was in the same situation-Tahira Kashyap Khurrana
7:30 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 16, 2022)
Abreast cancer survivor, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana has always been vocal about the trials and tribulations on her road to recovery, which she says has helped hundreds of women stay hopeful and strong in their fight against cancer. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), she recalls reaching out to unknown people on social media and encouraging them to be strong in their fight against cancer.
“Cancer patients, with whom I had no connection at all, approached me through my friends. There were many who messaged me on social media, and I have spoken to several of them. I have made random calls to people to talk about my journey as well as hear theirs,” she tells us.
Sharing one such incident, she says, “A man once found my phone number somehow and asked if I could call his wife, who was battling breast cancer. When he told me she was about to leave for treatment, I video-called her. I can’t tell you how delighted she was.”
Not many know that it was actor Sonali Bendre who gave the author-turned-director the encouragement to stay strong in those difficult times. “I vividly remember before my health issue happened, I opened the newspaper and saw a picture of Sonali Bendre at the airport. She had that bald look with kohl-lined eyes (during the time she was battling cancer). And I was like, ‘Oh my God. What a woman’. That image just stayed with me. A few months down the line, I was in the same situation. Those pictures of her must have had a subliminal effect on me,” says Khurrana.
To the women fighting for another chance to live, she says, “Half the battle is won when we begin perceiving ourselves as strong individuals capable of overcoming everything. That’s why it’s necessary to stop seeing ourselves as victims and instead focus on learning and growing in life.”
Sonali Bendre recalls losing film roles due to underworld
8:28 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 26, 2022)
The dominance of the underworld in the film industry back in the ’90s is an unsaid truth that not many address. Actor Sonali Bendre, who was a heartthrob at the time, recently opened up on how she was replaced in projects due to calls from the underworld.
“There were times when I was supposed to do a role and it went to someone else, because someone called them up. Then, the director or the co-actor would call you and say, ‘I have that pressure and I can’t do anything about it’. And, I understand,” she said during a conversation on The Ranveer Show podcast.
Talking about the ’90s, she added, “Many clean sources were financing films. But, there was no proper, formal industry status. So, there was a lot of unregulated finance coming in as well, and banks will not give it to you. So, that limit was there.”
Bendre maintained how she wanted to stay away from ‘dodgy’ film producers. She elaborated, “Where I was concerned, the moment I would know it’s a bit dodgy, at that time, the excuse I would give is, ‘Oh I am shooting for a movie in the south, so I can’t do it.’”
Her then-boyfriend and now husband, filmmaker Goldie Behl, helped in the process of dodging such dodgy producers, the actor revealed. “His mother would know it, his father was in the movies, too. So, you just knew. So, that just fell into place,” she said.
My chemotherapy had led to brain fog. So, I was worried I wouldn’t remember my lines-Sonali Bendre
8:07 AM
Stating that chemotherapy had led to brain fog, Sonali discusses prepping hard for The Broken News as she returns to acting after seven years
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 23, 2022)
While she has been a part of several reality shows, Sonali Bendre’s last brush with acting was the TV show, Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye. Over seven years and a triumphant battle against cancer later, she is returning to acting with The Broken News. So, how does it feel to breathe life into a role after so long? Bendre sums it up in one word. “Panic,” she laughs, before explaining,
“I was scared because so much time had passed in between. People say it’s like riding a bike; you never forget it. I was nervous, but what pulled me out was the excitement that I was back to doing what I liked doing the most.”
The ZEE5 newsroom drama sees the actor play a prime time anchor. “I instantly said yes to the character. She is full of strength. She raises [pertinent] questions — what are the boundaries of right and wrong? Is everything black and white?”
The content landscape and language have evolved in the past few years. Bendre, who has been a part of showbiz since the ’90s, is happy to adapt to the change. “I love how the sets have changed. Earlier, the only women on the set, except the actress, were the hairdresser and the stylists. Now, I see female energy on the set. The teams are professional.”
Weeks before the series — also starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar — rolled, Bendre began her prep for the part. She admits it was an uphill task. “My chemotherapy had [led to] brain fog. So, I was worried I wouldn’t remember my lines. Earlier, I could recall a whole page of dialogues, but not anymore. So, the first thing I did was get back to remembering lines. During my illness, I learnt that there is no shame in asking for help. I got a coach and spent weeks understanding my character Amina, chalking out her back-story, and her future. The lines found more nuance and meaning because of the time spent on them.”
In the past few years, depiction of the media in films and popular culture has come under scrutiny. How did they ensure authenticity in the newsroom drama? “Authentic depiction depends on how the characters are written. In our show, we haven’t judged anyone or sensationalized anything. We have stuck to the truth.”
While I know every mom is a supermom, I am looking for mothers who can surprise you-Remo DSouza
8:29 AM
With auditions for DID Supermoms kickstarting, judge Remo DSouza on his criteria for contestants
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 3, 2022)
For the longest time, dance was not considered a viable career option, until Remo D’Souza changed the game, paving the way not only for himself but all those who followed. Despite a considerable body of work, it was Dance India Dance that put him on the map, and the rest is history. After 11 years, the choreographer-director has returned to the show with the latest season of Dance India Dance Li’l Masters along with Sonali Bendre and Mouni Roy. Even before the show reaches the finale, D’Souza has signed up to judge the third instalment of DID Supermoms.
“Seeing the response to Li’l Masters, we thought it was the right time to set in motion a season for Supermoms,” he says.
With auditions kickstarting soon, D’Souza is clear about the kind of contestants he hopes to discover for the show. “I am looking for the title phrase in each contestant. While I know every mom is a supermom, I am looking for mothers who can surprise you,” says the filmmaker.
While it is customary to rope in a technically sound professional to judge the show, most channels tend to rope in stars who will grab eyeballs. D’Souza believes that the panel should comprise experienced people who bring expertise to the table.
He says, “In any of the shows I have done, we’ve never roped in anyone for the sake of face [value]. The key is to have a balanced panel. For example, Mouni is a fantastic dancer, and Sonali is well-versed with expressions and performance.”
When asked if his manager-wife Lizelle has ever considered enrolling in supermoms, D’Souza chuckles, “Truth be told, I am scared of losing my supermom [laughs]. She used to dance, but stopped it because she got busy with work and the kids. [Now], coming back after so many years is difficult. She stopped thinking about it as she lost interest and I stopped asking her.”
The ABCD director will soon begin work on his next. “Two scripts are ready and will go on the floors this year.”
When I left the last time, there was no guarantee that I’d ever return to that seat again-Sonali Bendre
8:12 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 28, 2022)
Sonali Bendre has been a part of several hit films in her three-decade-long career. Call her a stalwart and the actor giggles. “Nobody has ever called me that,” she says. Bendre has been away from films for almost four years now, after she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in 2018 and underwent treatment in New York (USA). At that time, she was judging a kids’ reality show. Interestingly, her on-screen comeback after four years is also through a dance reality show featuring kids.
“Last time, I was doing one such show when I left halfway for treatment. So, the fact that woh period pass ho gaya, usse aap recover hoke waapas aake uss chair pe waapas baithe ho, it’s a moment. When I left the last time, there was no guarantee that I’d ever return to that seat again. The fact that I am able to come back to it is a very emotional feeling for me,” she says.
Bendre adds, “Every day, when I sit on that (the judge’s) chair, I go back to those days. I don’t think I’m over it (the shock of being in a life-and-death situation). That feeling of ‘I’m here, I’m back, life is okay’ keeps coming back.”
Besides being physically and emotionally strenuous, the last four years have also been a phase of learning and introspection for the Sarfarosh (1999) actor . Her two takeaways from that period are “being in the moment and learning to say no”. She adds, “[I’ve also learnt the importance of] not worrying about the future, as plans have no guarantee. Also, understanding what you can do and what you can’t.”
The 47-year-old wants to “keep learning” in life and be a part of “evolution and self-growth”. “I hope whenever my time comes, I go on my feet and not lying down ill. I hope I’m working [even then],” she concludes.
I feel my body has done well. I am now ready to go back and get to where I was-Sonali Bendre
8:09 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 21, 2022)
Life has come full circle for Sonali Bendre. The actress, who quit India's Best Dramebaaz (IBD) after she was diagnosed with cancer in July 2018, is back in action as a judge on Dance India Dance (DID) Li’l Masters Season 5.
She says, “I have been away from the screen for nearly four years, but it seems like the whole world has changed since then. In fact, it has changed for everyone with Coronavirus. I had to exit India’s Best Dramebaaz abruptly. With my comeback, it feels that I will complete a journey that I started in 2018.”
In a chat with BT, the actress elaborates on her journey after surviving cancer, overcoming the need to look perfect, the impact of the pandemic and more. Excerpts:
It’s been a long gap since we’ve seen you in action. Was it a conscious decision to stay away from work till you were mentally and physically fully ready to return, or were you waiting for an interesting project to come your way?
It wasn't planned. My body had gone through so much and I needed to recover, so I started focusing on regaining my strength. When I returned from New York after my treatment in December 2018, I came in a wheelchair, but I did not want to walk out of the airport like that. So, I held on to Goldie (Behl, her husband) and decided that I am going to walk out without a wheelchair.
A reality show is physically demanding and one is expected to spend many hours shooting for it. So, I needed strength to be able to go out and do it. I feel my body has done well. I am now ready to go back and get to where I was. Yes, it's been a four-year pause, but I am back (smiles).
You mentioned that everything has changed, not just for you, but for everyone owing to the pandemic. What is the one change that the audience will get to see in you?
They will see me with shorter hair (laughs!). So yes, there are definitely those physical changes after having gone through what I did. I think I will have more fun on the show than I ever did. You always get caught up with your physical appearance — Is my hair okay? Are my clothes okay? However, this time around, I will focus more on the process and enjoy every minute of the shooting a lot more. I have understood that you have to be in the moment and enjoy it, especially when you’ve been so near death.
Are you saying that you are less conscious about how you look on screen now?
Something like that. The body has changed so much after losing hair and having a huge scar on it. I understand that I can’t be perfect and there is no need for it. I have learnt to accept the fact that there is beauty in imperfection, too.
In a profession that demands that you look a certain way most of the time, it must be a challenge to sometimes just let things be...
There are times when I still fall back into the pattern of feeling insecure about how I am looking, but then it’s a process where I tell myself — that’s not the only thing. It’s not just about how I look or dress. It’s about what I am as a person and what I bring to the table. Also, like I said, I genuinely feel that you have to enjoy what’s unfolding in front of you. If you look at it with kindness and love, you will enjoy it a lot more. That’s what I intend to do — enjoy the process of being on this reality show. And it’s not difficult as we have so much talent. In a country like ours, talent shows are like a little gateway into another universe.
You have been quite vocal about your battle with cancer and creating awareness about it. In fact, last year on Cancer Survivors Day (June 6), you shared a post on your Instagram, where you wrote: ‘I see the will to not let the C-word define how my life will be after it...’
When I went on this journey, there were two hashtags that I started — #OneDayAtATime and #SwitchOnTheSunshine. I have lived like that and will continue following it. With ‘one day at a time’, what I mean to say is that make the most out of the day that’s been given to you. When I say ‘switch on the sunshine’, I also mean that I want to do work and be around people who give me joy. It’s the same with COVID. Nobody in this world is untouched by it. We have all seen horror stories and sad situations, but we, as humanity, have pulled through. Human beings have that resilience. Adversity has shown me that there is more in me and I am going to use that, take the joy from it, enjoy every single day that comes to me and be grateful.
Apart from being a celeb judge on Dance India Dance, do you have any plan to return to acting — whether it is films, TV or OTT?
Yes, but I can’t tell you any more about it just now. I am not at liberty to talk about it yet.
I asked for permission from Aditya Chopra to write about him and Yash ji. He said that he trusts me-Divya Dutta
8:07 AM
Naina Arora (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 10, 2021)
Actor Divya Dutta’s latest book, The Stars In My Sky, is about her passion for work. “When the first book came by, thankfully everyone didn’t think I’m a one-book wonder. Everyone consistently asked me, ‘What are you writing next?’ I was wondering what is it that I’m really passionate about? My mother is a part of my life. That was the most natural and organic thing I would have written about (in my debut book). The second would obviously be about my passion for work, and how much I love the movies,” says the 44-year-old.
She adds, “I thought my second book should be about those people who are the stars in my world and the journey with each one of them.”
From her “special bond” with actor Shah Rukh Khan to actor Sonali Bendre being her “shield”, she shares it all with the readers, and puts together her memories and experiences of working with actor Amitabh Bachchan, lyricist Gulzar and late filmmaker Yash Chopra.
Ask her if she had apprehensions about the tell-all narrative, and she says, “The intent is not to hurt anyone. People I’ve written about are people I’m close to. There’s a sense of trust. I sought permission from Aditya Chopra (filmmaker) about writing a chapter on him and Yash ji. He said, ‘I don’t need to see it, I trust you.’ For me, that was a big thing.”
Of late, many actors and directors have taken to writing books. “It’s a beautiful thing. I’d also like to continue the process. I think my next would be a fiction,” Dutta ends.
Images: Bollywood fraternity bids adieu to Rajiv Kapoor
8:15 AM
MID-DAY (February 10, 2021)
Family, friends and several Bollywood personalities bid adieu to actor-director Rajiv Kapoor, son of celebrated filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor, as he was cremated yesterday. Rajiv, the youngest among five siblings died after suffering a heart attack. He was 58.
Randhir Kapoor and nephew, actor Ranbir Kapoor led the funeral procession. Actor Neetu Kapoor arrived with son Ranbir at the late actor’s residence. Aadar Jain, son of Rajiv’s sister Rima Jain, along with Tara Sutaria, and Alia Bhatt were spotted. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actors Sanjay Kapoor, Chunky Pandey, Sonali Bendre, and Neil Nitin Mukesh were also in attendance at Rajiv Kapoor’s residence.
Rajiv made his acting debut with 1983 film Ek Jaan Hain Hum, but made first appearance as a leading man in blockbuster Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), which was Raj Kapoor’s last directorial venture. He went on to feature in films like Aasmaan, Lover Boy, Zabardast and Hum To Chale Pardes.
Rajiv’s last film as a hero was 1990’s Zimmedaar. He then made a switch to production and direction with films like Henna, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, and Prem Granth respectively.
He was set to make a comeback to the screen with the sports drama Toolsidas Junior, starring Sanjay Dutt.
Sanjay Dutt ready to head to the USA for treatment?
8:28 AM
Sources say Sanjay Dutt has got five-year visa; expected to seek lung cancer treatment at New York hospital where mother Nargis was admitted
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 25, 2020)
Last week, as wife Maanayata, sisters Priya and Namrata, and the rest of the family huddled around him, Sanjay Dutt waved out to the photographers lined outside his Bandra residence and urged them to pray for his well-being, before heading out to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The actor, 61, has since been undergoing preliminary treatment for stage three lung cancer at the Andheri hospital. In the latest development, it is heard that Dutt has procured a US visa and will soon be headed to New York for further treatment.
A source reveals, "Sanju had applied for the visa as soon as he learnt of the diagnosis. However, initially, it wasn't easy to get the clearance since the actor was among those convicted in the 1993 Bombay blasts. Fortunately, one of his close friends helped the actor secure a five-year visa on medical grounds. He is expected to fly to New York with Maanayata and Priya, where he will pursue treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre." Dutt's mother Nargis, who battled pancreatic cancer between 1980 and 1981, had been admitted to the same hospital. In the recent past, late Rishi Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Sonali Bendre too put their faith in the hospital, which is the world's oldest private cancer centre.
Sanjay Dutt's eldest daughter Trishala lives in the Big Apple. Maanayata, Priya and Namrata are expected to fly to and from New York during his treatment. The source adds, "Sanju was considering travelling to Singapore if the US plan did not materialise. Thankfully, everything has worked out swiftly, and he is expected to leave at the earliest."
Earlier this month, Dutt announced that he is taking a short break from work to seek medical treatment. Soon after, Maanayata issued a statement, saying, "God has yet again chosen to test us to overcome the challenges ahead. All we seek are your prayers and blessings."
mid-day reached out to Maanayata, who did not respond till press time.
Nargis, Rishi Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Sonali Bendre had sought treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre
Every time you feel low, just switch on the sunshine-Sonali Bendre
8:16 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 5, 2020)
“In the last two years with a life threatening disease (cancer), one thing I’ve realised is that nothing goes as planned. I’ve learnt not to take anything for granted, and be grateful. This has helped me in dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic also,” says Sonali Bendre Behl, who believes that the best way to battle panic is to look for a silver lining.
She shares, “Just understanding that it could have been so much worse makes you go through the day a little better. The biggest lesson of all is to take it one day at a time. Every time you feel low, just switch on the sunshine.”
Behl, 45, asserts that the pandemic has led to an increase in mental illness and domestic violence cases. “This lockdown is unprecedented, and is going to cause a lot of issues. Mental health is a huge topic. Domestic violence is also a part of it. But when I feel low, the thing that pulls me out, and which pulled me out during my treatment also, is to watch and read joyful and hopeful things,” she says.
The actor, who started her book club a while ago, hopes that it will help her battle the health crisis. “I started my book club when I joined social media, and I realised that it was an amazing medium that could be used in a positive way. The book for last month was Exhalation by Ted Chiang. During the pandemic, the idea was to choose a book which was uplifting,” she explains.
She’s also keeping herself busy with an NGO which works with underprivileged children suffering from cancer. “In this pandemic, they are looking for a lot of help as there are children going through cancer and healthcare workers cannot take leaves. Doing something for children gives me hope and the feeling that I’m doing something for the future,” Behl signs off.
Floating buffet, five cakes for birthday girl Tahira Kashyap
8:17 AM
Tahira Kashyap with Aparshakti Khurrana, Katrina Kaif, Shashank Khaitan and friends, with Ayushmann Khurrana and their pals
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2020)
Ayushmann Khurrana hosted a bash at their Oshiwara residence on Monday night to bring in wife Tahira Kashyap’s 35th birthday. He invited around 20 friends from the film fraternity, but also buddies from their theatre days in Chandigarh and mothers of their children’s friends.After a while, the guests formed their own groups. While Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa chatted about the trailer of his upcoming Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan with Ayushmann, Atul Kasbekar had a lot to discuss with Yami Gautam and Rohit Dhawan whose wife, Jaanvi, hung out with Twinkle Khanna (who came minus hubby Akshay Kumar) and Tanuj Garg. Nushrat Bharucha was the livewire of the evening and partied till the end. Among the other guests were Katrina Kaif and her Zero filmmaker Aanand L Rai, Bhumi Pednekar, Sanya Malhotra and Surveen Chawla (who stays in the same building), Goldie Behl and Sonali Bendre, Shashank Khaitan, Mudassar Aziz and Mukesh Chhabra.
The playlist began with English numbers, and later moved to Punjabi and Hindi. Neeti Mohan and her sisters burnt the dance floor. Apart from finger-licking starters, like prawns, mushrooms and mini pizzas, a floating buffet dinner was laid out. Some of the guests brought special cakes for the birthday girl. At the stroke of midnight, Tahira cut their own cake, feeding the first bite to hubby Ayushmann, son Virajveer and daughter Varushka. Four more cakes were also cut.
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