Sonali Bendre

On 4 July 2018 she revealed on Twitter that she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was undergoing treatment in a New York City hospital.[6][7]

Bendre was a model before entering the Star Dust Talent Search. She was then cast in a movie called Ram, produced by Sohail Khan.[8] However, this movie was never made. Her first major role was in Aag (1994) at the age of 19.[7] For this, she won the Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year and Star Screen Awards for Most Promising Newcomer.[9][10] In 1994, she also appeared in Naaraaz, for which she was awarded Filmfare's Sensational Debut award.[11] In 1995, she appeared in Bombay in the song Humma Humma.[9][12]

Bendre on the sets of India's Got Talent in 2011

In 1996, she starred in Rakshak, English Babu Desi Mem, Diljale,[9] 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.[13] In 1997 and 1998, Bendre starred in Bhai, Tarazu, Qahar, Keemat, Humse Badhkar Kaun, Major Saab, Angaaray and Zakhm.[14] She was seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Duplicate.[10] In 1999, Bendre starred in 2 Tamil films: Kadhalar Dhinam and Kannodu Kanbathellam.[15][16] Bendre also starred in Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United, Dahek and Sarfarosh as well.[17][18][19]

Bendre at the IFFI 2017 in Goa

In 2000, Bendre made a brief cameo in Chal Mere Bhai and Dhai Akshar Prem Ke.[20] She later appeared in Hamaara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Bendre won a Star Screen Award Best Supporting Actress[10] 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.[21] In the same year, she made her debut in Kannada with the movie Preethse, a remake of Darr.[22]

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.[10] 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 her career. Bendre 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.[4]

Sonali Bendre at LFW Summer/Resort fashion show, 2012

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.[23] 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.[24] She played the lead role in Star Life OK's television series Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh.[25]

In 2012, Bendre opted out of India's Got Talent in order to facilitate her comeback movie Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!.[26][27][27][28] Her part was described by the director Milan Luthria: "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The name spells enigma and is very crucial to the plot of the film. 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."[27]

Bendre has been considered a style icon.[29] In 2012, she was the brand ambassador of Oriflame India.[2] She has authored a book, The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting.[30] She has run the Sonali Book Club since 2017.[31]