At just 19, this actress made her film debut with Aag (1994) and won the Filmfare Award for Best New Face
Sonali delivered memorable hits with top Telugu stars. Her film Indra with Chiranjeevi became an industry hit. She impressed audiences as a simple girl in Khadgam, starred with Balakrishna in Palnati Brahmanayudu, and delivered a cult classic with Nagarjuna in Manmadhudu. She later reunited with Chiranjeevi in Shankar Dada MBBS.
Sonali, who started her career with modeling at the age of 19, won a talent hunt and attracted everyone’s attention. At the age of 19, she was introduced to the silver screen with the movie ‘Aag’ in 1994. She also won the Filmfare Award for Best New Face with the first film. The hit movie ‘Diljale’ in 1996 changed her range. There was no looking back from there. With back to back hit films like ‘Major Saab’, ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hai’, the star has settled as a heroine in Bollywood.In 1996, pop legend Michael Jackson arrived in India for his HIStory World Tour. At Mumbai airport, Sonali had the rare honour of welcoming him in traditional Indian style—performing aarti and applying tilak. The photos went viral worldwide, marking a legendary moment in Bollywood history.During Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), Sonali reportedly kept her distance from Salman Khan due to his playful behaviour on set. But years later, during her cancer battle in 2018, Salman stood firmly by her side. His support during her toughest phase turned old differences into deep respect and friendship.In July 2018, Sonali revealed she had metastatic cancer, shocking fans. She travelled to New York for treatment and fearlessly shared photos from chemotherapy, including images with a shaved head. Her strength, smile, and honesty inspired millions. By the end of the year, she returned to India—cancer-free.Married to filmmaker Goldie Behl and mother to son Ranveer, Sonali stayed connected with audiences as a TV reality show judge and author of a parenting book. In 2022, she made a strong acting comeback with the web series The Broken News, proving her talent shines brighter than ever.
Stay Ahead, Read Faster
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
She ruled the hearts of Telugu youth at the peak of her career, grabbed a once-in-a-lifetime global moment, and later fought cancer with unshakable courage. From glamorous diva to real-life fighter, this is the inspiring journey of Sonali Bendre, the star who became a Telugu favourite with Mahesh Babu’s Murari.
