“All we have is the knowledge passed on to us by our elders, experiences we inculcate and hardly negate. But to bridge the generation gap, one needs to adapt to the new while retaining the goodness of the old.”
― Sonali Bendre
“The point of human evolution is adapting to circumstance. Not letting go of the old, but adapting it, is necessary.”
― Sonali Bendre
“People often confuse self-respect with arrogance. I believe that there is a very thin line between the two. Balance between the two is often what leads to happiness.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Life goes on, and one should look ahead and not backward.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I believe, as human beings, we sometimes indulge in self pity more than it’s necessary. Over my life’s journey, I have realised that overthinking about your problems and indulging in self-pity is not the answer to get through tough times.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My mother-in-law thinks I’m more beautiful than all the other faces around. She keeps encouraging me to take up more work.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Time management is surely the most critical aspect of acing multiple arenas: home, work, and family.”
― Sonali Bendre
“The parenting books didn’t work for me; I got my parenting lessons from everything but the books! And it was about figuring things out. So every time I had a thought, I would put down my conclusions and thoughts.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I come from a background where there would be one mirror above the basin that was used by everyone in the house. If you spent more than five minutes in front of the mirror, you would probably get a whack. My mother was so strict that if anyone complimented me for being pretty, she would not encourage that discussion.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I land in New York, and next day, we go to the doctor. He looks at everything, and we had sent all our tests, and he says, ‘You know, it is fourth stage, and you have 30% chance of survival.’”
― Sonali Bendre
“Getting married and having children is an evolution process, a live social experiment no one is documenting.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I love French cuisine. From crepes to the variety of cheese and seafood preparations, this cuisine is so innovative and fresh. It offers something for every kind of foodie.”
― Sonali Bendre
“There are certain images attached to an Indian woman – a mother, daughter, homemaker… there are certain parts of it that I really like, and I love having that identity also, but I feel women shouldn’t be limited to that.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Every time I feel fearful of something now, I do it.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I came from a very middle class Maharashtrian family. It was a big step to get into movies. My family was shocked.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Every cancer is different. The symptoms and treatments are different, and every human body deals with it differently. There are no formulas to it. That, I think, was the biggest takeaway for me.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have endorsed every hair product in my career. Looks have been my bread, butter, jam. Looks are important in our society.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I am a completely self-made person. It’s been a tough journey – I learnt on the job, worked 48 hours without sleeping.”
― Sonali Bendre
“There’s a hidden Goth in me: I have a dark sense of humour; I have a dark sense of fashion.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My routine is very simple because I realised that the more complicated the exercise sessions are, the less likely I am to make it for them. They have to be simple and doable in my daily routine.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I read anything and everything. Comfort food for my brain is fantasy fiction or science fiction.”
― Sonali Bendre
“When I shaved my hair, my friends asked me to keep it, maybe make my own wig out of it, but I wanted the old hair to go; it was not mine. I wanted to let go.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I am a Maharashtrian but was not brought up in Maharashtra, as my father worked in CPWD and was transferred every two years. So I have always been a gypsy. I, therefore, could not make good friends, and it still takes me a long time to form attachments.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My parents are naive in their morality of things, and so, without realising it, I landed up being ethical and having strong opinions.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I don’t want to be equal to a man. We are different and are meant to be that way. Women are more resilient than men. I thrive on the difference between a man and a woman and love a well-behaved man opening doors for me and a certain amount of caring that happens.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have never planned my career. I never wanted to be an actress. Films were an instinctive step, just like modelling and television.”
― Sonali Bendre
“There is no reason to compare Bollywood and Marathi films. Both have their own charm.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Unless you are aggressive, you will never become number one.”
― Sonali Bendre
“As I started parenting, I realised there is no formula to it.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Initially, I was like, ‘I can handle anything. What’s the big deal about being a mother?’ I was not prepared for the changes which are so subtle that they creep up on you.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My whole life turned upside down once I became a mother.”
― Sonali Bendre
“If you are agitated, children tend to think that they have done something wrong.”
― Sonali Bendre
“As an actor, there are a lot of personas and personalities that you carry. Whatever you wear, you adapt to it, and people feel that’s your style. But that’s not necessarily an actor’s style. There are some things that are very ‘you,’ and some are only to suit your persona.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Personally, I wear a lot of my mother-in-law’s chiffons and my mother’s silk. But when I buy saris for myself, then they have to be understated.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I know people have always seen me in very fitted clothes because that is required and so is done, but personally, I like the deconstructed look.”
― Sonali Bendre
“For a formal look, I wear saris, and certain occasions require a dressed up look. But wherever I can, I like being in something easy and casual.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I tell women who have gone through cancer that healing from it requires receiving care, receiving support, letting friends and family rally around us. It is time to receive.”
― Sonali Bendre
“As a writer, penning down personal stuff was not easy for me, as it was way too close to my heart.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My writing did turn out to be quite intact, as it has all my experiences gathered at one place.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My memories of the whirlwind ’90s are a blur of work schedules. I was completing my B. Com. degree in 1991 when I took to modelling and acting in TV serials. A year later, I found my foothold in movies.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Until Ranveer was born in August 2005, three years into our marriage, I was working in Hindi or South Indian films. After marriage, I began learning how to run a house. My mother wanted to teach me the basics, but I was never home. So when my mother-in-law taught me chores, it was hard to adjust.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Ranveer was almost three when I began my second stint. I took up TV assignments so that I could have enough time at home. While being 24/7 with my child was amazing and his company stimulating, I missed adult conversations.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My son can be as open as he wants with me, but he cannot forget I am his mother and that all will not be forgiven.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Once you are a parent, everything takes a back seat. It ceases to be a role. It is a reality. Once I had Ranveer, I realised that I was cracking under the pressure and that I cannot be a superwoman. I had to open myself to learning.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have fond memories of consuming a handful of almonds that were soaked the previous night and peeled the next morning. All through my school life, my mother would ensure she kept some almonds in my tiffin box so that I would always have my daily dose of nutrition handy.”
― Sonali Bendre
“During Holi, my mom prepares lovely puran polis, and everyone in my family makes an exception in their diet plan to include this delicious food item!”
― Sonali Bendre
“Being a fitness enthusiast, I try to stay away from overindulgence. I make sure my family eats healthy, too.”
― Sonali Bendre
“If I return to films, the feeling to do it must come from the heart.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I think you should allow your kid to know and watch what is dangerous instead of keeping them away from it. Otherwise, how will she or he know that it is unsafe?”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have two full-time jobs: one of a mother and the other of an actor. Both are equally important, and that’s why I’m busy 24×7.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I’m so glad that my profession helps me find a balance. I have the luxury to choose between my work and my family. Many women don’t. I thank my stars for whatever I have.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Filmmakers are stuck with my glamorous image. Even if I sit in track pants and a T-shirt, I will still look glamorous. That’s the way I am. But there’s more to me. I’m a real person.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Why should I limit myself or drive myself towards a woman-centric film. Sometimes, the most interesting role is not that of the protagonist.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I think I’ve been pretty private as a person. Nobody really knows me.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I feel I should get better at my fitness regimen, but I think it’s about doing it more regularly rather than expecting miracles. There are no shortcuts.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Bengalis have the best skin and hair; there’s something more about the fish from here. I think I will start ordering fish from Bengal!”
― Sonali Bendre
“As a contemporary Indian woman who has been handling so many things, I think she can be a very strong woman, a very strong working woman. We need more and more working women in our country.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Travelling makes my work more stressful and tiring and leaves me with little spirit for exercise.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I truly believe happiness has a different meaning for everyone. But I also believe that the sense of self is the key to one’s happiness.”
― Sonali Bendre
“The upbringing my parents gave me has got me through the ups and downs in my life. My parents always believed that children need to be compassionate and caring human beings above anything. I wish and hope the same for my son Ranveer.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I don’t think telly actors are inferior to Bollywood stars in any way.”
― Sonali Bendre
“For a movie actor, the biggest challenge on TV is the number of close-up shots.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Television is on a small screen, inside someone’s living room, so you have to grab their attention while they are having dinner or cooking or doing something else.”
― Sonali Bendre
“My mother has done a great job with her kids. The daily struggle of raising three daughters with a very limited income yet seeing to it that they get a good upbringing, giving her daughters wings even after not being so educated – that person is my hero.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have immense amount of respect for women who leave their kids and go to work because they have to. They don’t have a choice. I couldn’t have done that.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Well-settled is just a state of mind. I don’t think I’m in that state. I look for challenges every day. Bringing up my child, looking after my house is also a challenge.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Not many people know that I was one of the first few Indian actors to do a television show. I did the dance show ‘Kya Masti Kya Dhoom’ when I was at the peak of my career.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Television takes you to an altogether different audience and directly to people’s living room. On television, I’m being myself, and that’s why people relate to me more.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I’ve discovered that being behind the camera is more fascinating. If I had to choose a profession today, it would have been something behind the camera.”
― Sonali Bendre
“There should be a sequel to ‘Sarfarosh’. It was a different film.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I would be happy to do ‘Sarfarosh 2’. The script should be as good as the first one. I don’t want to destroy the goodwill of the first one.”
― Sonali Bendre
“If someone would ask me to choose between TV and films, I would go for TV. I am content with it. Also, I have a family and a son to look after. A mother needs to be there with the child.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I have realised that to ensure my family stays healthy, it is important I stay fit and healthy myself.”
― Sonali Bendre
“For working mothers, creating a work-life balance is critical, as we must ensure we do not neglect any significant part of our lives – our children, our family’s health, our own health and fitness, our marriage, and, of course, our careers.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Incorporating small changes/additions in one’s daily routine can have a big impact. For example, eating a healthy diet, including a handful of almonds every day and a regular exercise regime, not only helps me maintain a healthy life but also balance both my family’s health as well as my own.”
― Sonali Bendre
“As it is, ‘Size Zero’ is not for me. I feel a woman should have a feminine figure.”
― Sonali Bendre
“I don’t want people to crowd around me and give advice on what I should and shouldn’t wear. Style comes naturally to me.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Comfort is always a priority, but that doesn’t mean, just for the sake of comfort, I will wear some silly stuff and make myself look tacky.”
― Sonali Bendre
“Marriage is not synonymous to change but a new dimension to life.”
― Sonali Bendre
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