Sonali Bendre Recalls Salman Khan's Support During Cancer Battle: "We Weren't Best Of Friends"
New Delhi:
Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre has opened up about her evolving relationship with superstar Salman Khan, admitting that she didn't quite like him when they first shared screen space in the 1999 family blockbuster Hum Saath-Saath Hain. Her opinion changed years later, she said, after the actress was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
'I grew to like Salman later. I mean, it was a process. At the time of Hum Saath-Saath Hain, I don't think we were... let me put it mildly. We were not best of friends,' Sonali said in an interview with news agency ANI.
She added, "There are two sides to Salman. You can either love him or you will hate him. And at that point of time, I was not fond of him."
Sonali Bendre shared how Salman's behaviour on set would often annoy her during filming. The actress said, "When I was doing Hum Saath-Saath Hain. I mean, I have had my close-ups that we are doing when he's standing behind the camera and making faces at me."
"That was Salman. He's a prankster. He's like a child. But at that point of time, I was most offended that what is this behaviour? And, you know, like, I don't want... I'm not even going to talk to you, this behaviour...," she added.
Sonali Bendre's opinion of Salman Khan shifted dramatically after he showed her unwavering support during her health battle. In 2018, the actress was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer and underwent treatment in New York.
During this time, Salman took the initiative to speak with her husband, Goldie Behl. The actor even flew to New York twice and was actively involved in ensuring she was receiving the best medical care.
Sonali said, "And, you know, suddenly, I mean, the same person who's making faces behind the camera is the same person who has made two trips, maybe to New York where I'm there to see if I'm okay in my illness and for the fact that he would call up and check with my husband, and say, are you sure you've got the right doctors? I think you should get in touch with these doctors also."
"He suddenly turned into something like an elder person in the fraternity who was saying, are you sure you've touched all the bases? You've checked all the boxes, you've ticked them all. It showed me how sensitive and caring he is. It really changed how I looked at him,' the actress added.
Sonali Bendre, who was declared cancer-free in 2021, has since used her public platform to spread awareness about cancer and resilience. She made her OTT debut on ZEE5 in the newsroom drama The Broken News, an Indian adaptation of the British series Press.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
When Anushka Sharma shared her Yoga evolution on International Yoga Day - A relationship that starts and stops too sometimes...
Earlier in 2022, on International Yoga Day ,actress Anushka Sharma shared a personal and inspiring glimpse into her long-standing relationship with yoga. The actress posted a series of throwback photos on Instagram. She highlighted how yoga has been a steady presence throughout her life — across 'all ages and phases.' A Journey Through Time and Transformation Anushka showcased her yoga journey through multiple stages, from her early days, through her evolving career, and even during her pregnancy, in her Instagram post, One of the most striking images included her gracefully holding a yoga pose with a visible baby bump. Captioning her post, she wrote, 'A throwback of my yoga journey in pictures... A relationship that starts and stops too sometimes... but one that has seen me through all ages and phases of my life.' The actress further expressed gratitude, calling yoga an 'ancient and truly unparalleled form of wellness.' Her honest note and candid photos struck a chord with many who saw in it a gentle reminder that personal growth is not always linear, and that wellness, too, can be a journey with breaks, pauses, and returns. The couple is in London now? While the 2022 post radiated introspection, Anushka Sharma's current chapter seems equally grounded. As per The Telegraph, the actress, along with husband and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli , is reportedly now living in Notting Hill, London. Though there hasn't been an official confirmation from the couple, multiple reports suggest that they've chosen to settle abroad to provide a quiet and grounded upbringing for their children. On the work front, Anushka Sharma was last seen in 'Qala' where she played the character Devika. Virat Kohli & Anushka Hosts Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant & Siraj at Their London Home
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Did you know Aamir Khan has not one or two but four National Awards in his name? Deets inside
Aamir Khan Aamir Khan is one of the most powerful and change-making artists in Indian cinema . Famous for prioritizing quality over quantity and the actor has repeatedly defied convention and always walked an extra mile when it comes to storytelling. His movies are not only box office hits, but they are cultural landmarks. What also sets Aamir apart is that, in addition to his popularity and box office success, he has received several coveted titles, including the National Film Awards. Not one or two, Aamir Khan has four National Awards in his name Aamir Khan's debut as a lead in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (1988) earned him the Special Mention at the National Film Awards. His charming yet intense portrayal of Raj helped redefine the romantic hero for a new generation. That same year, Aamir also starred in the movie 'Raakh,' a gritty and offbeat revenge drama. His powerful and brooding performance again won him the Special Mention (Actor) at the National Awards. The fact that he bagged this recognition for two films in the same year is a rare feat that made him stand out as a young actor with both mass appeal and critical depth. Aamir created a benchmark that his talent was not merely welcomed by the audience but also admired by the best critics and juries alike. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo And the journey didn't end there... In 2001, Aamir Khan wore the hat of a producer for 'Lagaan.' The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Set during the British Raj, the period sports drama was an epic tale of courage, unity, and resilience. In addition to National Awards, the film was also nominated for Oscars, and thus left an imprint of Indian cinema on the global map. Further, years later, Aamir moved in direction with 'Taare Zameen Par' (2007), a sensitive and deeply moving story about a child grappling with dyslexia. The film received the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare, honoring its educational value and social sensitivity. Aamir not only directed the film but also produced and acted in it. He provided a gripping and perceptive interpretation of childhood learning disabilities, a subject hardly addressed with such delicacy in popular mainstream cinema. These four National Awards in acting, production, and direction affirm that Aamir Khan is not only a star but a whole film force. From his early stints on screen to his subsequent forays behind it, each award speaks of an artist guided by purpose, passion, and precision. His journey continues to motivate not only actors but anyone who is convinced about the strength of good storytelling.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Diana Penty recalls being catcalled and elbowed in Mumbai trains during her college days: ‘It would scare me'
Actor Diana Penty recently opened up about how she was catcalled while travelling to college by local train. In an interview with Hauterrfly, the actor revealed how people used to elbow her during her commute and recalled facing body-shaming for being too skinny. (Also Read: Imtiaz Ali dropped Diana Penty from Ranbir Kapoor's Rockstar after 3 weeks of workshop; actor says 'he felt I wasn't…') Diana Penty recalls facing body shaming for being too skinny. When asked whether she had ever been touched inappropriately while travelling on a bus or in a crowd, Diana said, "I think every girl in Bombay has gone through this. To go to college, St Xavier's, I used to take the train—the central line from Byculla to VT—and then walk to college. There's catcalling, and people try to elbow you. It became a part of daily life. I was a very shy, underconfident, conscious and awkward girl. I would go into a shell. It would scare me. I didn't have the confidence to elbow back." Diana also recalled that from the time she was a child up until around six or seven years ago, she was skinny and faced body-shaming. "It scarred me. You're a child, and if people keep telling you, 'Oh, you're so skinny, you don't eat?' And some aunties would go up to my mother and say this. She used to get so irritated—like why wouldn't I feed my child? As a child, you start becoming conscious of the fact that you're too skinny. It was awful." She shared that her mother once took her to a paediatric dietician, who advised her to feed Diana six bananas a day—though she only managed four—and still, nothing changed. Diana revealed that she has spent her life trying to gain weight and not be as skinny. She recalled that she didn't use to wear sleeveless clothes and would keep layering up to fit in with others. Diana Penty's recent and upcoming films Diana is currently seen in the movie Detective Sherdil, which also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Boman Irani, Chunky Panday, and Banita Sandhu in lead roles. The film is available to stream on ZEE5. She will next be seen in Section 84, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur in lead roles. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.
