A Bollywood Diva who has worked in more than 30 films, be it Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati or even Italian. She has won the hearts of millions of fans and carved a veritable niche for herself in the entertainment industry over the years. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, she has a passion for theatre and even loves to pen down a column called ‘SO COOL!!’ The vibrant, talented and fame of ‘Dil Chahta Hain’, none other than Sonali Kulkarni in conversation with our host Subhi Gupta.
HOW DID YOU GET ON BOARD WITH ACTING?
Acting had always been one of my interests. When I was in college, I got to attend Pandit Satyadev Dubey Ji’s theatre workshop and I happened to give an audition for Girish Karnad’s film called ‘Cheluvi’. I was selected for the title role. After Cheluvi got screened all over the globe, I got a variety of opportunities. So the journey that started 25 years ago is going smoothly till now and I am happy with it.
WHERE DOES YOUR HEART GO FIRST-THEATRE OR MOVIES?
Frankly, my heart goes first to Storytelling. I love telling stories. So the medium doesn’t matter. But having said that let me tell you I love doing cinema because I reach a global audience. So far, I have done some 100 odd movies and 25 plays. Plays are much lesser than the number of films I have done so far.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ROLE.
My most challenging roles are from the movies ‘Kaccha Limbu’ by Prasad Oak and ‘Gulabjaam’ by Sachin Kundalkar. They have been really unique characters for the age group that I am in, for the look or for the body type that I carry. Those films are such strong statements that nobody dare say girls are not offered prominent roles or roles with substance in the industry. Both the roles have been path-breaking portrayals for me.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE GO-TO FOOD.
I am a major foodie. I love every vegetarian dish. I have a serious problematic sweet tooth that I struggle to control. But funnily, I don’t like chocolates. I love BESAN KE LADOO, GULAB JAMUN and maa ke haath ki NARIYAL KI BARFI. I don’t try out too many new dishes though WHAT POSITIVE MINDSET DO YOU KEEP TO GET YOURSELF GOING?
I am yet to crack what exactly it is that keeps me going. I feel there is exuberance in me but I am never happy out of control. I take it in my stride. If I won an award or cracked a good deal or did a good shot, I am not ecstatic. I am just happy. Similarly, I accept sadness as well and don’t let it get to me.
A PIECE OF ADVICE THAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU FOR LIFE.
Hard work is part and parcel of our lives. There is physical hard work as well as mental effort. You have to put in effort in some way or the other. Don’t fear hard work. Have faith in yourself. Nobody can steal what you deserve.
