Sonali Bendre talks about her battle with Cancer and embracing new beginnings with Broken News in an exclusive interview on Filmfare's OTT showcase

Sonali Bendre, the Bollywood icon known for her inspiring journey of resilience and grace, recently shared her remarkable story during an exclusive interview for Filmfare's OTT Showcase, in anticipation of the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024, co-powered by Hyundai Motor India Ltd. In a candid conversation with Filmfare’s Editor-In-Chief, Jitesh Pillaai, the actress reflects on her multifaceted career across television, film, theatre, and OTT platforms while also opening up about her journey, including her courageous battle with cancer.

The highlight of the conversation unfolded when Sonali spoke about her courageous return to acting after overcoming her battle with cancer, she revealed, “I was scared to do Broken News because everything had changed. The illness had drained me physically, and my memory wasn’t the same. But I realized it was okay to not know everything at once. The luxury of preparation was liberating, and it allowed me to truly connect with my character’s journey.”

In the interview, Sonali reminisced about her early days in television, sharing her challenges while breaking into the industry with shows like Kya Masti Kya Dhoom. She mentioned, “Being in front of the camera is being in front of the camera, whether it's for television or film. At that time, television wasn’t as widely respected, but it gave me the breathing space I needed.”

Sonali also spoke about her memorable experience with theatre, particularly her role in Aapki Sonia, she reflected “I was both excited and a little scared at the thought of starring in such an iconic play. Following in the footsteps of Shabana Azmi was intimidating, but also an opportunity to explore my craft in a new light. Theatre was such a fulfilling experience for me— It was a challenge, but one I’m glad I took on,”

While discussing her unwind routine, Sonali expressed her love for reading, especially with the rise of social media distractions, “I run a book club, and that’s my escape. My dog also helps me unwind; when I get home, it’s all about spending time with my puppy. My cozy reading corner at home is another sanctuary for me,”.

As a self-proclaimed book lover, Sonali reflected on the power of literature in enriching her travel experiences, stating “The best travels for me have been through the pages of books. They make you feel connected to places you’ve never been to, and when you visit those places, it feels like you’re revisiting old friends,”

Sonali also touched upon her experience of playing intense characters, stating, “I find intense roles cathartic. The intensity in these characters is something I want to experience on screen rather than in real life. It’s a release, and I’m happy to go through that intensity as a character, not as myself.”