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Sonali Bendre on Star World’s ‘Cover Story’
The 'don't mind' lady, Sonali Bendre has won quite a few hearts just by her smile. Off late, she hasn't been much in the gossip columns, in a one-on-one, no holds barred interview only on Cover Story, airing this Sunday, 4 April 2004 at 10:00 pm on Star World, the gorgeous dame tells Vir Sanghvi just why she isn't looking out for publicity.
Fresh from her success in Amol Palekar's Anahaat, Bendre will talk about how money had motivated her to take up modeling and films, and how today she is looking for passion to motivate her work, says a company release.
She will soon be appearing in the Telegu version of Munnabhai MBBS with Southern superstar Chiranjeevi. She has also taken a plunge into theatre with her debut in Aapki Sonia, a sequel to the much-acclaimed Tumhari Amrita, which had a sterling cast of Shabana Azmi and Farooque Shaikh. At 26, Sonali has seen it all– financial security, a fairly successful career, a happy marriage and life's simply wonderful.
Excerpts from the interview
Critiques said you were too beautiful to be talented?
I had no clue about what I was doing in front of the camera. If I was the producer I would have never taken myself on.
What motivated you to get into films? Was it the money, the glamour, the fame?
It was the money. Initially, I did it to collect enough money for my education.
What do you do when men hit on you?
Most of the time I was too naïve to even understand if someone's hitting on me. But it is not all that difficult. I have interacted and worked with a lot of men. As long as you know what you want, they make great friends. Some of my best friends have been male.
With all the work, wasn't there a decree of loneliness? When did you meet Goldie?
However close you are to your family, there was a decree of loneliness at the end of the day. That's when I realized that there is more to life than just work. Goldie helped me to understand that. We met on the sets of Naraaz. Three years of friendship and four years of dating finally led to our marriage.
Are you doing any more films after Anahaat?
I am still waiting for one role, which is going to wake me, and I'll be ready to stay away from home for four months for work. I am looking for passion in my work.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
