Sonali Bendre Reflects on 25 Years of Sarfarosh and Hum Saath Saath Hain

Sonali Bendre Reflects on the Timeless Impact of Sarfarosh and Hum Saath Saath Hain

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of HT City, Sonali Bendre reflects on the enduring legacy of two of her most iconic films, “Sarfarosh” and “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” both released in 2024.

“It’s been 25 years… Can you imagine that I have been here for these many years?” Sonali Bendre muses, her voice tinged with amusement.

At 49, Sonali Bendre marvels at the passage of time. “It doesn’t seem so long at all,” she admits. “But I am wondering why it does not seem so long? I have an 18-year-old son today, who’s all grown up and gone to university. So it should feel long. But why is it not feeling long is the question I’m asking myself…. When I realized that the films are completing 25 years, that got me thinking, ‘Oh my God, it’s been 25 years.'”

Reflecting on “Sarfarosh,” a gripping tale of an Indian police officer combatting cross-border terrorism, and “Hum Saath-Saath Hain,” a heartwarming exploration of family values, Bendre acknowledges their profound impact on her career.

“The films put forward different sides of me… Both are landmark films because these are few of those which I heard in entirety. I asked John many questions, but realized that everyone including Aamir is seeing something in the film,” she shares.

Recalling her experience, Bendre reveals, “The beautiful part was that at that point of time films such as ‘Duplicate’ were happening, which was more to do with the image — a girl with long legs, good body and face… Both the films brought a different side of me in front, like in ‘Sarfarosh,’ I was a middle-class girl, which connected to me…. For the first time in this alien world of film, I was closer to what I am and my upbringing and as a person.”

In the span of 25 years, Bendre has embraced growth and learning. “I was so raw when I came into this world… But I realized when we grow and when we evolve, there are some things that you learn and some things can get left behind. Sometimes I do have a pang of regret ke yeh rehgaya…. But as I grew older, I understood that was meant to be,” she reflects.

Wrapping up, Bendre extends heartfelt congratulations to HT City. “While they have been entertaining us for all these years, they have evolved, stayed relevant with time, and continue to remain true to their core. In this ever-changing dynamic world, HT has only strengthened its value and prestige, and I would like to congratulate the entire team and wish them all the luck for the next 25 years to come,” she concludes, encapsulating her journey and the enduring spirit of the entertainment industry.

However, it was her roles in “Sarfarosh” and “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” released in 1999, that catapulted her to stardom. In “Sarfarosh,” she portrayed the role of Seema, a woman caught in the crossfire of terrorism, showcasing her ability to portray complex emotions with subtlety and depth. Meanwhile, in “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” she charmed audiences with her portrayal of a loving daughter-in-law, embodying the values of family and tradition.

Over the years, Bendre continued to impress critics and audiences alike with her performances in films such as “Zakhm,” “Major Saab,” and “Diljale.” Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from drama to romance to comedy, solidified her status as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actresses.

Beyond her work on the silver screen, Sonali Bendre personal journey has been one of resilience and courage. In 2018, she was diagnosed with high-grade metastatic cancer, a battle that she faced with grace and determination. Throughout her treatment, Bendre remained an inspiration to millions, using her platform to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.

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