My writing did turn out to be quite intact, as it has all my experiences gathered at one place.
— Sonali Bendre
For a formal look, I wear saris, and certain occasions require a dressed up look. But wherever I can, I like being in something easy and casual.
As an actor, there are a lot of personas and personalities that you carry. Whatever you wear, you adapt to it, and people feel that's your style. But that's not necessarily an actor's style. There are some things that are very 'you,' and some are only to suit your persona.
Initially, I was like, 'I can handle anything. What's the big deal about being a mother?' I was not prepared for the changes which are so subtle that they creep up on you.
There is no reason to compare Bollywood and Marathi films. Both have their own charm.
I don't want to be equal to a man. We are different and are meant to be that way. Women are more resilient than men. I thrive on the difference between a man and a woman and love a well-behaved man opening doors for me and a certain amount of caring that happens.
I am a Maharashtrian but was not brought up in Maharashtra, as my father worked in CPWD and was transferred every two years. So I have always been a gypsy. I, therefore, could not make good friends, and it still takes me a long time to form attachments.
My routine is very simple because I realised that the more complicated the exercise sessions are, the less likely I am to make it for them. They have to be simple and doable in my daily routine.
I have endorsed every hair product in my career. Looks have been my bread, butter, jam. Looks are important in our society.
Every time I feel fearful of something now, I do it.
As a writer, penning down personal stuff was not easy for me, as it was way too close to my heart.
I know people have always seen me in very fitted clothes because that is required and so is done, but personally, I like the deconstructed look.
If you are agitated, children tend to think that they have done something wrong.
As I started parenting, I realised there is no formula to it.
I have never planned my career. I never wanted to be an actress. Films were an instinctive step, just like modelling and television.
My parents are naive in their morality of things, and so, without realising it, I landed up being ethical and having strong opinions.
When I shaved my hair, my friends asked me to keep it, maybe make my own wig out of it, but I wanted the old hair to go; it was not mine. I wanted to let go.
There's a hidden Goth in me: I have a dark sense of humour; I have a dark sense of fashion.
Every cancer is different. The symptoms and treatments are different, and every human body deals with it differently. There are no formulas to it. That, I think, was the biggest takeaway for me.
I land in New York, and next day, we go to the doctor. He looks at everything, and we had sent all our tests, and he says, 'You know, it is fourth stage, and you have 30% chance of survival.'
I tell women who have gone through cancer that healing from it requires receiving care, receiving support, letting friends and family rally around us. It is time to receive.
Personally, I wear a lot of my mother-in-law's chiffons and my mother's silk. But when I buy saris for myself, then they have to be understated.
My whole life turned upside down once I became a mother.
Unless you are aggressive, you will never become number one.
Life goes on, and one should look ahead and not backward.
I come from a background where there would be one mirror above the basin that was used by everyone in the house. If you spent more than five minutes in front of the mirror, you would probably get a whack. My mother was so strict that if anyone complimented me for being pretty, she would not encourage that discussion.
I read anything and everything. Comfort food for my brain is fantasy fiction or science fiction.
I am a completely self-made person. It's been a tough journey - I learnt on the job, worked 48 hours without sleeping.
I came from a very middle class Maharashtrian family. It was a big step to get into movies. My family was shocked.
