Sonali Bendre, known for her grace and talent, recently opened up about an unexpected and heartwarming gesture from her co-star and Bollywood’s beloved actor, Salman Khan, during one of the most challenging phases of her life—her cancer treatment in New York.
Salman Khan: A Superstar with a Big Heart
Salman Khan is not just famous for his blockbuster movies but also for his compassion and generosity. He has quietly extended a helping hand to several celebrities, including Dia Mirza, Remo D’Souza, and the late Faraz Khan, proving time and again that his heart is as big as his stardom. What makes Salman’s kindness special is that he rarely talks about it, preferring to let his actions speak louder than words.
Sonali Bendre Remembers Salman’s Pranks on Set
In a candid chat with ANI, Sonali Bendre recalled her working experience with Salman on the 1999 family drama Hum Saath Saath Hain. She shared that during filming, Salman used to make funny faces behind the camera while she was giving her close-up shots, often leaving her frustrated. The two would get into playful fights, and this banter meant they didn’t get very close during that time.
The Tough Battle: Sonali’s Cancer Diagnosis
Years later, Sonali was diagnosed with high-grade metastatic cancer, a devastating turn of events that required her to seek treatment in New York. During this time, she experienced a side of Salman Khan she had never seen before—one that was caring, concerned, and deeply invested in her well-being.
Salman’s Unexpected Visits to New York
Sonali revealed that Salman Khan flew to New York not once, but twice, to check on her and ensure she was receiving the best treatment possible. His visits weren’t just casual drop-ins; he actively inquired about her health, her doctors, and the medical plan. Sonali shared:
“Salman is like a child, and everything about him is to the extreme, even his care and concern. The same person who was making faces behind the camera is the one who made two trips to New York to see if I was okay during my illness.”
Salman’s Calls and Support for Sonali’s Husband
Salman also stayed in touch with Sonali’s husband, Goldie Behl, regularly checking on her health and progress. He suggested different doctors, explored treatment options, and made sure the family had everything they needed to fight the disease. Once he was confident that the best care was in place, he felt reassured and stepped back, but not before showing how genuinely invested he was in Sonali’s recovery.
Sonali added:
“In doing so, he showed how sensitive and caring he truly is. I’ve had my issues with him, but I’ve grown to appreciate that side of him.”
“He’s Hard to Like at First, But Then You Understand Him”
In an earlier interview with Bollywood Bubble, Sonali Bendre had reflected on her on-set dynamics with Salman. She admitted that they used to fight a lot, and his habit of making faces at her close-ups often left her irritated. But over time, she saw beneath his mischievous exterior a caring and compassionate person—a side that would later be so important to her.
Sonali Bendre: From Model to Beloved Actress
Sonali Bendre began her career in modeling and made her film debut in 1994’s Naaraaz. Her big break came with Diljale opposite Ajay Devgn, and she went on to star in memorable films like Duplicate, Major Saab, Zakhm, Sarfarosh, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Most recently, Sonali was seen in Amazon Prime’s Be Happy, alongside Abhishek Bachchan.
Conclusion
Sonali Bendre’s revelations about Salman Khan’s support during her battle with cancer reveal a lesser-seen, deeply caring side of the superstar. Despite their past on-set pranks and playful fights, Salman proved to be a true friend, showing up when it mattered most.