‘Hindi films take you to the masses’

Sonali Kulkarni is thankful for Hindi films, but says regional cinema has been instrumental in giving her standing and acclaim as an actor

Well-known for her role in Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Sonali Kulkarni will soon be seen in a Hindi film once again after a hiatus. The actor worked in Poster Boys in 2017, and in Singham (2011) before that, but she has largely kept away from Hindi cinema. Ask her about her absence, and Sonali says, “What kept me away from Hindi films was good opportunities. I have been working in theatre, Marathi cinema and films in other regional languages in the interim. I did the Marathi film Deool (2011), the Gujarati film, The Good Road (2013), the Marathi film, Dr. Prakash Baba Amte (2014) with Nana Patekar sir, and the film Kaccha Limbu (2017), which won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi.”

Sonali admits that the reach of Hindi cinema is global, but she doesn’t want to ignore regional cinema. “I don’t want to look down upon regional cinema, which has given me so much in life, including a standing as an actor. Hindi films are popular and you reach the masses quicker than with films in other languages. I will always be grateful to the popularity that Hindi cinema has given me. People still remember me from Dil Chahta Hai and play the songs from the movie. They talk to me about Mission Kashmir (2000) and Taxi No. 9211 (2006),” she says.

The actor, who has also worked in Kannada and Tamil cinema, is excited about her next film, which co-stars Naseeruddin Shah. Speaking about the project, she says, “I am looking forward to subjects that are refreshing and give you something to think about. I like the fact that India is opening up to new subjects. I have a small role in the film, but working with Naseer sir was fabulous.”

I will always be grateful to the popularity that Hindi cinema has given me.

SONALI KULKARNI,

ACTOR

Sonali Kulkarni