Sonali Bendre has opened up about her experience of working with Salman Khan on the 1999 family drama ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’. The actress recalled how the superstar frequently disrupted her concentration with playful antics during filming. Although his behaviour initially irritated her, Sonali Bendre said she gradually discovered another side of his personality. She also spoke about the support Salman Khan offered when she was unwell.In a conversation with Zee24taas, Sonali Bendre discussed their equation and remembered the light-hearted moments from the film’s sets. The actors played Prem and Dr. Preeti in the Sooraj Barjatya directorial. She explained that Salman Khan’s habit of making funny faces during her close-up shots often left her frustrated.
Salman Khan’s pranks irritated Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre said she preferred to remain focused while performing, whereas Salman Khan enjoyed teasing her during takes. His antics behind the camera made it difficult for her to understand why he behaved that way while she was working.“Salman is a very naughty person. I am a very proper person. When there is a close-up, he will make a crazy face. I am like, dude, I am working, what the hell? At that time, I used to ask, who is he and why is he doing like this?”
Her perception of the actor changed
During the conversation, the interviewer brought up an earlier discussion about Sonali Bendre’s changing opinion of Salman Khan. The actress agreed that her perception had evolved with time. She reiterated that his mischievous nature was initially difficult for her to understand.Sonali Bendre said her understanding of Salman Khan changed as she got to know him better. She described him as someone with a generous nature, adding that his concern became evident when she was dealing with health problems.“He has a very big heart. He was the first one to call and to come when I was ill. He did not come to New York. He called Goldie (husband) and asked, are you sure this doctor is right? He did research on him. He told him to look at this doctor, look there, look here.Then he understood. There was a doctor who knew him. He asked Goldie to talk to him. When Goldie told him, the doctor told him, you know what? They are on a good zone. What they are doing is right. Not everyone does like this. He is all heart. You have to forgive. You also start lying. You say, it’s fun, you laugh. Now he is doing all this, I feel like laughing. Actually, I laugh a lot.”
Their association began with ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’
Sonali Bendre and Salman Khan’s professional association dates back to ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’. Their characters, Prem and Dr. Preeti, remain part of the film’s ensemble family story. The two have also reunited at public events and television appearances over the years, often drawing attention from fans who remember their pairing.Sonali Bendre’s last film appearance was a cameo or guest role in the 2025 Hindi film ‘Be Happy’.
