On 4 July 2018 she revealed on Twitter that she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and was undergoing treatment in a New York City hospital.
Career
Modelling and movie debut (1994-1995)
Bendre was a model before entering the Star DustTalent Search. She was then cast in a movie called Ram, produced by Sohail Khan. However, this movie was never made. Her first major role was in Aag at the age of 19. For this, she won the Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year and Star Screen Awards for Most Promising Newcomer. In 1994, she also appeared in Naaraaz, for which she was awarded Filmfare's Sensational Debut award. In 1995, she appeared in Bombay in the song Humma Humma.
Established actress (1996-2003)
In 1996, she starred in Rakshak, English Babu Desi Mem, Diljale, Apne Dam Par and Sapoot. In the same year, she welcomed Michael Jackson on his arrival in India in a traditional Marathisari and applied tilak on his forehead. In 1997 and 1998, Bendre starred in Bhai, Tarazu, Qahar, Keemat, Humse Badhkar Kaun, Major Saab, Angaaray and Zakhm. She was seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Duplicate. In 1999, Bendre starred in 2 Tamil films: Kadhalar Dhinam and Kannodu Kanbathellam. Bendre also starred in , Dahek and Sarfarosh as well. In 2000, Bendre made a brief cameo in Chal Mere Bhai and Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. She later appeared in Hamaara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Bendre won a Star Screen Award Best Supporting Actress and got nominated for Planet - Bollywood People's Choice Awards and Best Supporting Actress. Then, Bendre starred in Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain. In the same year, she made her debut in Kannada with the movie Preethse, a remake of Darr. In 2001, she made her Telugu debut in Murari with Mahesh Babu. For this film, she was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Telugu. Then, she was seen in Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. She featured in a song, Mujhe Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai, in Lajja. Bendre later acted in Tera Mera Saath Rahen. In 2002, Bendre starred in 3 Telugu films: Indra, Khadgam and Manmadhudu. In 2003, Bendre made her Marathi debut with Anahat, for which she got nominated for Star Screen Awards Best Actress in Marathi. Consecutively, Bendre starred in Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaatha, Palnati Brahmanayudu and Chori Chori. She made a special appearance in Kal Ho Naa Ho. 2004 was the last active year of her career. Bendre starred in Shankar Dada MBBS and made a special appearance in Aga Bai Arrecha!. In addition to her acting, she was also recognised as a dancer through films such as Gaddar,Sapoot,Bombay,Lajja and Major Saab. She took a break after this. In 2007, Bendre starred in a play called Aap Ki Soniya.
Television career
In 2001, Bendre hosted the television dance show Kya Masti Kya Dhoom....! and featured as a talent judge for Mr & Mrs Television, the reality showsIndian Idol 4, India's Got Talent, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz and India's Best Dramebaaz. She also hosted the 50th Filmfare Awards with Saif Ali Khan and Farida Jalal on 26 February 2005. She narrated the TV ShowMission Sapne on Colors in 2014. She played the lead role in Star Life OK's television series Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh.
Bollywood comeback
In 2012, Bendre opted out of India's Got Talent in order to facilitate her comeback movie Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!. Her part was described by the director Milan Luthria: "Sonali's character is called Mumtaz. The name spells enigma and is very crucial to the plot of the film. The character doesn't fit into the usual mould of a mother or a sister or bhabhi but has an identity of its own. That is what makes it special. And that's why Sonali agreed to be a part of the film."
Other pursuits
Bendre has been considered a style icon. In 2012, she was the brand ambassador of Oriflame India. She has authored a book, The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting. She has run the Sonali Book Club since 2017.
