In an age where we have a new national crush every month, Sonali Bendre Called the ‘OG National Crush’. She is still remembered as one of the most attractive faces of the 90s and has maintained a loyal fan base over the years. But long before fame and praise, she was just a schoolgirl who faced teasing and unwanted comments about her appearance.In a throwback conversation with Lehren Retro, Sonali Bendre reflected on those early years without any resentment. When asked if she used to get compliments for her looks during her school and college days, Sonali candidly said, “Compliments? I mean, a lot. Look, if you ask me about my compliments, now I get a lot of compliments, but there was a time when I used to get a lot of criticism too, like my leg would be pulled a lot. I think you should ask me about those days. At the moment, everyone is on this big journey about ‘what a figure’ and this and that. But there was a time when I was so thin that I was teased for it. I was called Lamp Post, Giraffe because I have a long neck, which is now an asset. Now everyone likes the same neck, but during my school and college days I was teased a lot for it. But then the thing was, it never mattered. I also took it in a very sporting manner. I mean, well, if I’m like that, I’m like that. That’s it.”Speaking about her popularity in school, she confidently said, “I was very popular. Not only among the boys, I was popular among my teachers too, that’s all.”She made her acting debut with Aag (1994) opposite Govinda. He acted in many successful films including Duplicate (1998), Major Saab (1998), Zakham (1998), Sarfarosh (1999). aamir khanand Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) among others. On the personal front, Sonali is married to film producer goldie behl. Both of them first met on the sets of ‘Naraz’. They got married on 12 November 2002 in Mumbai. The couple welcomed their son Ranveer in 2005.
