Sonali Bendre joins Madhuri Dixit on 'Kon Honar Crorepati' premiere episode
Synopsis
Two of Bollywood's most iconic actresses finally share a screen — not in a film, but on a Marathi game show. Sonali Bendre's guest appearance on the premiere of 'Kon Honar Crorepati' marks the first time she and host Madhuri Dixit have ever appeared together, making it a long-awaited television moment for fans of both stars.
Key Takeaways
Sonali Bendre will appear as a guest on the premiere episode of 'Kon Honar Crorepati' , hosted by Madhuri Dixit .
It marks the first time the two actresses have shared screen space despite years of overlapping careers in Bollywood.
Bendre will play in support of an animal welfare foundation and discuss her 'Happy Podcast.' The two share a personal bond — their sons attend the same school .
The show airs from 12 October on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV .
Actress Sonali Bendre will appear as the special guest on the premiere episode of 'Kon Honar Crorepati', marking the first time she and host Madhuri Dixit have shared screen space together. Bendre, a self-professed longtime admirer of Dixit, called the occasion deeply personal — the two actresses have known each other for years but never appeared on screen together until now.
A Long-Awaited On-Screen First
The premiere episode, themed 'Aata Khel Badalnaar' (Now, the game will change), brings together two of Hindi cinema's most celebrated names in an unprecedented pairing. Despite years of overlapping careers in Bollywood, the two had never shared a film set. 'Sonali and I have never done a film together. But it's never too late! Today, we're finally together on the sets of Kon Honar Crorepati. It's a celebration, and I'm glad that I am starting this new chapter with you. Sharing the screen with you feels like such a special occasion. It is a celebration for me,' Madhuri Dixit said in a statement.
Sonali's Praise for Madhuri as Host
Bendre, speaking about Dixit's role as host, said she had no doubts about her warmth and capability. 'Having known that warmth in her, I always knew she would be a very good host. She's a fantastic actress — there are no two ways about it. I have always admired her fabulous dancing, and I did get to see her dance here on the set. So that was fantastic for me,' Sonali Bendre said. She also noted that the show now has a female host for the first time, adding, 'Kon Honar Crorepati now has a female host, and who could be better than Madhuri? I have always been a Madhuri Dixit fan, but I've also gotten to know her better.'
A Personal Connection Beyond the Screen
The two actresses share a connection that extends beyond the entertainment industry. Bendre revealed that their sons attend the same school. 'Her younger son and my son go to school together, so we meet often, but sharing screen space has never happened,' she said. The revelation adds a warm, personal dimension to what is already being billed as a celebratory television moment.
Cause and Content on the Episode
During the premiere, Sonali Bendre will play in support of a foundation for animal welfare. She is also expected to share insights into her philanthropic work and discuss her podcast, the 'Happy Podcast.' Bendre signed off with a playful appeal to writers: 'If someone out there is watching or listening, please write something for the two of us. I would love it!'
When and Where to Watch
Kon Honar Crorepati is set to air from 12 October on Sony Marathi and streaming platform Sony LIV.
Point of View
Meeting on screen for the first time not in a film but in a Marathi reality format, says something about how Bollywood's biggest names are now finding new audiences and relevance through regional television. Madhuri Dixit's pivot to hosting 'Kon Honar Crorepati' is a deliberate brand repositioning, and Sonali Bendre's presence on the premiere maximises launch-night nostalgia. Whether the show sustains beyond the opening buzz will depend on whether the format itself delivers — but the premiere has already achieved exactly what it needed to.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Kon Honar Crorepati' and who is hosting it?
'Kon Honar Crorepati' is a Marathi-language game show airing on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV, hosted by actress Madhuri Dixit. It is a regional adaptation of the popular 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' format, with Dixit marking a first as the show's female host.
Why is Sonali Bendre's appearance on the show significant?
It marks the first time Sonali Bendre and Madhuri Dixit have shared screen space, despite both being prominent figures in Bollywood for decades. The premiere episode thus carries strong nostalgia value for fans of both actresses.
What cause will Sonali Bendre support on the show?
Sonali Bendre will play in support of a foundation dedicated to animal welfare. She will also share insights about her charitable work in this space and discuss her podcast, the 'Happy Podcast.'
When does 'Kon Honar Crorepati' premiere and where can it be watched?
The show premieres on 12 October on Sony Marathi and is also available for streaming on Sony LIV.
What is the personal connection between Sonali Bendre and Madhuri Dixit?
The two actresses share a personal bond beyond the entertainment world — Sonali Bendre revealed that her son and Madhuri Dixit's younger son attend the same school, meaning the two meet regularly despite never having worked together on screen.
