Sonali Kulkarni Reveals Her Chance Casting in ‘Dil Chahta Hai’

Mumbai, Dec 7 (NationPress) Actress Sonali Kulkarni, who primarily focuses on Marathi cinema, is celebrated for her roles in films such as ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Taxi No. 9 2 11’, and ‘Chandu Champion’. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, she has successfully accomplished 100 projects. Recently, she took a nostalgic journey and recounted how she landed a role in ‘Dil Chahta Hai’.

‘Dil Chahta Hai’, which was the directorial debut of the multifaceted Farhan Akhtar, has over time gained a dedicated fan base due to its engaging storytelling, memorable music, and overall excellence.

In a discussion with IANS, the actress revealed that her involvement in the film was entirely coincidental.

She stated, “I never envisioned that ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ would transform into such a cult classic, especially since I was merely an emerging actor at that point. My enthusiasm was high, and I was exploring international ventures, but the joy of acting was my primary focus. Zoya Akhtar, the casting director, discovered my photos by pure chance. During that time, actors would conduct photo shoots and distribute their portfolios. By coincidence, someone carrying my photos dropped them, leading Zoya to notice them. She invited me for a look test, and I was immediately captivated by her friendly demeanor and the positive atmosphere at the audition.

She further elaborated, “The audition was held at Excel Entertainment's office, which was relatively new then. Ritesh Sidhwani was producing for the first time, and Farhan Akhtar was making his directorial debut. I appreciated the camaraderie among Farhan, Zoya, and Ritesh, and their rapport was beautifully reflected in their work. Being part of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was an absolute delight. The discipline and meticulous organization on set were outstanding. Moreover, my song ‘Wo Ladki Hai Kahan’ became a pivotal moment in my career, and it remains a cherished milestone even after over 100 films.

When asked about what motivates her after reaching the 100-film milestone, she replied, “It ignites my ambition and keeps me pushing for more. There are various roles I’ve always aspired to play. One of them is a character inspired by Tamasha, representing the world of whimsical dancers. Another is a role deeply connected to sports, highlighting the essence and discipline of an athlete. The list of dreams is extensive, but these two hold the top spots, and I sincerely hope they manifest in my career journey.”

The actress is also quite active in the OTT space and was recently featured in the streaming series ‘Manvat Murders’. She believes that the OTT medium provides actors with reassurance and security by ensuring their work reaches a broader audience.

Discussing this, she mentioned, “OTT guarantees that your work is accessible to a global audience almost instantly. You no longer have to endure long waits, which is a relief since there are 8-9 films in my career that never saw the light of day. That gap...the sensation of your work being unseen is disheartening. With OTT, that anxiety dissipates. Your work will be aired, find its audience, and gain their appreciation.”

She added, “For an actor, that’s incredibly reassuring. Nonetheless, with the rise of OTT, there’s also a surge of new talent. The competition has intensified, becoming almost cutthroat. I've observed how far individuals will go just to land roles; they are willing to accept drastic pay cuts, work without compensation, or even co-produce projects to secure opportunities.”

Talking about her future endeavors, she stated, “Currently, I’m working on a Marathi film directed by Prasad Oak, and another Marathi project is set to commence next week. In Hindi cinema, I’m engaged in a film titled ‘Palatwar’. Additionally, there’s ‘Knock Knock Kaun Hai’, directed by Prabal and produced by Daya Shetty, which is ready for release. I’m also involved in a web series called ‘Oops Ab Kya Yaar’, where I portray a fantastic character that I’m genuinely excited about.”

“My schedule encompasses a blend of web shows, regional films, ongoing projects, and a few Hindi films in development. Alongside my career, I’m surrounded by a supportive family, abundant happiness, a steady income, wonderful friends and colleagues, and a fantastic team that keeps me motivated. I couldn’t be more thankful,” she concluded.