Salman Khan’s behavior during 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' shoot made Sonali Bendre furious. 'Whenever I was giving close-ups...'

Sonali Bendre recently shared candid memories from the sets of Hum Saath Saath Hain, revealing the often playful yet frustrating moments she experienced while working with Salman Khan. Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, the actor recalled that her on-screen pairing with Salman, though cherished by audiences, masked a behind-the-scenes equation filled with light-hearted clashes.

While shooting for close-up scenes, Sonali revealed that Salman would often distract her by making faces. Reflecting on those moments, she said, “We were fighting all the time. I promise you, I mean, you know I should ask Salman about it then. Because whenever I was giving close-ups, Salman would be making faces at me. And I would get so pissed off that I would say, ‘What the hell?’” This continuous disruption led to frequent quarrels, making it difficult for her to get along with him initially.

Salman's Complex Persona Beneath the Surface

As the shoot progressed, Sonali began to see a different side of Salman. She explained that while he maintains a tough and sometimes mischievous exterior, underneath it all he is kind-hearted. “Actually, he puts on a really rough exterior, but he’s a softy. But you know what it took me time because I was like, what the hell, but it took me a while actually to figure out that he’s a nice guy,” she said. According to her, it was this contrast in his personality that initially made it hard to like him, but over time she came to appreciate his true nature.

Apart from her experience with Salman, Sonali also remembered the challenges posed by her costume in the film. The heavily embellished golden ghagra she wore weighed around 20 kilograms and caused her discomfort due to its intricate zari work. The artificial jewellery led to skin allergies and rashes, making the filming process physically taxing. The weight of the outfit even affected her dance performance, requiring choreography adjustments to accommodate the restricted movement.

The Nose Ring Condition and Casting Choices

Sonali also disclosed an interesting detail about her casting. Initially, her character, Dr. Preeti, was supposed to be styled in modern clothing. Coming from a traditional background, Sonali requested a more culturally grounded portrayal. Director Sooraj Barjatya agreed to her request, on the condition that she retain the nose ring she wore during her audition throughout the shoot—a condition she accepted.

Hum Saath Saath Hain, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, released in 1999 and became one of the biggest box office hits of the year. With an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Mohnish Behl, Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and others, the film continues to be celebrated for its depiction of traditional Indian family values.

Sonali Bendre, who made her film debut with Aag in 1994, went on to star in several successful projects such as Diljale (1996), Major Saab (1998), and Sarfarosh (1999). She has also made a mark in television and streaming platforms with roles in shows like Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye and The Broken News. She will soon appear alongside Ali Fazal in an upcoming web series directed by Paatal Lok’s Prosit Roy. The series, reportedly inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa murder case, aims to explore one of Delhi's most high-profile crimes and its impact on the city.