New Delhi, May 12 — Celebrated actor Sonali Bendre, best known for her roles in Bollywood classics like Sarfarosh, Zakhm, and Hum Saath Saath Hain, has released her second book titled A Book of Books. Despite her growing body of work, Bendre insists she won’t call herself an “author” until she has written at least 20 books, citing immense admiration for professional writers.
“Mad Respect” for Authors
In a candid interview, Bendre revealed, “I’ll call myself an author only if I write 20 books, not before that. I have mad respect for authors — their ability to make readers think, feel, and travel through words is unmatched.”Though she continues to see herself primarily as an actor, she acknowledges that her creative instincts have led her to explore writing. “It’s a privilege being a public figure, as it gives me the space to engage in meaningful conversations,” she added.
From Actor to Book Champion
Her literary journey began in 2015 with her debut book The Modern Gurukul: My Experiment with Parenting. She later launched Sonali’s Book Club, a digital community dedicated to book lovers and literary discussions.With A Book of Books, Bendre aims to bridge the gap between avid readers and reluctant ones. The book emphasizes the importance of reading from a young age and includes vibrant illustrations by Rohina Thapar. It also features curated reading recommendations for children, young adults, and adults across various genres.
A Life Shaped by Books
The 50-year-old actor has long been passionate about reading, often choosing books over films. She believes that movie adaptations rarely match the richness of the original texts. However, she praises the Dune film series as a rare exception that comes “close” to doing justice to its literary source.Now, Bendre is on the lookout for the perfect book to adapt for the screen, either as a producer or actor. “I haven’t found that book yet, but I’m sure I will,” she said, noting that her former co-star Saif Ali Khan is also a keen reader with whom she enjoys exchanging book recommendations.
Healing Through Stories
After taking a hiatus from acting following the birth of her son Ranveer in 2005, Bendre later faced a major health setback when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. During her recovery, she found solace and strength in stories, especially a book about tennis champion Serena Williams.“Reading about her journey helped me believe in healing and becoming stronger than before,” Bendre said, adding that the experience changed her perspective and reading choices.
Looking Ahead: Fiction on the Horizon?
Having penned two non-fiction books, Bendre now aspires to write a novel. She admits she has characters and story fragments in her mind but hasn’t yet been able to craft them into a complete narrative. “Maybe when I have more time, I’ll bring them together. Never say never,” she remarked.A Book of Books is available now for Rs 599 at major bookstores and online platforms.