From reigning the silver screen in the ’90s to returning stronger after a personal health battle, Sonali Bendre continues to evolve and this time, she’s taking over reality television, but not as a judge. The beloved actress is stepping into uncharted territory as the host of the much-awaited couple’s reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga.
While we’ve seen her critique contestants with grace and poise, Sonali admits this hosting gig has her stepping outside her comfort zone.
“Hosting is Unfiltered, Unsanitized, and a Little Scary”
In a candid chat with Mumbai Mirror, Sonali shared how hosting feels like a completely different ballgame compared to judging. “Hosting is very different from judging. When I’m hosting now, I’m kind of holding the whole thing together. It is reality, unfiltered, unscripted. And it’s scary.”
And if you thought her poise would make this a cakewalk, think again. The raw, unpredictable nature of reality TV with its emotional outbursts and unexpected pangas means she’s got to be quick on her feet and emotionally tuned in. “I don’t think this side of me has come out on television before,” she confessed.
23 Years of Marriage and Still Going Strong
Sonali’s journey as a host on a show all about love, compatibility, and chaos is grounded in her real-life experience. Married to filmmaker Goldie Behl for 23 years, she’s no stranger to the realities of coupledom. For her, marriage isn’t just a tradition it’s a conscious commitment.
“For me, it’s a very special institution. I do believe in it and I’ve always said that I’d move mountains to make my marriage work. But it cannot happen single-handedly,” she shared.
What keeps the foundation strong? According to Sonali, it’s having a partner who shares the same level of dedication. “I’m grateful for a partner who takes it as seriously as I do,” she said.
“This Is My Second Innings and I’m Loving It”
But Sonali’s journey isn’t limited to just hosting. The actress, who’s gracefully re-emerged in the industry post her battle with cancer, sees this chapter as her creative rebirth. And she’s not doing it for the paycheck this time.
“In the first innings, I was working for a paycheck because that was a necessity. Now, it’s about creative satisfaction,” she explained. With her son growing up and more space to explore roles that spark her passion, she’s keen on selecting projects that feed her soul.
“I’m picking projects based on whether I’ll enjoy them and whether they’ll be fulfilling. That’s my goal and I want to do a lot of exciting work,” she added, sounding more enthusiastic than ever.
With Pati Patni Aur Panga featuring celebrity couples like Hina Khan-Rocky Jaiswal, Rubina Dilaik-Abhinav Shukla, Swara Bhaskar-Fahad Ahmad, and many more, all eyes will be on how these jodis navigate emotional curveballs. And right at the center of it, Sonali Bendre graceful, grounded, and gloriously unscripted will be holding it all together.
