On May 23, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre shared a surprising revelation—she was unaware of her pregnancy while filming the Marathi dance number “Cham Cham Karta” from the 2004 film Agga Bai Arrechya.
The revelation came during a candid chat with choreographer-director Farah Khan, who had visited Sonali’s home to cook a special meal that included a Kashmiri Gucchi Pulao.
Reminiscing about their time working together, Farah mentioned, “Sonali, we’ve done quite a few songs together—like Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum, and then the Marathi hit Cham Cham Karta Hai.”
Sonali chimed in, saying, “I didn’t even know I was pregnant back then.”
Farah recalled how Sonali had a radiant, fuller appearance at the time, saying she looked every bit like a classic film heroine. Sonali added humorously, “Farah kept saying, ‘You married a Punjabi, you’re eating all that rich food from Goldie’s house’—and then I eventually found out I was expecting. I really had no idea!”
Farah highlighted the surprising fact that Sonali performed the entire dance sequence while unknowingly pregnant.
Sonali married filmmaker Goldie Behl in November 2002, and the couple welcomed their son in 2005.
Reflecting on her experience working with Farah, Sonali said it was always a fun and relaxed atmosphere. “There was no pressure like I felt with Saroj Khan. With Farah, she might look strict, but within minutes you realize it’s just for show. Deep down, she’s all heart—and we had a blast working together.”
Agga Bai Arrechya! is a Marathi comedy-drama directed by Kedar Shinde, loosely inspired by the Hollywood movie What Women Want. The story explores the everyday challenges of a common man in bustling Mumbai. A sequel titled Agga Bai Arechyaa 2 was released later but didn’t do well at the box office.
Sonali began her journey in entertainment as a model before debuting in films with Aag in 1994. After a string of unsuccessful films, she rose to fame with the 1996 hit Diljale. Her career further flourished with major roles in Duplicate, Major Saab, Zakhm, Sarfarosh, Kadhalar Dhinam, and Hum Saath Saath Hain.
She later gained critical acclaim for her role in Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, and made a mark in Telugu cinema with performances in Murari, Indra, Manmadhudu, and Shankar Dada M.B.B.S..