Kamal Ghorui
Sonalee, Nehha Pendse and Bharati Achrekar in Tighee
Does that mean she will step away from glam roles? “For the longest time, I was part of films that made my characters aspirational. This shift from aspirational to being real and relatable is incredibly fulfilling as an actor,” she says, adding that it’s a transition that she has embraced without hesitation. “It’s about doing the kind of films I love watching and working with makers that make those films. At the same time, I am not stepping away from glam roles either,” she shares.End of an arc; start of a new journeyHer own journey of breaking stereotypes has been gradual. After the massive success and cultural imprint of Natarang, it was difficult to shake off that image overnight. She made peace with that. “There are pros and cons when a film becomes that popular,” she reflects. Instead, she chose to slowly carve a different path through films like Shutter, Hampi, Tula Kalnar Nahi and Hirkani. After her latest release, many have told her that an arc had been completed with this performance. But Sonalee sees it as both an end and a beginning. “When you talk of an arc, you’re trying to prove something — either to yourself or others. So yes, it feels like a culmination. But from here on, things will be different. It’s a new path, one shaped by risk and reinvention,” she says. With over 18 years of experience to her credit, the actress admits there will be missteps too. “But one thing I have learnt is that no matter what, you have to keep believing, pushing and trying. The risks that you take and the honesty that you work with eventually pay off,” she adds.
My freckles and blemishes are clearly visible in Tighee. It was what the story required and I went with that. It was never about making a statement. The character simply demanded honesty and I gave it that
Sonalee Kulkarni
Navigating AI and creative anxietiesOn the subject of AI in filmmaking, Sonalee acknowledges its growing influence, but believes it should remain a tool, not a replacement. “AI has to be operated by humans—you can’t give away that power,” she asserts, adding, “But we’ve seen its effect in the recent past and how it has impacted livelihoods. People who have spent their lives honing their craft suddenly lost their jobs because AI could do their work now.” Yet, the Natarang actress remains hopeful. “As is the case with any new thing, we tend to resist it. Even with AI, we will eventually retain what is useful and filter out what feels threatening,” she says, calling AI as part of a larger cycle of adaptation.
One thing I have learnt is that no matter what, you have to keep believing, pushing and trying. The risks that you take and the honesty that you work with eventually pay off
Sonalee Kulkarni
