Sonali Kulkarni Admits She ‘Cursed’ Herself After Rejecting Film That Became Hit: Felt Terrible - Exclusive

Actor Sonali Kulkarni, known for her versatile body of work across multiple film industries, recently spoke about her experience working with Kajol in Trial 2, the misconceptions actors face, how she chooses

scripts, and her thoughts on women’s representation in Indian cinema. Sonali, who has worked in films like Dil Chahta Hai, Mission Kashmir, Taxi No. 9211, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and several acclaimed regional films, believes every role demands humility, risk and vulnerability. In this conversation with Zoom, she shared her valuable insight for artistes navigating the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Unfiltered Sonali Kulkarni!

Sonali began by expressing admiration for Kajol and sharing how much she enjoyed working with her in Trial 2. “I’m not going to feel tired praising Kajol because I’ve been an ardent fan of Kajol's on-screen work. I've met her at events and shows. I'm extremely fond of her performance and I'm amazed that variety of generations love her," said Sonali. She added how much the audience unanimously appreciates her talent, saying, “Everybody loves her performance and the kind of versatility she has proved on-screen, be it Fanaa or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or Dilwale or any film for that matter.”Speaking about her experience on set, she shared, “She has come up with a very convincing and path-breaking performance. So, when I was working with her, I took some time to grasp her beauty because she's a gorgeous girl. So, it's quite breathtaking to see someone emote that scene and get teary-eyed.” Sonali also recalled how emotional the shooting felt: “I felt like going and hugging her and telling her that I'm sorry I'm making you do this. And I almost got a loving slap from Kajol that keep quiet and do your job. But she knows that I love her and it was so nice to interact for Trial Season 2 with her.” She concluded by calling it an honour: “As I kept saying from the script level that you are getting to fight with the best. So, it was an honour to fight with Kajol. Great.”When asked about misconceptions actors face, she said, “I feel that everyone needs to remember that you are just your last film old. How much ever time you spent in your career or your filmography or your career graph, you must remember that you're as good as your last hit.” She explained why starting fresh matters: “So, it's important to start from a level zero. Because you have learnt the technique, you know, you have your tricks of remembering lines and understanding the role. But you cannot win a role by knowing the techniques. Forget about winning the audience, you need to win the role first.” She believes humility is key, saying, “So, I always feel that you need to be most humble and you need to be ready to get exposed.”

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She also spoke about her career choices: “When you're getting a new role, it's very difficult to get the variety, the kind of variety I got in my career, I'm very happy.” According to her, vulnerability made it possible: “But for that, what I have done is to let go my inhibitions, let go my experience, let go my and be vulnerable to the director and to the role where they can, bullying is a wrong word probably, but they can design me the way they want.” She added, “I don't know whether I'm able to put it in a manner where you are able to understand, but I'm ready to take that risk where the director can shout at me or, you know, he can kill me. I'm okay to let go my ego to earn that role and to earn that thrill.”On script selection, Sonali explained, “You have your gut feeling.” She emphasised being selective: “I mean, you cannot accept everything that is offered. Every restaurant will have a menu, but you will not order each and every dish.” She shared how narration matters most to her: “It's up to you to understand your own appetite and order accordingly. So, I always like the first brief.” What appeals most is passion: “So, when you go back, what is it that appeals you? It is always the storytelling… I like to see how passionate the director is.”She admitted that some of her rejections turned into hits: “Definitely, it has happened. Oh God, terrible. I have just cursed myself.” She revealed, “There are projects where I have suggested my friends because I didn't have time and later on, I have felt so bad… But you must take it in your stride.”On representation of women, she said she has no complaints: “I am absolutely not only happy but proud and on a high of the kind of cinema and characters I was offered.” She listed the range of roles she has played, then added, “I don't think I want to complain and my films have not typecast me, neither have they typecast me as a human being.” She believes balance shaped her identity: “I feel I hold power. I feel I matter.” She concluded positively: “The only thing I can change is to carry on upcoming decades with grace, enough amount of grace and gratitude… Film industry is our nation.”Did you like our chat with Sonali? Let us know by tweeting at @TimesNow!