Quotes from Sonali Bendre

My memories of the whirlwind '90s are a blur of work schedules. I was completing my B. Com. degree in 1991 when I took to modelling and acting in TV serials. A year later, I found my foothold in movies.

I have endorsed every hair product in my career. Looks have been my bread, butter, jam. Looks are important in our society.

I land in New York, and next day, we go to the doctor. He looks at everything, and we had sent all our tests, and he says, 'You know, it is fourth stage, and you have 30% chance of survival.'

Travelling makes my work more stressful and tiring and leaves me with little spirit for exercise.

Every cancer is different. The symptoms and treatments are different, and every human body deals with it differently. There are no formulas to it. That, I think, was the biggest takeaway for me.

I am a completely self-made person. It's been a tough journey - I learnt on the job, worked 48 hours without sleeping.

I came from a very middle class Maharashtrian family. It was a big step to get into movies. My family was shocked.

As it is, 'Size Zero' is not for me. I feel a woman should have a feminine figure.

For a movie actor, the biggest challenge on TV is the number of close-up shots.

Until Ranveer was born in August 2005, three years into our marriage, I was working in Hindi or South Indian films. After marriage, I began learning how to run a house. My mother wanted to teach me the basics, but I was never home. So when my mother-in-law taught me chores, it was hard to adjust.

Personally, I wear a lot of my mother-in-law's chiffons and my mother's silk. But when I buy saris for myself, then they have to be understated.

Unless you are aggressive, you will never become number one.

I have realised that to ensure my family stays healthy, it is important I stay fit and healthy myself.

I have never planned my career. I never wanted to be an actress. Films were an instinctive step, just like modelling and television.

There is no reason to compare Bollywood and Marathi films. Both have their own charm.

I think you should allow your kid to know and watch what is dangerous instead of keeping them away from it. Otherwise, how will she or he know that it is unsafe?

The upbringing my parents gave me has got me through the ups and downs in my life. My parents always believed that children need to be compassionate and caring human beings above anything. I wish and hope the same for my son Ranveer.

Ranveer was almost three when I began my second stint. I took up TV assignments so that I could have enough time at home. While being 24/7 with my child was amazing and his company stimulating, I missed adult conversations.

As a contemporary Indian woman who has been handling so many things, I think she can be a very strong woman, a very strong working woman. We need more and more working women in our country.

Bengalis have the best skin and hair; there's something more about the fish from here. I think I will start ordering fish from Bengal!

I love French cuisine. From crepes to the variety of cheese and seafood preparations, this cuisine is so innovative and fresh. It offers something for every kind of foodie.

Initially, I was like, 'I can handle anything. What's the big deal about being a mother?' I was not prepared for the changes which are so subtle that they creep up on you.

People often confuse self-respect with arrogance. I believe that there is a very thin line between the two. Balance between the two is often what leads to happiness.