Sonali Kulkarni REVEALS Ruling Out Cliché Of Being Typecast In 2000s: Played Sanjay Dutt's Wife, Hrithik's Mom And Saif's... - EXCL
Remember Sonali Kulkarni from Dil Chahta Hai, the actress who played Pooja? Well, Sonali is currently gearing up for her upcoming film, Hello Knock Knock Hai's release. The actress, who has had a illustrious journey of over two decades, recently interacted with Zoom. In an exclusive chat with us, Sonali shared fond memories of working on her timeless classic film, Dil Chahta Hai. While discussing it, the actress opened up about ruling out cliché of being typecast in commercial cinema. Sonali Kulkarni on experimenting with different roles During a candid chat with us, Sonali recalled playing completely different characters in three films - Mission Kashmir, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and Dil Chahta Hai. "That very year (in 2000) I had done Mission Kashmir. After which I did Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya by Ram Gopal Verma and then I did Dil Chahata Hai. So, the cliché we think that, in commercial cinema that you are typecast, was definitely ruled out. Because I played Sanjay Dutt's wife, Hrithik Roshan's mom (in Mission Kashmir). And then I play Fardeen's (Khan) wife (in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya). And here, (in Dil Chahta Hai), I was Saif's (Ali Khan) girlfriend. I only celebrate my work. That's about it," she told Zoom. ALSO READ - The Trial Season 2 Review: Kajol, Sonali Kulkarni Shine In Average Legal Drama The actress further recalled her memories associated with Dil Chahta Hai. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the movie featured Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Sonali, Preity Zinta and Dimple Kapadia. It completed 24 years in 2025. "Whenever we talk about Dil Chahta Hai, it immediately brings a smile on my face. It was Farhan's debut film and he was as light, crisp and chilled as a director. And of course, there is this innate exuberance and freshness that you want to direct and you are telling a story. There was Zoya (Akhtar) as the casting director and chief AD. Ritesh (Sidhwani) as the debutant producer," shared Sonali. Sonali Kulkarni on Dil Chahta Hai memories Continuing the conversation around Dil Chahta Hai, the actress spoke about working with a fantastic team, right from the music, costume to cinematography department. She also mentioned her co-stars, including Preity, and added, "(It was) a bunch of youngsters who were bursting with enthusiasm." Reflecting on the impact that film left and being known as 'Woh Ladki Hai Kahan' girl, Sonali signed off by saying, "I can't believe it's been 24 years. Because every week I keep getting tagged on Woh Ladki Hai Kahan song. If I have any big event, my welcome song is Woh Ladki Hai Kahan. So I always feel nice to wave at the audience and say that 'woh ladki hai yahan' bringing different projects. But yes, originally I am that girl. And it (Dil Chahta Hai) was a classic for me." On the work front, her film, Hello Knock Knock Kaun Hai, is set for a big screen release on November 7, 2025.
