‘Was worried I wouldn’t remember my lines’
Updated On: 23 May, 2022 07:10 AM IST | Mohar Basu
Stating that chemotherapy had led to brain fog, Sonali discusses prepping hard for The Broken News as she returns to acting after seven years
Pic/Instagram
While she has been a part of several reality shows, Sonali Bendre’s last brush with acting was the TV show, Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye. Over seven years and a triumphant battle against cancer later, she is returning to acting with The Broken News. So, how does it feel to breathe life into a role after so long? Bendre sums it up in one word. “Panic,” she laughs, before explaining, “I was scared because so much time had passed in between. People say it’s like riding a bike; you never forget it. I was nervous, but what pulled me out was the excitement that I was back to doing what I liked doing the most.” The ZEE5 newsroom drama sees the actor play a prime time anchor. “I instantly said yes to the character. She is full of strength. She raises [pertinent] questions — what are the boundaries of right and wrong? Is everything black and white?”
The content landscape and language have evolved in the past few years. Bendre, who has been a part of showbiz since the ’90s, is happy to adapt to the change. “I love how the sets have changed. Earlier, the only women on the set, except the actress, were the hairdresser and the stylists. Now, I see female energy on the set. The teams are professional.”
The show also stars Jaideep Ahlawat
Weeks before the series — also starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar — rolled, Bendre began her prep for the part. She admits it was an uphill task. “My chemotherapy had [led to] brain fog. So, I was worried I wouldn’t remember my lines. Earlier, I could recall a whole page of dialogues, but not anymore. So, the first thing I did was get back to remembering lines. During my illness, I learnt that there is no shame in asking for help. I got a coach and spent weeks understanding my character Amina, chalking out her back-story, and her future. The lines found more nuance and meaning because of the time spent on them.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
In the past few years, depiction of the media in films and popular culture has come under scrutiny. How did they ensure authenticity in the newsroom drama? “Authentic depiction depends on how the characters are written. In our show, we haven’t judged anyone or sensationalised anything. We have stuck to the truth.”
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 01:53 PM IST | In Photos: Amit Shah attends Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities in Mumbai
Divya Nair
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
14 July, 2026 04:05 PM IST | mid-day online correspondent
14 July, 2026 11:32 AM IST | Bespoke Stories
10 July, 2026 02:40 PM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou