Actress Sonali Kulkarni, known for her extensive film career, recently shared a poignant personal experience.
As she prepares for her upcoming OTT show, Oops! Ab Kya?, Kulkarni opened up about her challenges early in her career. In a candid interview with OTTplay, she shared a moment from her first film audition that left a lasting impact.
Facing Criticism at a Young Age
Sonali Kulkarni recalled her first film audition. Girish Karnad conducted the audition.
Kulkarni, then a young actress from Pune, wore her only Punjabi suit, gifted by her brother, to the audition. She was one of 25 candidates. Excited to meet the renowned filmmaker, she was optimistic.
Upon entering, she encountered familiar faces and elders. A well-known lady questioned her presence.
Kulkarni, misunderstanding the sarcasm, explained her attendance. The lady remarked, “Don’t you know that dark girls look really bad on camera?” Kulkarni, vulnerable at 16, felt embarrassed and out of place.
Despite the criticism, Sonali chose to remain. She decided to help around, serving tea and water, trying to mask her distress. Her determination to stay was unwavering. Then, she saw Girish Karnad arrive.
Girish Karnad’s Impactful Interaction
Karnad interacted with all auditioning girls. He warmly asked Kulkarni about her background. She informed him she was in 12th standard and involved in a play. His genuine interest made her feel comfortable and appreciated.
Their conversation uplifted her spirits. She shared details of her play, feeling valued. This moment helped her forget the earlier humiliation. She realized the power of kindness in making others feel better.
Reflecting on the encounter, Kulkarni noted, “I just felt that this quality of a human being to make the other person feel okay about himself or herself was so unique.” This meeting became a pivotal point in her life.
A Life-Changing Realization
Sonali Kulkarni expressed no initial desire to be an actor. Yet, the experience taught her the importance of being a good person. The warmth shown by Karnad inspired her deeply.
Her upcoming show, Oops! Ab Kya?, is set to stream on JioHotstar on February 20, 2025. Kulkarni continues to carry forward the lessons learned from her early experiences. She aspires to impact others positively.
Will Sonali’s story inspire young talents facing similar challenges in the industry?