Actress Sonali Kulkarni turns author

NEW DELHI - Sonali Kulkarni, whose roles in “Mission Kashmir” and “Dil Chahta Hai” were highly appreciated, has diverted her energies towards writing a book in her mother tongue Marathi.

“My book titled ‘Sokool’ will be out next month. I wrote 101 articles for a newspaper for two years. I have re-worked those writeups, added certain things which are now relevant and have compiled them for the book,” Sonali told IANS on telephone from Mumbai.

The actress made her debut with Amol Palekar’s “Daayraa” in 1995 and won the best actress award for the film at the France International Film Festival.

Later, she went on to do films like “Pyar Tune Kya Kiya”, “Dil Vil Pyar Vyar”, “Bride and Prejudice” and “Taxi No. 9211″. She will now be seen in “Rock Shock”, “The Man” and “Camp”.

On her role in “Mohandas” that releases July 11, Sonali said: “The story of this film is different and very interesting. My role of a reporter in the film was quite difficult to essay. But the director really helped me during my performance.”

Sonali, who has been associated with regional cinema as well, especially Marathi, said what matters to her while deciding on a film is the story as well as the money being paid to her.

“The story is the most important factor for me to do a film. Along with that what matters is whether I’m being paid well or not.”

“There were times when I was taken for a ride. I used to do a film for less money thinking that the producers don’t have much to pay and are going through financial crunch, but I later got to know that my co-stars were paid much more than me. So now I make sure that I get proper recognition and remuneration for my work.”

At the moment, Sonali is quite upbeat about her appearance in filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s venture “Well Done Abba”, even though it’s a cameo. The film also stars Minissha Lamba, Boman Irani and Rajit Kapoor.

“I went to Shyam Benegal’s office as a college girl. Scared and nervous, I had told him that I wanted to work with him. It didn’t happen then, but now after 15 years I got a call from his office for a cameo in his film. I didn’t think twice and grabbed the offer,” said the 34-year-old.

On whether she regrets any professional decision, Sonali was quick to reply: “I don’t have any regrets, but, yes, I am upset and desperate to know the fate of almost eight to nine of my films which never got released. I had given my time and energy to them and was not even paid well. I feel helpless because as an actor I cannot do anything.”

“However, I am happy that my career didn’t get stuck to those films and I moved on,” she added.