Sonali Kulkarni Opens Up About Playing Salman Khan’s Mother in ‘Bharat’: “They Paid Me Really Well”
Acclaimed actress Sonali Kulkarni, known for her versatile performances across independent and mainstream cinema, has recently shed light on one of the most unconventional roles of her career: playing the mother of Salman Khan in the 2019 period drama, Bharat.
The casting choice sparked curiosity at the time, primarily because Kulkarni is nine years younger than Khan. However, in a candid reflection on the project, the actress revealed that her acceptance of the role was a calculated professional decision driven by both artistic merit and financial incentive.
Overcoming Initial Hesitation
Speaking about the casting process, Kulkarni admitted that she was initially skeptical. “During casting, I said, ‘I can’t be playing this role,'” she recalled. Despite her reservations, director Ali Abbas Zafar and casting director Mukesh Chhabra remained persistent. They emphasized that the flashback sequences, in which Kulkarni’s character, Janki Devi, is pivotal, were essential to the film’s narrative structure and the evolution of the titular character.
“The flashback meant everything to that film. That’s how Bharat gets his name and reacts to situations,” she explained. Recognizing that professional filmmakers would not risk their project on a poor casting choice, Kulkarni decided to embrace the role as a creative challenge.
Chemistry and Compensation
While the on-screen age gap made headlines, Kulkarni noted that her role was primarily focused on interacting with the child version of Bharat, rather than the adult version portrayed by Khan. When they did share the set, she found the superstar to be remarkably professional and gracious.
“We bonded very well on the sets of Bharat,” she shared, recalling a lighthearted moment where Khan allowed her to ride his bicycle on set.
Beyond the creative experience, Kulkarni was transparent about the practical benefits of the production. When asked about her decision to take the role, she frankly stated, “They paid me really well,” adding that the experience was further enriched by the opportunity to watch her co-star Katrina Kaif perform. Kulkarni was effusive in her praise for Kaif, highlighting her grace and skill as a dancer during the film’s popular musical sequences.
A Commercial Success
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Bharat went on to become a major commercial success, raking in over Rs 325 crore worldwide. The film, which spanned several decades of Indian history, featured a massive ensemble cast including Disha Patani, Sunil Grover, Tabu, and Jackie Shroff.
Ultimately, for Kulkarni, the role was an exercise in stepping outside her comfort zone. Looking back on her unconventional casting in the film, she holds no regrets, viewing it as a productive chapter that allowed her to deliver a crucial performance while working within one of Bollywood’s biggest production houses.
