Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre recently opened up about a rather unexpected memory from the sets of the iconic 1999 family drama Hum Saath Saath Hain, revealing a side of Salman Khan that both amused and exasperated her at the time. While the film continues to be cherished by fans for its portrayal of familial values and togetherness, not everything behind the scenes was as harmonious as it appeared on screen.
In a candid chat during a film discussion, Sonali Bendre reflected on the dynamic she shared with her co-stars while shooting the Sooraj Barjatya directorial. When asked about her experience working with Salman Khan, she didn’t shy away from admitting that there were moments when his behavior tested her patience.
Laughing as she shared the anecdote, Sonali said, “Salman Khan made it very difficult to like him at that time. He had a way of provoking people — always joking, always trying to get a reaction out of you. It was his thing, to irritate people playfully. But during one scene, he really got on my nerves.”
She went on to describe how Salman, who is known for his prankster attitude on film sets, pushed his on-set antics a bit too far during one of the shooting schedules. “There was a long day of shooting in the sun, and everyone was already exhausted. Salman, however, was in the mood to play around and tease people. He kept cracking jokes and interrupting takes, and I just wasn’t in the mood for it that day. Eventually, I snapped and told him off in front of everyone.”
Despite the tension in that moment, Sonali now looks back at the incident with fondness and a sense of humor. “He wasn’t trying to be mean. That’s just who he was — someone who liked to lighten the atmosphere. But yes, I was genuinely angry with him that day. And I told him so.”
She also acknowledged that Salman’s personality has always had layers — a mix of mischief, charm, and unpredictability. “He’s not an easy person to understand. But once you do, you realize there’s a lot more depth to him. He can be annoying, but he also has this large-hearted, protective side. You just have to know how to handle him.”
The Hum Saath Saath Hain set was filled with a huge ensemble cast including Mohnish Bahl, Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, and Karisma Kapoor, and naturally, there were a lot of personalities and moods at play. “We were like a real family — there were fun moments, emotional scenes, and occasional disagreements. But that’s what made the film so special,” Sonali added.
Salman Khan’s reputation as someone who enjoys playing pranks on co-stars is well known in the industry. Over the years, multiple actors have recounted their experiences of being the target of his playful side — some finding it endearing, others occasionally getting annoyed. But in most stories, like Sonali’s, there’s an underlying respect and acknowledgment of his unique way of bonding with his peers.
Sonali, who has herself gone through a remarkable personal journey — including a brave battle with cancer — has often spoken about finding strength in vulnerability. In sharing this story about Salman, she once again showed her honesty and willingness to reflect on both the light and challenging moments from her life and career.
In the end, Sonali was quick to clarify that despite that one frustrating moment, her equation with Salman remained respectful. “It was just one of those days,” she said. “I was tired, he was being himself, and things clashed. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s a unique person with a very big heart.”
So while Hum Saath Saath Hain may have presented the ideal joint-family dream on screen, Sonali Bendre’s behind-the-scenes story reminds us that even in picture-perfect Bollywood tales, real human moments — of irritation, laughter, and friendship — make the memories all the more unforgettable.
