I am not in the same category as Madhuri Dixit: Sonali

New Delhi, Aug 6 (UNI) With her stunning looks, a figure which could be the envy of any wannabe actress and an infectious smile, she lit up many Bollywood films in the 90s with her presence.

It has been nearly a decade since she bid adieu to films after getting settled in matrimony with filmmaker Goldie Behl but the petite Sonali Bendre still exudes the same charm and grace that she brought to films like 'Takkar', 'Diljale' and 'Sarfarosh'.

Having lend her beatific presence to the reality show 'Mr and Mrs Television' recently and the fourth edition of 'Indian Idol', a musical reality show, to be aired on Sony entertainment channel next month, in capacity as judge of these shows, one would assume that hers would be the next in the line of comebacks, close on the heels of that of 90s diva Madhuri Dixit and talented Kajol.

However, Sonali insists she is not ready to don the greasepaint again. ''I have not decided about a comeback just yet,'' she says.

Talking to UNI on the sidelines of a function organised by Omega where Sonali and Abhishek Bachchan, brand ambassadors of the company, felicitated the Indian contingent for the Beijing Olympics, Sonali said, ''doing films calls for too much commitment you see.

I am not really ready for the time and commitment needed for a movie. My child needs me more.'' Asked if actresses like Madhuri and Kajol could make a comeback, that surely was a sign of encouragement for her to follow suit, Sonali said, ''it is a crime if an actress like Madhuri does not make a comeback. I am a big fan of Madhuri Dixit and feel that she should always be there in the movies. However, I do not think I am ever in the same category.'' When mentioned that Goldie had said in a recent interview that he would love to cast her in one of his movies, Sonali said, ''but I am not ready yet. I like the space we have right now. He comes back and talks about his work and I tell him about my work. If at all, it definitely has to be sensitive subject for me to be a part of it.'' So, what made her take up the opportunity to do shows like 'Mr and Mrs TV' and now 'Indian Idol'.

''It is easier for me to judge a show like 'Indian Idol' because I work one day a week. Also, this type of work suits me better because I get time for my home and baby and can also do a bit of work,'' she said.

''When I judged 'Mr and Mrs TV', it was a nine-day affair. I really enjoyed working with Sony. They are nice to work with, a good team and friendly people,'' the actress says.

On the experience of working in 'Indian Idol' where she will appear in the capacity as judge along with Music director Anu Malik, Singer Kailash Kher and lyricist Javed Akhtar, Sonali said, ''I have enjoyed being a part of 'Indian Idol', which is produced by Miditech.

It is a nice show. It has friends and people who you get along with.

''There is Anu Malik, Javed Akhtar and Kailash Kher. With Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar, I have had a long association. Anu Malik has given me some of my best songs. Then, Javed Akhtar is a legend.

As for Kailash Kher, I have been a strong fan of his. However, barring all this, the whole team and the set up is interesting.'' More importantly, it was the opportunity to be herself and not having to do something uncomfortable that led her to take up the show.

''More than anything else, what I liked about the show was the fact that they will not make me do anything I am not comfortable doing. And, they were like, Ya, this is a reality show and whatever you do you do.

''The only thing that I feel vulnerable on a reality show is that the camera is running all the time. So whatever I am saying can be edited and put in any sort of way. However, somewhere I realises that Indian Idol has a fixed format as it is based on the US show 'American Idol'. And, at Indian Idol they follow their own fixed format. So, you cannot do any kind of 'hanky panky','' Sonali said.

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