Sonali Kulkarni, who began her mainstream Hindi film career by playing Hrithik Roshan’s on-screen mother in Mission Kashmir (2000), will soon be seen in the Telugu film The Paradise, where she plays the mother of protagonist Jada, played by Nani. During a recent interview, the actor looked back at Bharat, (2000), another film where she played the mother to Salman Khan, an actor 9 years older than her, defending her decision.

Speaking with Screen, Sonali recalled the casting process where she refused the role at first, but how both director Ali Abbas Zafar and casting director Mukesh Chhabra were 'very sure' about her, adding, “The flashback meant everything to that film. That’s how Bharat gets his name and reacts to situations. No director or casting director would like to fit in a wrong person somewhere. That would be a failure on their part too. So, it took a lot of convincing. I looked at it as a challenge.”

The casting decision stood out considering Sonali, 44 years old then, was 9 years younger than Salman. Talking about her working process with the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor, however, Sonali added, “I had very few scenes with the elder Bharat, played by Salman. We bonded very well on the sets of Bharat. One can learn from him to treat people well. He was ever gracious.”

Sonali added that she got paid 'very well' for the project.

Other notable roles in Sonali’s Hindi film career include Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Taxi no 9 2 11 (2006), and Singham (2011). 

Bharat, which released in 2019, was a notable box office success. Also starring Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, and Nora Fatehi among others, the film grossed more Rs 325 crore at the box office worldwide.