Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre is currently battling cancer. In July she had announced that she had been diagnosed with 'high-grade' metastatic cancer . Since then the actress, who is undergoing treatment in the US, has been chronicling her ongoing battle every step of the way. It is her husband Goldie Behl and son Ranveer Behl who are beside her during this toughest time. And there is a lovely story behind their beautiful bonding.
Actress and model Sonali Bendre was 22 when she found the love of her life, producer Goldie Behl. He is the son of yesteryear filmmaker Ramesh Behl who was known for films Kasme Vaade, Jawaani, Pukar and Apne Apne.
How it all began
Goldie lost his father (Ramesh Behl) when he was just 13 and in the subsequent year, he lost his grandfather. And thus, he grew up among five women, his mother, grandmother and three sisters. He has always been around women.
It was love at first sight for Goldie when he saw Sonali on the sets of a film in 1994. “I bumped into Sonali on the sets of the film 'Naaraaz'. My sister Shrishti Arya knew her well but I didn’t know her at all. I just found her attractive. (Winks) I still do. Believe it or not, what appealed to me the most was how slowly she ate her food. We were having lunch together and I commented on her eating pace. She got a little upset with my comment. At least, it broke the ice and we started talking. So our first conversation was about food and to date most times, we simply talk about food. (Laughs) Now most of it is about how little I should eat,” said Goldie in an interview.
The proposal
Their love was one-sided initially as Goldie fell head over heels in love with her. “The affection was one-sided. She was in denial. I didn’t give up on her though. Even my mom asked me not to let go of her. She thought Sonali was an amazing girl. For the first time in my life, I heeded my mom’s advice and thank God for that,” he said.
Soon Sonali also started feeling strongly for him. They had a bunch of common friends who always hung out together. Taking help from his friends, Goldie planned a dream proposal for Sonali. Four years after he met her on the sets of 'Angaaray', Goldie got down on his knees at a party thrown by actor Abhishek Bachchan (their common friend). He asked his dream girl, the ever beautiful Sonali Bendre to become Mrs Sonali Behl.
The big 'Yes'
After Sonali accepted Goldie’s proposal for marriage, they decided to inform their respective families. Goldie had it hard here too as Sonali's Maharashtrian parents were against the marriage and they needed some convincing. Sonali was already very close to Goldie’s sister and his mother. But Goldie, a Punjabi, had to face some strong opposition as he is younger than Sonali and not as educated as she is. But ultimately, they gave in and the love won.
Love continues...
On November 12, 2002, Goldie and Sonali tied the knot in a lavish ceremony. After three years of their blissful marriage, the couple was blessed with a baby boy.
“We’re still discovering each other. There’s so much more to find out about each other and enjoy a long and happy life together,” he said.
