29 May,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Oshin Fernandes
Sonali Bendre. Pic via Instagram
For Bollywood icon Sonali Bendre, gold jewellery is far more than a red-carpet statement; it is a vault of deeply personal memories. In this exclusive chat with mid-day, the actress, who has come on board as the brand ambassador for P. N. Gadgil & Sons, opens up about her Maharashtrian roots, blending cultures with husband Goldie Behl, and the emotional heirloom pieces that define her life beyond the screen.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: How would you trace back your association with gold growing up in an Indian household?
Sonali: Growing up, gold was always a quiet but constant presence in our home. I remember watching my mother and grandmother carefully take out their jewellery for weddings, festivals, and family celebrations. Each piece seemed to hold a memory, a blessing from elders, a milestone, or something lovingly passed down through generations. As a child, I was fascinated by the stories attached to these pieces more than the jewellery itself. Over time, I realised that in Indian families, gold is never just ornamental. It carries emotion, tradition, protection, and legacy.
What has always appealed to me most about gold is how it quietly becomes a witness to life's most meaningful moments. Whether it's a wedding, the birth of a child or festivities like Akshaya Tritiya, gold carries an emotional value that goes far beyond trends or fashion. Even today, when I wear certain pieces, I'm instantly transported back to moments from my childhood, the excitement of getting dressed for festivals, sitting with the women in the family while they shared stories, and the warmth of those celebrations. Gold, for me, has always been deeply tied to family and memory.
Q: What was the first piece of gold jewellery you purchased on your own?
Sonali: A pair of earrings for my mother. Growing up, I always felt that mothers sacrifice so much and almost always think of themselves last. My mother was exactly like that; she had never really bought herself a piece of jewellery because there was always something else that needed attention or something more important to buy for the family. So, when I finally started earning, I wanted to do something special just for her. I still remember the happiness on her face when she received it. It wasn't just about the jewellery itself but about being able to give back, even in a small way, to someone who had quietly given so much of herself to all of us over the years.
Q: Do you remember your mangalsutra design? What is your take on the cultural transition around it over the years?
Sonali: My mangalsutra holds deep emotional meaning for me because it beautifully represents the coming together of two families and cultures. The one my mother gave me for my wedding was a very traditional Maharashtrian Mangalsutra with the classic wati design, while the one gifted by my mother-in-law had a distinct Punjabi influence in its style. For me, those two mangalsutras are far more than pieces of jewellery; they hold deep emotional meaning and represent an important chapter of my life.
Traditionally, mangalsutras are crafted in gold with black beads, symbolising protection, love, and togetherness, and I think that sentiment continues to make them so special. What I really appreciate today is how women are making the tradition their own. Earlier, there were very fixed ideas around how it should look or be worn, but now women are embracing it more personally, whether through modern designs, simpler styles, or even choosing when they want to wear it. The sentiment remains intact, but the expression has evolved with time, and I think that's beautiful.
Q: What is the most priceless possession in your jewellery collection?
Sonali: The most priceless piece I own would definitely be my Ajji's patlya, the traditional flat gold bangles in Marathi culture. I have such vivid memories of her wearing them all the time; they were almost a part of her identity. After she passed away, her jewellery was lovingly divided among her daughters and granddaughters, and I was fortunate to receive those bangles. What makes them truly special to me is not their design or value, but the memories they hold. Even though the detailing has softened over time with wear, to me, they are still incredibly beautiful because they carry her presence, warmth, and love. Every time I wear them, I feel incredibly close to her.
Q: What is the best jewellery gift you have received?
Sonali: One of the most special jewellery gifts I've ever received was a gold chain with a locket from Goldie when we were still dating. What made it so meaningful was knowing that he had bought it with his own hard-earned money. It wasn't about how grand or expensive the gift was, but about the thought and emotion behind it. There's something incredibly touching about receiving something from a person who has worked hard and chosen it, especially for you. Even today, that piece holds immense sentimental value for me because it reminds me of a very pure and heartfelt moment in our journey together.
