Sonali was born in Mumbai into a Marathi speaking Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu family.She studied in Bangalore and Mumbai in Kendriya Vidyalaya Malleswaram and Holy Cross Convent High School, Thane. Thereafter she went to Welham Girls School, Dehradun. She married film director Goldie Behl on 12 November 2002. On 11 August 2005, she gave birth to a son, Ranveer, at the Breach Candy Hospital. Bendre started out as a model before being selected for the "Star Dust Talent Search". She was invited to Mumbai and received training from a variety of top actors and performers of the Indian film industry. Her first role was in Aag (1994) opposite Govinda.The movie flopped,but she get noticed. And she get two awards for Filmfare Award for newcomer and Star Screen Awards Most Promising Newcomer. Though, she initially struggled to be a successful actress, she was eventually given critical acclaim for her performances in Diljale in 1996, followed by Bhai (1997), Sarfarosh, Zakhm, Duplicate, Kadhal...
Gaddaar
1995
Aag
1994
Dahek A Burning Passion
1999
Hum Saath Saath Hain
1999
Kannodu Kanbathellam
1999
Diljale
1996
Sarfarosh
1999
Kal Ho Naa Ho
2003
Love You Hamesha
1999
Murari
2001
Duplicate
1998
Khadgam
2002
Palnati Brahmanayudu
2003
Indra
2002
Keemat
1998
Major Saab
1998
Bombay
1995
Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara!
2013
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke
2000
Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.
2004
Naaraaz
1994
The Don
1995
Aga Bai Arechya
2004
Be Happy
2025
Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega
2001
Kadhalar Dhinam
1999
English Babu Desi Mem
1996
Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai
2000
Chal Mere Bhai
2000
Dil Hi Dil Mein
2000
Angaaray
1998
Apne Dam Par
1996
Takkar
1995
Manmadhudu
2002
Zakhm
1998
Chori Chori
2003
Bhai
1997
Tarazu
1997
Sapoot
1996
Qahar
1997