Bendre was born in Mumbai. She has three sisters and had always been a quite child, who kept herself to reading books rather than hanging out with friends. She started her journey with participating in the "Stardust Talent Search”, where she got training from veteran actors and performers of the Hindi film industry.
Who can forget the young and gorgeous Sonali dancing to the tunes of “Humma Humma” as a guest appearance in the film “Bombay” in 1992. Sonali began her fabulous career in 1994, with “Aag”. In 2005, she was also awarded the "Newcomer of the year".
She then went on to appear in a no. of films like “Anaahat”, “Naraaz”, “Rakshak”, “Dehek”, “Sarfarosh”, “Duplicate”, “Major saab”, “Hum Saath Saath Hain” and the latest guest appearance in “Kal Ho Naa Ho” in 2002.
She has been fortunate enough to work with renowned actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Shahrukh and Aamir Khan. Sonali has also proved her acting prowess by doing different genres of films. From the soft spoken young girl in “Hum Saath Saath Hain”, to the queen who chooses to assert her sexuality in the critically lauded film “Anaahat”, Sonali has definitely come a full circle.
She has also hosted a dance show on Star Plus named “Kya Masti Kya Dhoom”. She has also acted in a few Telugu movies which has been successful.
In 2002, Sonali married director Goldie Behl, after which she has preferred to keep a low profile. She gave birth to a baby in 2005, but has successfully kept her privacy from the media. Though she hasn’t worked in any film since her wedding, people are hoping a quick come back for this 5’7” long legged actress.