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Veteran actress of Bollywood Sonali Bendre, even though missing from the silver screen, remains in the news. Recently, her name went trending on the internet after a vintage video resurfaced linking her to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray. The video gave rise to speculation that Raj Thackeray had once been smitten by the actress—a rumour which soon spread like wildfire on social media.

Sonali Responds: “I Doubt It”
In a conversation with ANI, Sonali categorically denied the rumors. Asked to confirm the reported crush, she smiled and said:
“Really?… I doubt it.”
She had clarified that the viral video in question had actually been of her chatting with her sister, who was with her then—and not Raj Thackeray.

Severe Criticism of Malicious Rumor-Mongering
Terming the gossip as unequal and irresponsible, Sonali stated,
“I don’t think it is right to talk like this. Families are involved, people are involved—it’s not right to spread such things.”
She clarified that her connection with Raj Thackeray’s family is purely familial and respectful.

Long-Standing Family Connections
Sonali revealed that her brother-in-law, a cricketer, played alongside Raj’s cousin. Her sister’s mother-in-law was also her professor at Ruia College. Additionally, Raj Thackeray’s wife Sharmila’s mother and Sonali’s aunt were close friends.
“I was pretty much traveling and barely came to Maharashtra once or twice a year,” she continued.

On Politics: “Not for Me”
Asked if she would ever consider getting into politics, Sonali quickly dismissed the possibility:
“No, I have no taste for politics. It needs a thick skin, which I don’t possess. I’m not even politically correct.”

With this, Sonali Bendre ended the unfounded rumors and reaffirmed that she did not want to remain away from political life.