Sonali Kulkarni on Sulochana Latkar: Didi experienced unimaginable, emotionally volatile situations, but she never let anyone know – Exclusive | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

You’ve had a long association with Sulochana Latkar. How did you meet her?

It was Sulochana Tai who had extended a hand of friendship because one fine day, she had called me at my rental apartment when I was struggling and still new in Mumbai. She called me and gave me feedback on my work in one of my films. I asked, “May I know who is speaking?” And she said, “Sulochana.” That was my first introduction to her and it made a deeper impression in my memory that such a wonderful, experienced, and dignified actor had the simplicity to call a youngster.

What memories do you have of your association with Sulochana Latkar?

I have a saga of memories with Sulochana Tai and no award function felt complete without Sulochana Tai. Whenever I went to an event or received any award, I never sat down without touching Sulochana Tai’s feet. I never looked for my seat without greeting her. I can call her daughter Kanchan Tai her replica or beautiful shadow because she was always as warm and accommodating as her mother.

Your association with Sulochana ji extends beyond the events. You played her as a character in the Marathi film Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar (2018) as well.

Yes, I met Sulochana Tai at many functions but it was Ani… Dr Kashinath Ghanekar that turned friendship into warmth and an unforgettable relationship. The director wanted me to play Sulochana Tai in the film and I thought that I may not have that much of an aura that Didi has. Because of that film, I got to meet her pretty often.

Since you knew her so well, how would you describe Sulochana ji as a person and a mother?

She was very protective and possessive about her family. She was not the type of actor who would think only about projects. She always wanted to know about the well-being of family members. My maternal home is on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. Sulochana Didi was from a village near my maternal home. My relatives have always felt proud that I was entering an industry where Sulochana Didi was an established and respected actor. For them, there was no fear associated with my choice of profession, but it was a matter of pride. The only thing that my relatives had told me was to work well so that Didi would like it.

Did you know about her ailments and failing health?

I got to meet her many times and I felt her agony all the more. She had never ever let anyone know what she had been through. She always maintained a composed and joyous presence. What emotionally volatile situations she has gone through are unimaginable – monetary, medical and the family members she has helped. When I was playing her in the film, I wish I had known her earlier. One could have mattered a little more to her joys. When I told my daughter the news today, I broke down. Today was the big day of my daughter’s school and I couldn’t be there. I told her, “Do you remember that Aaji to whom we had gone to pay respects?” Sulochana Tai had scolded me once because I had not taken Kaveri (Sonali’s daughter) with me on her birthday.

It was so emotional for me because I had come to see Didi at the hospital yesterday. That very moment her family members stepped out with the bad news that she had passed away. I had to type all the messages to the press on the family’s behalf. I felt that a part of me had left me. But we have to have her in our hearts and maintain the sanskar she has shared with me. Sulochana Tai always told me, ‘We have to encourage each other for the good work we do’.