Sonali Kulkarni doesn't need an introduction. She is one of Indian cinema’s most respected and versatile actors. With an impressive body of work across Marathi, Hindi, and international films, she has consistently delivered powerful performances in movies like Doghi, Deool, Mission Kashmir, Taxi No. 9211, and Singham, and even crossed into global cinema with the Italian film Fuoco su di me. Today, she continues to push creative boundaries—not only on-screen but now through her voice in a new audio series.
Thanks to the rise of social media, conversations around skin tone, inclusivity, and women’s equality are finally gaining mainstream attention. In light of this, one of Sonali’s recent interviews caught my eye—where she candidly recalled facing colour bias at the start of her career. But she didn’t let it stop her from growing. When I brought it up, she reflected on those early challenges.
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“Texture, colour, and skin tone are bygones now,” Sonali said firmly. “Today we all know that we belong to India, and we are going to have a dark and wheatish tone. Thanks to web series where people are not accepted for beauty… Being beautiful by default, by birth is not a merit.”
Kulkarni also shares insights into her evolving career and her latest venture into audio storytelling. She discusses her role as Rani Sukanya in Audible's His Majesty's Tiger, reflecting on the challenges and joys of bringing a character to life through voice alone.
From Visual to Vocal: The Evolution of Storytelling
When reflecting on her career evolution, Kulkarni reveals a profound shift in her approach to acting. "Initially, I just wanted to be perfect. I wanted not to make any mistake," she admits. However, her perspective gradually transformed as she began to see herself as a creative partner rather than merely an interpreter. "Today, I feel I am partnered with my writer and director and my producer. I took a huge leap because slowly I understood that it is not about being right. There is nothing called perfect unless I enjoy telling my story as a character."
This evolution from perfectionism to creative partnership has allowed her characters to become more than roles. "In the past 10 years, the characters I have played have become my friends," Kulkarni shares, highlighting how this deeper connection resonates with audiences. "I feel really nice when the audience echoes my emotions. That's when I know my job is done."
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The Unique Challenge of Audio Storytelling
Voicing Rani Sukanya for Audible presented Kulkarni with an entirely new challenge. "It was absolutely challenging because as an actor you're told that we will not give you costumes, we will not give you any accessories, there will be no crown, there will be no set. On top of it, we don't want to show your face, but still, you have to make us believe that you are the queen," she explains.
This limitation became an opportunity for creative growth. "I think the biggest challenge in my life was working on this series for Audible," Kulkarni acknowledges, praising the platform for their innovative casting approach. Her preparation was meticulous, "I prepared for 2-3 weeks. I had to have a clear voice, a rested voice which can emote emotions well."
The technical aspects of audio performance required special attention to nuance. "We have a very good team on board who looks after every pause, every space. The silences are also very important," she notes. Whether whispering, crying, or screaming, each emotion needed to be conveyed solely through vocal expression, making this project particularly demanding yet rewarding.
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The Future of Storytelling in a Digital Age
Kulkarni offers fascinating perspectives on why audio dramas are gaining popularity in today's media landscape. "We are tired of our FOMO (fear of missing out)," she observes. "Our eyes are tired, our capacity to receive or watch is weakening." This fatigue with visual overload creates an opportunity for audio content to provide a different kind of engagement.
"I don't mind listening to the radio, I don't mind listening to a podcast, I don't mind shutting my eyes and listening to something which will soothe me," she continues. "I think we are travelling towards harmony and peace. This is our biggest journey, and we are desperate to go towards harmony. The quieter we go, the better we feel."
Breaking Barriers: Industry Evolution and Personal Growth
Throughout her career, Kulkarni has witnessed significant transformations in the Indian entertainment industry. When comparing regional film industries, she notes that while budgets may differ, "the passion of filmmaking is the same." She appreciates the growing respect for all crew members across industries, remarking that "everybody is contributing, everybody is adding their talent to the product."
Addressing past challenges regarding skin tone beauty standards, Kulkarni reflects on overcoming criticism about her appearance earlier in her career. "Texture, colour, and skin tone are bygones now," she states. "Today we all know that we belong to India, and we are going to have a dark and wheatish tone. Thanks to web series where people are not accepted for beauty... Being beautiful by default, by birth is not a merit."
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Despite facing such hurdles, Kulkarni bagged the main lead of that film, proving her talent transcends superficial judgments. Today, she leads a very proud and happy career and personal life, with multiple exciting projects in the pipeline including ‘The Paradise’ alongside Nani and Jhanvi Kapoor, ‘Sushila Sujit,’ ‘Manwat Murders’ on SonyLIV, and more.
As she continues to expand her artistic horizons across mediums and languages, Sonali Kulkarni stands as a testament to versatility, resilience, and the ever-evolving art of storytelling in Indian entertainment.
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