Exclusive - I didn’t want to announce my engagement during this difficult time: Sonalee Kulkarni

Marathi TV reality show Yuva Dancing Queen judge Sonalee Kulkarni got engaged to Kunal Benodekar on Feb 2, 2020, in Dubai and announced the news to fans on her birthday (May 18, 2020). The ‘Hirkani’ star spoke exclusively to ETimes TV and revealed her relationship with fiancé Kunal, her wedding plans and what sealed the deal for her. - Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

I and Kunal met last year in December. He proposed to me. I always wanted to spend my life with the person who is not like me. I am very naughty, constantly doing something or the other. But he is really calm and reserved. That's what attracted me in him. (PC -Instagram)

Actually everything happened so quickly. His parents came from London and my parents flew down to Dubai from Pune. Our families spent time with each other in Dubai and I enjoyed every moment with them. If I could have shared the engagement announcement with my fans on that day itself then I would have become really busy with interviews, interaction and wishes on social media. I didn’t want to do that. That event went peacefully.

Later when everything seemed good, we were hit by the COVID-outbreak. During these depressing times, I didn’t want to announce our engagement. There was tension and chaos all around. So, we waited for the right time. I felt my birthday to be the right time to share this news with everyone. (PC -Instagram)

We met in London when I was shooting for my film ‘Ti aani Ti’. Then we became friends. He came to India to meet me and later I went to Dubai to meet him. We eventually realized that we want to spend our life with each other. Our families were involved, too. Sometimes, you meet a person and you realize that he is the one, I felt the same. (PC -Instagram)

The thing is Kunal is really private person. I have a habit of being social and interacting with fans. He is really supportive. He never forced me to do anything. He is quite opposite to me and I always wanted the same in my life partner. ( PC -Instagram)

From the saree, makeup to hairdo, I have done everything by myself. I had appointed a makeup artist from Dubai but I didn’t like what she has done. So, I had done everything by myself. (PC-Instagram)

I am more attracted to our traditions and I feel that’s what we all have to do. Kunal and his family are also culturally rooted despite staying in a foreign country. That’s why I chose to keep it traditional. Besides, we also followed a western style of engagement and those pictures will be uploaded soon. (PC -Instagram)

We will get married next year. I am glad that we are staying together now in Dubai, spending a lot of quality and trying to know each other. He makes me feel special. I am blessed to have him in my life and yes, our routine schedule and life is waiting for us. (PC -Instagram) - Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar