Neelam Kothari

Neelam Kothari
Neelam Kothari in 2009
Born	Neelam Kothari Nov 9 1969 Hong Kong
Residence	Pali Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Other names	Neelam Soni
Occupation	Actress Jewellery Designer
Years active	1984–2001
Spouse(s)	Rishi Sethia (divorced) Samir Soni (2011–present)
Children	Ahana Soni

Neelam Kothari is an Indian film actress and jewellery designer. She made her acting debut with Jawaani (1984) opposite debutant Karan Shah. She then starred opposite Govinda in the box office hits Love 86 (1986), Sindoor (1986), Khudgarz (1987), Hatya (1988), Farz Ki Jung, (1989), Taaqatwar (1989) and Do Qaidi (1989). She starred opposite Chunkey Pandey in films Aag Hi Aag (1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1988), Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988), Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989), and Mitti Aur Sona (1989).

Her career's biggest hit remains Ghar Ka Chiraag opposite Rajesh Khanna in 1989. She was also noticed for her appearance in the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where she played herself as a VJ, and the multi-starrer classic hit Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United (1999).

Neelam Kothari was born in Hong Kong. As a child, she learnt to play the keyboard and danced Jazz Ballet. Her family has a traditional jewellery making business, making high-class pieces. After her early childhood in Hong Kong, her family moved to Bangkok. Neelam was holidaying in Mumbai when she was approached by director Ramesh Behl. She decided to give acting a shot and signed for the film Jawaani (1984) alongside Karan Shah, Tina Munim's nephew. But the film was a flop.

Her performance in her debut film was noticed in film circles and she received offers. She later became famous in 1986 for her role in the film Ilzaam opposite another debutante Govinda. She starred opposite Govinda in 14 movies and 8 were hits such as Love 86, Khudgarz (1987), Hatya (1988) and Taaqatwar (1989). She had 5 hits opposite Chunkey Pandey such as Aag Hi Aag (1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1988) and Ghar Ka Chiraag which was her career's most acclaimed hit film. Box office success eluded her from the early 1990s. Her films Ek Ladka Ek Ladki opposite Salman Khan, and Parampara were successful however her other films like Pratigyabandh, Doodh Ka Karz, , Banjaran, Ranbhoomi, Indrajeet, Agneepath, Gharana, Amiri Garibi, and Afsana Pyar Ka were box office flops. Her last successful film was the 1999 family drama film Hum Saath Saath Hain in which she played a supporting role. Her last film was the delayed release Kasam in 2001 opposite Chunky Pandey.