Neelam Kothari
Biography
Neelam Kothari, also known mononymously as Neelam and Neelam Kothari Soni, is an Indian jewellery designer and former actress who worked in Hindi films. Born in Hong Kong, her early childhood was spent there before her family moved to Bangkok. While holidaying in Mumbai, she was approached by Ramesh Behl and decided to enter acting. She debuted in the 1984 film Jawaani alongside Karan Shah, though the film was a flop. She gained fame in 1986 with the film Ilzaam, starring opposite debutante Govinda. She subsequently formed a regular screen pairing with Govinda in movies including Love 86, Khudgarz, Hatya, Taaqatwar, and Do Qaidi, and she also starred in the hit film Aag Hi Aag.
Career overview
Neelam Kothari is an Indian jewellery designer and former actress who worked in Hindi films. Born in Hong Kong, she spent her early childhood there before her family moved to Bangkok. While holidaying in Mumbai, she was approached by Ramesh Behl and decided to pursue acting, making her film debut in 1984 with Jawaani alongside Karan Shah, though the film was a flop.
She continued her career and achieved fame in 1986 with the film Ilzaam, in which she starred opposite fellow debutante Govinda. Following this success, she formed a regular screen pairing with Govinda, appearing together in movies such as Love 86 in 1986, Khudgarz in 1987, Hatya in 1988, and Taaqatwar and Do Qaidi both in 1989. Additionally, she starred in the 1987 hit film Aag Hi Aag, acting opposite Dharmendra and Chunkey Pandey.
Throughout her career, she accumulated known credits in the film industry and is also recognized by the alternate name Neelam Kothari Soni.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
50 titles- The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025) as Neelam Kothari
- The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024) as Self
- Madness Machayenge - India Ko Hasayenge (2024)
- Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives (2020) as Self
- Made in Heaven (2019) as Kriti Malhotra
- Indian Idol (2004) as Self
- Deewangee (2002) as Mrs. Mehta
- Kasam (2001)
- Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) as Sangeeta Chaturvedi Pandey
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) as Neelam (Special Appearance)
- Mohabbat Aur Jung (1998) as Priya
- Ek Tha Raja (1996) as Shilpa
- Zordaar (1996) as Anju Sharma
- Sauda (1995) as Jyoti
- Parampara (1993) as Sapna
- Santaan (1993) as Asha
- Antim Nyay (1993) as Seema A. Varma
- Ek Ladka Ek Ladki (1992) as Renu
- Khule-Aam (1992) as Priya
- Laat Saab (1992) as Anju/Mona
- Shankra (1991)
- Jumma Chumma In London (1991)
- Afsana Pyar Ka (1991) as Nikita
- Banjaran (1991) as Neha Singh
- Pratigyabadh (1991) as Shobhna
- Indrajeet (1991) as Neelu
- Agneepath (1990) as Siksha Chauhan
- Doodh Ka Karz (1990) as Reshma
- Chor Pe Mor (1990)
- Pyar Ka Karz (1990) as Seema
- Badnaam (1990)
- Taaqatwar (1989) as Inspector Sharma's girlfriend
- Hum Bhi Insaan Hain (1989) as Rekha
- Mitti Aur Sona (1989) as Anupama
- Do Qaidi (1989) as Neelu
- Dost Garibon Ka (1989) as Rekha
- Billoo Baadshah (1989) as Jyoti
- Farz Ki Jung (1989) as Kavita
- Hatya (1988) as Sapna
- Waqt Ki Awaz (1988) as Dancer / Singer
- Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988) as Sunita Mahesh Singh
- Paap Ki Duniya (1988) as Aarti
- Gharana (1988) as Lalita (Dharamdas' daughter)
- Sindoor (1987) as Lalita Kapoor (as Neelam)
- Khudgarz (1987) as Jyoti Sinha
- Ghar Mein Ram Gali Mein Shyam (1987) as Jaya Srivastav
- Aag Hi Aag (1987) as Aarti Chaudhari
- Ilzaam (1986) as Aarti (as Neelam)
- Love 86 (1986) as Isha
- Jawaani (1984) as Sanam S. Malhotra
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Neelam Kothari best known for?
Neelam Kothari is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024), Home on the Range (2004), Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
When and where was Neelam Kothari born?
Neelam Kothari was born on March 3, 1968 in Hong Kong.
How many credits does Neelam Kothari have?
Neelam Kothari has accumulated over 50 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1984 to 2025.
What is Neelam Kothari's background in cinema and television?
Neelam Kothari, also known mononymously as Neelam and Neelam Kothari Soni, is an Indian jewellery designer and former actress who worked in Hindi films. Born in Hong Kong, her early childhood was spent there before her family moved to Bangkok. While holidaying in Mumbai, she was approached by Ramesh Behl and decided to...
Neelam Kothari by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) as Neelam (Special Appearance) — aged about 30
- The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024) as Self — aged about 56
- Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) as Sangeeta Chaturvedi Pandey — aged about 31
- Indian Idol (2004) as Self — aged about 36
- Shankra (1991) — aged about 23
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