Neelam Kothari is a former Indian Actress who appeared in several notable bollywood movies, throughout the late 80’s and the 90’s. On one of her vacations to Mumbai, she was spotted by director Ramesh Behl who offered her a role in her debut film, ‘Jawaani’, in 1984, opposite Karan Shah. Although her debut movie was a commercial flop, Neelam was noted by several members of the film circle and went on to do many movies.

Her pairing with Govinda, in the film Ilzaam, was widely appreciated and the pair went on to star in 14 movies, together. She also starred with Chunky Pandey in over 5 movies. Her most remembered work, however, is with Rajesh Khanna in ‘Ghar ka Chiraag’ that released in the year 1989. Some of her hit movies include Love, Hatya, Khatron Ke Khiladi and the Bengali film Badnaam. She also made a special appearance in the 1998 blockbuster, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Born in 1968, Neelam belongs to Gujarati-Iranian lineage. She spent her early years in Hong Kong, after which her family relocated to Bangkok. The Kothari family carries a family business that is in to Traditional Jewellery making. Despite the decision to pursue a career in acting, Neelam always maintained a keen interest in her family business and continued to design jewellery. In line with this interest, she pursued a course in jewellery designing in 2001, shortly after she quit the film industry. Soon, she commercialized her designs under the banner, Neelam Jewels. Neelam Jewels had its first showroom launched in 2014, in Mumbai. The following store was opened in Mumbai on 25 August, 2011.

Currently, Neelam Kothari is settled in Mumbai, and married to actor Samir Soni. Together, they have a daughter named Ahana.

Blog By Sunandhini