Meet Neelam Kothari’s first husband, a UK based millionaire who asked his wife to change her identity and cut off her relationship. Scroll down to find more details.
Neelam Kothari Soni, popularly known as Neelam, is an acclaimed Indian actress born on November 9, 1969. She made her mark in Hindi cinema with her debut in Jawaani (1984). Neelam gained prominence through her numerous films alongside Govinda, including hits like Love 86 (1986), Ilzaam (1986), Sindoor (1987), Khudgarz (1987), Hatya (1988), Farz Ki Jung (1989), Billoo Badshah (1989), Taaqatwar (1989), and Do Qaidi (1989). Scroll down to find more details.
Neelam Kothari recently opened up about her first marriage and subsequent divorce with businessman Rishi Sethia. She revealed that after tying the knot, she was urged to change her name, give up non-vegetarian food, and adopt a more traditional Indian wardrobe.
Neelam said, “I was asked to wear Indian clothes, and give up non-veg and alcohol. I agreed to everything. I was also asked to change my name and I did. A lot of people do that. But, change my identity? This is something I did not agree to. I had reached a stage where I started questioning myself as to how I could allow this.”
Meet Neelam Kothari’s ex-husband
Neelam married UK-based businessman Rishi Sethia in 2000, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce shortly thereafter. In 2011, she found love again with Sameer Soni. The couple expanded their family in 2013 when they adopted a daughter named Ahana.
Neelam Kothari further added, ‘One day I came back from work and Ahana was with her friends. Usually, Ahana was always jumping, playing, and shouting. But that day she was very quiet. Ahana came to me and said- Mamma, you never told me that you are divorced. I was mortified when I heard this. I went completely silent. I had no words. I asked Ahana how did you know about all this? I told her- You are a celebrity. That’s why I and my friends were googling you. The first thing that came up was that you are divorced. You have been married once again.’
In 1998, Neelam faced serious charges under the Wildlife Act and the IPC for the poaching of two blackbucks in Kankani while filming Hum Saath Saath Hain, alongside co-stars Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Tabu. After a lengthy legal battle, she was acquitted by the CJM court in Jodhpur on April 5, 2018.