Neelam Kothari reveals why she quit acting at the peak of her career: 'I thought my shelf life was over'

Neelam Kothari Soni, who has undoubtedly ruled the silver screen in the late 80s and 90s, has worked in films like 'Ilzaam', 'Khudgarz', 'Hatya', 'Taaqatwar', 'Hum Sath Sath Hain' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. She swept Bollywood off its feet with her elegant charm. But when she made the decision to move away from films, she crushed the hearts of a number of fans.


During a conversation with ANI, Neelam talked about her journey and revealed she left the industry as she thought her shelf life in cinema was over. She said, “My journey has been like a yo-yo...you know, I saw a big start in the 80s and 90s, then, you know, I left the industry. And then I started my own business, my family's jewellery business and then I came back with a bang with 'Fabulous Lives'. It's been incredible. I am very fortunate to have these opportunities come my way. So, my journey in a nutshell, I would just say that it's been a roller coaster ride. I have seen ups and downs as well. I've seen everything."


Neelam entered her family's jewelry business while she was gone from the film industry and made a name for herself as a successful businesswoman. Surprisingly, four years ago, she made a long-awaited return to the screen with the reality show 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives'.


Neelam further added, "I'll be honest...I left the industry because I thought my shelf life was over. And honestly, when I hit 50 I got very complacent, just going to the office and coming back home being a mom, being a wife and being a working mom. And all of a sudden, you know, I'm back, you know, with a bang...so it shows age is just a number."


The actress took a break from the acting profession when she was at the peak of her career. "I left when I was at the top and I feel that that's how people have sort of somehow remembered me also because I didn't fizzle out," she expressed.


Neelam's most recent work project includes Audible's podcast series 'Marvel's Wastelanders: Wolverine'. She has lent her voice to the character of Jean Grey. In the coming months, the actress will be seen in the third season of 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives'.



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