Neelam Kothari Soni (née Kothari; born 9 November 1969), known mononymously as Neelam, is an Indian jewellery designer and former actress who worked in Hindi films during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was particularly popular for her "girl-next-door" screen image and for her frequent on-screen pairing with actor Govinda.
| Full name | Neelam Kothari Soni |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 November 1969 |
| Other names | Neelam |
| Occupation | Jewellery designer; actress |
| Industry | Hindi cinema |
| Active period (peak) | Late 1980s |
| Frequent co-star | Govinda |
Neelam entered Hindi cinema as a young actress and rose to prominence during the late 1980s, a period in which she became one of the recognisable leading ladies of mainstream Bollywood. Her screen persona was typically described as that of the "girl next door", a mould that suited the family-oriented and romantic comedies of the era.
Neelam's filmography was closely identified with her pairing alongside Govinda, with whom she appeared in several Hindi productions during the late 1980s. Beyond acting, she later established herself as a jewellery designer.
As a popular face of late-1980s Hindi cinema, Neelam represented a generation of actresses associated with the romantic and family entertainers that dominated the period. Her transition from film acting to jewellery design reflects a broader pattern of Indian film personalities branching into design and lifestyle ventures.