Neelam Kothari Soni @ 50: Memorable songs of the actress

She started her career in the 80’s and became a rage with her great sense of style and her long black hair. With films like ‘Love 86’ (1986), ‘Ghar Ka Chiraag’ (1989) and ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ (1999) she proved that she wasn’t just a pretty face and that she could do all sorts of roles.

Although this charming actress has taken a break from acting she continues to stay busy with her successful jewellery business. The lady we are talking about is non other than Neelam Kothari Soni whose infectious smile is still remembered today.

On the 9th November Soni will be celebrating her 50th birthday so on this occasion BizAsiaLive.com will look back at some of Soni’s songs.

‘Pyar Ki Pujaran’ from ‘Hatya’ (1988)

A disco love song that could get anyone bopping because of its energetic beat. Bappi Lahiri created the music while Sapna Mukherjee and Mohammed Aziz lent their vocals for this lively track. The song opens with Sapna (Soni) smiling to herself while in deep thought. As she lays in bed she begins to day dream about Sagar (Govinda) who can be seen playing the guitar.

Soni was often paired with Govinda during the late 80’s and 90’s as their chemistry on screen was like no other.

‘Yaad Teri Aati Hai’ from ‘Afsana Pyar Ka’ (1991)

A song that would bring a tear to any persons eye, Soni’s performance on this song is indeed praise worthy. Dressed in a white dress she walks by the sea, watching the waves smash against the rocks which somewhat resemble the broken pieces of her heart. Alka Yagnik sang beautifully for Soni bringing out the emotions of a girl hurt in love.

All the songs were popular from this album but this sad song is one that stands out because of its lyrics and of course Soni.

‘Kitna Pyar Tumhe Karte Hai’ from ‘Ek Ladka Ek Ladki’ (1992)

A beautiful melody which tells the feelings of two individuals who realise that they actually love one another and to what extent. Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam’s vocals and Anand Milind’s music made this song extra special.

Raja (Salman Khan) had lied to the police that Renu (Soni) is his wife but the reality is that they are in no ways related to one another, he just wants revenge for the time she was rude to him. Renu goes along with Raja’s words as she can’t remember anything after losing her memory in an accident, although at times she finds it hard to believe some of his lies.
At first Raja is very harsh towards Renu but with time he starts to act soft towards her which makes Renu fall for him too. Khan and Soni had many cute moments together in the song.

‘Mere Saathiya’ from ‘Parampara’ (1993)

Filmed in the outdoors with mountains as a backdrop for the actors, the song could be classed as a feel good track because of its jolly upbeat music. It was the first time that Soni was paired opposite Saif Ali Khan and surprisingly their pairing worked well. Their characters in the film are often seen joking around with one another so perhaps the director felt that their playfulness should also be present within the song.

Lata Mangeshkar sang for Soni while Abhijeet sang for Ali Khan. The lyrics were sweet as Sapna (Soni) asks her companion to travel with her as she worries what if something was to happen to her companion then what would she do.

‘Sawan Ki Raaton Mein’ from ‘Ek Tha Raja’ (1996)

Songs based on the weather are heard a lot in Bollywood films but this number that was picturised on Soni and Suniel Shetty was just as pleasant to listen to as it was to watch the song visually. Abhijeet and Kavita Krishnamurthy sang for both actors with Sameer writing the romantic lyrics.

The song opens with Shilpa (Soni) and Jai (Shetty) walking at night when suddenly the rain starts to pour down. Seeing his beloved enjoying the rain Jai can’t help but be in awe as he watches her lovingly.

Not many would think of pairing Shetty and Soni together but on this song they have great chemistry giving off the image of two lovers madly in love with one another.

The team at BizAsiaLive.com wishes Neelam a very happy 50th birthday and hopes to see her on the big screen again some day!