Actress, Neelam Kothari was much-loved in the ’80s and early ’90s. Fans were in awe of her acting skills, cuteness, and trendy fashion sense. However, to their dismay, the actress decided to step back from the world of showbiz in the late 1990s. The actress has since opened up about making the tough decision because she felt her ‘shelf life was over.’ Neelam went on to make a stellar comeback in the popular Netflix reality show, Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives. Bollywood seems to have been waiting to welcome the actress back with open arms as several interesting projects started coming her way following her FLBW stint. Recently, though, Neelam opened up about wanting to slow down instead of jumping back into work.
Neelam Kothari says she wants to prioritise her growing daughter, Ahana over acting gigs
Neelam Kothari recently sat for a candid chat with The Times Of India, during which she opened up about her decision to slow down following the massive success of Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives. The actress revealed that several interesting scripts and gigs had been coming her way, but she chose not to pursue them because of her beloved daughter, Ahana.
Neelam confessed that after the positive reception the show received, she was eager to try her hand at web shows, films, and more. However, when she realised that she had to manage acting, interior designing, and her jewellery business at once, it struck her that Ahana would be left behind. Neelam said:
“See, when I first did season one of Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives, I thought, ‘Well, this isn’t that bad, and I don’t mind continuing with the acting gig.’ But now, when I am getting offers and reading scripts, I have realised a few things. My daughter is 11, and she is growing up, and I feel I’ve spread myself too thin. I am also focusing on interiors and jewellery designing, and I feel Ahana needs her mum to be around. Earlier, I was raring to go and do web shows and films. I was all for it, but now I’ve changed my mind.”
Neelam Kothari says the industry has become far more demanding than in the ’80s and ’90s
Neelam Kothari did, however, express her interest in taking up jobs that wouldn’t require all her time. Talking about how the industry has changed since the ’80s and ’90s, Neelam noted that the shifts were far longer and more demanding. Neelam can be quoted saying:
“I am happy to do projects that won’t consume too much of my time. I enjoyed working in Made In Heaven. Today, the industry has changed so much — it has become too demanding. Earlier, a shift would be from 9 am to 6 pm or 10 am to 2 pm. I am not used to 12-hour shifts, which also require two hours of travelling, two hours of makeup time and then the 12-hour shoot. I was left wondering where my personal life went. That was a wake-up call. My daughter is my priority right now, so the guilt seeps when I’m hardly home.”
Neelam Kothari thanks Karan Johar for the success she’s enjoying in the industry
Neelam Kothari confessed to being surprised by the love she received at this stage in her life and career. While the actress was quite popular in the ’80s and ’90s and did over 40 films, she wondered if people might have forgotten about her after all this time. Neelam further expressed her gratitude to director, Karan Johar for changing her life and said:
“To witness all the limelight once again is unbelievable, especially when it is coming back to me at this age. For an actor who started out at 16 and is now 55, to be relevant is surreal. I did this show and things completely changed for me. It’s all thanks to Karan Johar. When I go to events now and see people recognising me, it takes me back to my earlier life all over again.”
What do you think about Neelam Kothair’s decision to slow down in her professional life?
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