Neelam Kothari (born 3 March 1968) is a former Indian actress and a jewellery designer. She was one of the leading and popular actresses of the late 1980s and 1990s.

 

Neelam Kothari was born on 3 March 1968 in Hong Kong. As a child, she learnt to play the keyboard & danced Jazz Ballet. Her family has a traditional jewellery making business, making high-class pieces.

 

After her early childhood in Hong Kong, her family moved to Bangkok. Neelam was holidaying in Mumbai when she was approached by director Ramesh Behl.She decided to give acting a shot and performed in the film Jawaani in 1984 alongside Karan Shah (Tina Munim's nephew). But the film was a flop. She soldiered on ahead and became famous in 1986 for her role in the film Ilzaam opposite another debutante Govinda. She starred opposite Govinda in 14 movies and 8 were hits such as Love 86, Ilzaam (1986), Sindoor, Khudgarz (1987), Hatya (1988), Farz Ki Jung, Taaqatwar (1989) and Do Qaidi (1989). She had 5 hits opposite Chunkey Pandey like Aag Hi Aag (1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1988),Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988),Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989),Mitti Aur Sona (1989) of the 8 she did with him. But after 1990 their next 3 films as a pair were failures. However her career's biggest hit remains Ghar Ka Chiraag opposite Rajesh Khanna in 1989.