Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Samir Soni Recalls Divorce Papers On Debut Film Release Day
Samir Soni spoke about a very difficult day in his life.
His first film premiered in the evening, but he collected his divorce papers that morning.
He said he felt unsure whether to celebrate or cry.
He did not tell his parents because they were visiting from Delhi.
He also said his role in the film became much smaller.
Neelam Kothari said her divorce was difficult because she had moved to another country and left her work.
After returning to Mumbai, she stayed away from people for about a year.
Samir and Neelam later met through mutual connections and eventually married.
They married in 2011 and adopted a daughter in 2013.
Samir Soni collected his divorce papers on the morning his debut film premiered.
He said only his China Gate co-star Naseeruddin Shah knew about the divorce.
Soni said his role was substantially reduced, adding to the difficult day.
Neelam Kothari said she withdrew from public life for a year after her divorce.
Soni and Kothari married in 2011 and adopted their daughter Ahana in 2013.
- Who
- Actors Samir Soni and Neelam Kothari discussed their earlier divorces and relationship.
- What
- Soni recalled collecting divorce papers on the day his debut film premiered, while Kothari described withdrawing from public life after her divorce.
- When
- Soni's divorce papers were collected on the morning of his debut film's release; he and Kothari married in 2011 and adopted their daughter in 2013.
- Where
- Soni went to a civil court, while Kothari returned to Mumbai after living in London.
- Why
- Soni said Kothari's divorce was harder because she had left her country and job for the marriage.
Reported production account
Mamta Kulkarni's allegation
Why Mamta Kulkarni's role was reduced
Reported production account
Reports said director Rajkumar Santoshi fired Mamta Kulkarni after most of the film had been shot because the role did not match his vision.
Mamta Kulkarni's allegation
Mamta Kulkarni alleged that her role was reduced to a guest appearance because she refused Santoshi's sexual advances.
- Soni's first marriage
- His marriage to model Rajlakshmi Khanvilkar lasted six months.
- Kothari's first marriage
- She married businessman Rishi Sethia, moved to London, and later returned to Mumbai after their divorce.
- Debut film day
- Soni collected his divorce papers in the morning and attended his film premiere in the evening.
- Confidant
- He said Naseeruddin Shah was the only person who knew about his divorce at the time.
- Kothari's recovery
- Kothari said she stayed away from people for a year after returning to Mumbai.
- Marriage
- Soni and Kothari married in 2011.
- Daughter
- They adopted Ahana Soni in 2013.