There was a time in the late 80s and early 90s when Sonam Khan ruled the silver screen with her charm, energy, and star power. She starred alongside legends like Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sunny Deol, and yet, just when her career was touching new heights, she decided to step away from it all. The actress, best remembered for the hit track “Tirchi Topi Wale” from Tridev, had everything going for her: fame, success, and recognition. But her sudden decision to quit acting for marriage changed the course of her life forever. How did Sonam Khan enter films? Sonam’s entry into the film world was not a planned one. She was in Class 8 when she failed her exams, and with her family struggling financially, she turned to acting to support them. She began her career in 1987 with a Telugu film before making her Bollywood debut in Yash Chopra’s Vijay (1988). Her meeting with Rishi Kapoor changed everything. It was he who suggested that she meet Yash Chopra, which led to her big break in Hindi cinema. From there, there was no looking back, Sonam quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. What led to her sudden exit from Bollywood? Despite being part of hit films like Tridev, Ajooba, Vishwatma, and Insaniyat, Sonam walked away from fame at the peak of her career. In 1991, she married filmmaker Rajiv Rai, the man behind blockbusters like Mohra, Tridev, and Gupt. At just 18, Sonam tied the knot with Rajiv in a temple ceremony and even converted to Hinduism. The two welcomed a son, Gaurav, but their marriage couldn’t last. After years of separation, the couple officially parted ways in 2016. What is Sonam Khan doing now? Now in her 50s, Sonam lives in Mumbai and often speaks about her decision to quit films. In several interviews, she has admitted that leaving work for marriage was a mistake. “You should never give up your career for anyone,” she said. “Marriage can wait, but your work defines who you are.” She has also expressed her wish to return to acting, calling it her “first love.” While her comeback is yet to materialise, Sonam’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of pursuing one’s passion. Who is Rajiv Rai? Rajiv Rai, Sonam’s ex-husband, is the son of veteran film producer Gulshan Rai, known for producing cult classics like Deewaar and Mohra. Rajiv directed some of the biggest hits of the 1990s, but after a shooting attack in the late 1990s, he moved to the UK and stayed out of the limelight. Highlights Sonam Khan quit Bollywood at 18 to marry filmmaker Rajiv Rai. She starred with Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sunny Deol in several hit films. The actress now regrets leaving films and wishes to make a comeback.