Birth Date:02 September 1972
About Me
Beyond the 'Oye Oye' Girl: The Resilience of Actress Sonam!
In the high-octane era of the late 80s and early 90s, few stars shone as brightly or as briefly as Sonam. Born Bakhtavar Khan, she became a national sensation overnight, earning the title of the "Oye Oye Girl" and becoming a symbol of glamour and modernism in Bollywood.
As of 2026, Sonam is experiencing a significant nostalgic resurgence. With her recent return to the public eye and her candid reflections on her past, she remains a fascinating figure of resilience in the ever-changing world of Indian entertainment.
The Meteoric Rise: Biography
• Roots & Early Life: Born on September 2, 1972, Sonam is the niece of the acclaimed actor Raza Murad and the granddaughter of veteran actor Murad.
• The Launchpad: She was discovered by the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, who launched her at the tender age of 14 in the film Vijay (1988).
• The Name Change: It was Yash Chopra who rechristened her Sonam (meaning "gift" or "gold"), a name that would soon be plastered across billboards nationwide.
• Personal Journey: In 1991, at the peak of her career, she married director Rajiv Rai (the man behind hits like Tridev and Vishwatma). Following security threats from the underworld, the couple moved abroad, leading to Sonam's long hiatus from the industry. After their divorce in 2016, she eventually remarried Dr. Murali Poduval in 2017.
The "Oye Oye" Phenomenon: Filmography
Sonam’s filmography is a snapshot of Bollywood’s shift toward stylish, big-budget action-musicals.
The Career-Defining Hits
• Tridev (1989): This film changed her life. Her dance performance in the song "Tirchi Topiwale" (Oye Oye) turned her into an icon. The track remains a cult classic even in 2026, frequently remixed for modern dance floors.
• Ajooba (1991): Sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in this fantasy epic solidified her status as a leading lady of the big leagues.
• Vishwatma (1992): Starring alongside Sunny Deol and Naseeruddin Shah, this was one of her final major appearances before she moved away from the limelight.
Notable Collaborations
• Vijay (1988): Her debut where she held her own in an ensemble cast featuring Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor.
• Mitti Aur Sona (1989): A performance that showcased her ability to lead a film with emotional depth, paired opposite Chunky Panday.
Sonam in 2026: The Return of the Icon
After decades away from the cameras, Sonam’s recent activity has reignited interest in her career:
1. OTT Aspirations: In late 2025 and early 2026, reports have surfaced about Sonam exploring roles in high-concept OTT web series, aiming to follow in the footsteps of her contemporaries like Raveena Tandon and Madhuri Dixit.
2. Fashion Legacy: Her "90s siren" aesthetic—the oversized blazers, bold red lips, and dramatic hair—is a major source of inspiration for 2026 "Retro-Revival" fashion trends.
3. Public Reappearance: Her participation in recent film festivals and talk shows has allowed fans to connect with her "unfiltered" personality, making her a trending topic on social media platforms.
Sonam's films' availability: You can watch Sonam's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
