An actress, writer, and thinker—her life proves she is more than Bollywood royalty

What does it mean to grow up in a family where every second person is a star, cricketer, or screen icon? For Soha Ali Khan, it meant carrying a legacy without letting it define her completely. As the daughter of the Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and actress Sharmila Tagore, and the sister of Saif Ali Khan, she could easily have played the role of Bollywood royalty. Instead, she forged a quieter, more considered career—on her own terms.

On her 47th birthday, here are some glimpses of Soha that go beyond the red carpets and film posters.

The bookworm princess

Before the cameras found her, Soha was immersed in her books. She studied modern history in Delhi, then attended the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics to pursue her master’s degree in international relations. Few Bollywood actors can boast such an academic background. Even now, she says, reading remains her greatest escape.

Credit: India TV News

From spreadsheets to scripts

Soha wasn’t born pointing at film lights. She actually worked at Citibank and with the Ford Foundation before acting was called her. Imagine the leap—from crunching numbers in an office to performing for a 70mm screen. It says a lot about her willingness to take risks.

Not Rang de Basanti first

Everyone remembers her in Rang De Basanti, but that wasn’t her first foray into acting. She debuted in a Bengali period film, Iti Srikanta, based on a Sarat Chandra novel. Her Bollywood debut came later with Dil Maange More, opposite Shahid Kapoor. She didn’t take the easiest route—she chose to test her range first.

Credit: Asia Net

Matters of the heart

Yes, before Kunal Kemmu, there was Siddharth—her co-star from Rang De Basanti. Their relationship didn’t last, but Soha handled the split with impressive maturity. Later, she found lasting love with Kunal, marrying him after a long period of dating. Today, the two are parents to Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, and their genuine family moments often win hearts on social media.

Credit: First Post

The writer’s voice

Soha’s wit shines brightest in her writing. Her book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, is a blend of humour and honesty about growing up under the shadow of prominent family names. It’s playful, self-aware, and demonstrates her ability to laugh at herself-a rare trait in Bollywood.

And Sound Proof the film is ready ...!! #shortfilm #soundproof pic.twitter.com/nMH0xZeBGp

— Soha Ali Khan (@sakpataudi) April 22, 2018

Chasing stories, not stardom

In 2017, she starred in Soundproof, a short film that travelled to festivals around the world. It wasn’t about box-office hits or blockbuster glamour; it was about telling a good story. And that’s the thing with Soha—she often prefers depth over dazzle.

More than an actress

She has hosted shows, written, and acted across genres, balancing her personal and professional life with grace. Her performance in Rang De Basanti won her critical acclaim and awards, while her off-screen achievements—whether as a writer or a voice of calm dignity—demonstrate that she’s always been more than just a “Bollywood star.”

Credit: @sakpataudi

The legacy she carries forward

Soha Ali Khan may not feature on headlines like her brother Saif or sister-in-law Kareena, but maybe that’s deliberate. At 47, she has crafted a life where success is not solely judged by box-office hits but by her ability to remain genuine. An actress, a writer, a mother, and above all, someone comfortable in her own skin—she exemplifies how quiet strength can be as impactful as family fame.