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Soni Razdan
Soni Razdan
Soni Razdan
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Soni Mahesh Bhatt, born and known professionally as Soni Razdan, is an actress and film director. She had established herself as a leading actress of the 1980s and early 1990s and is part of the Bhatt family of Indian cinema.

Key Information

She made her acting debut as Rosemary in 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981). She also played roles in films such as Mandi, Trikal, Khamosh, and Saaransh where she earned a nomination for the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also starred in OTT series including, The Verdict - State vs Nanavati, Out of Love, This Way Up, and Call My Agent: Bollywood.

Career

[edit]

Early work and debut (1991–1998)

[edit]
Razdan with Kalpana Lajmi at PETA Anniversary

Razdan debuted in Hindi films in a supporting role with the 1981 film 36 Chowringhee Lane starring Jennifer Kendal. It also marked the directorial debut of Aparna Sen, who had until then been known as a leading actress of Bengali cinema.[1] Razdan garnered mainstream attention for her appearance in the film. 36 Chowringhee Lane was also entered in the first edition of the Manila International Film Festival, where it won the top prize. Scholar Wimal Dissanayake sees the film as a portrayal of the patriarchal social system: "The film portrays the plight of a lonely woman in a society that cares little for questions of female subjectivity and self-fulfillment. In popular culture the title of the film has become symbolic of the city of Kolkata, particularly its cuisine. A Bangalore restaurant is called 36 Chowringhee Lane.[2] A fast-food chain in Delhi is called 34 Chowringhee Lane.[3] Then she also appeared in Ahista Ahista directed by Esmayeel Shroff. [4] It is a remake of the Kannada film Gejje Pooje.[5]

In 1983, she appeared in film called Mandi directed by Shyam Benegal. Based on a classic Urdu short story Aanandi by writer Ghulam Abbas, the film narrates the story of a brothel, situated in the heart of a city, an area that some politicians want for its prime locality.[6] The film is a satirical comedy on politics and prostitution. Her major breakthrough came in 1984 film Saaransh. It is about an elderly Maharashtrian couple living in Mumbai who come to terms with the loss of their only son. It was directed by her now husband Mahesh Bhatt. It was also chosen as India's official entry for the 1985 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but it was not nominated. Her performance in the film was critically appreciated by the audience for which she earned a nomination for the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Best Actress and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.[7] In 1985, Razdan had two release in the year which was the Historical drama Trikal (alongside Leela Naidu, Naseeruddin Shah and Neena Gupta) and the Thriller Khamosh (alongside Shabana Azmi and again with Naseeruddin Shah), both of which were critically and commercially successful.[8] In 1986, Razdan starred in an English-language Indian film named On Wings of Fire.[9] From 1990-1993, Razdan appeared in 6 films. Including — Daddy, Sadak, Saathi, Sir, Gumrah, and Gunaah. Mostly she appeared as a supporting roles.[10][11]

In 1998, Razdan appeared as a lead in the Canadian film named Such a Long Journey, co-starring Roshan Seth and directed by Sturla Gunnarsson.[12] The story, based on the novel of the same name written by Rohinton Mistry.[13] The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.[14][15]

Career slump and hiatus (2001–2019)

[edit]

In 2001, she appeared in the comedy film, Monsoon Wedding. Monsoon Wedding premiered in the Marché du Film section of the 2001 Cannes Film Festival[16][17] and went on to win the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival and receive a Golden Globe Award nomination while grossing over $30 million internationally at the box office. A musical based on the film premiered on Broadway in April 2014.[18] In 2017, IndieWire named it the 19th best romance of the 21st century.[19] Between 2004-2013, she appeared in many films including, Dobara,[20] Page 3,[21] Jaan-E-Mann, Dil Dosti Etc, Patiala House,[22]

Razdan directed a film called Love Affair that was expected to be released in 2016, but did not.[23][24] She acted in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi which also starred her daughter Alia in the lead role. This was the first time when she shared the screen with Alia where she played the character of Alia's mother.[25] Soni played the lead role in the film Yours Truly where she portrayed the character of a lonely middle-aged government employee Mithi Kumar.[26] Reviewer from The Quint writes, Sanjoy Nag uses silence as a tool to help us understand Mithi better, and Razdan embraces that silence. She is brave yet afraid, stoic yet vulnerable, lonely yet hopeful.[27]

In 2019, she appeared in Noblemen, No Fathers in Kashmir and War.[28][29]

Personal life

[edit]
Razdan and her family attend the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

She is married to Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.[30]

Razdan has stated that she has lived in India since she was a 3 month old and that she carries an Overseas Citizenship of India.[31]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
1981 36 Chowringhee Lane Rosemary Stoneham
Ahista Ahista Deepa
1983 Mandi Nadira
1984 Saaransh Sujata Suman Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress
1985 Trikaal Aurora
Khamosh Herself
1986 On Wings of Fire Thais
1998 Such a Long Journey Dilnavaz Noble
1990 Daddy Priya
1991 Sadak Special appearance
Saathi Tina
1993 Sir Shobha Verma
Gumrah Angela
Gunaah Gloria
2001 Monsoon Wedding Saroj Rai
2004 Dobara Mrs. Devika Mehta
2005 Page 3 Anjali Thapar
Nazar N/a Director
2006 Jaan-E-Mann Mrs. Goel
2007 Dil Dosti Etc Apurv's Mother
2011 Patiala House Dimple Bua
Love Breakups Zindagi Guest at wedding
2013 Shootout at Wadala Manya's mother
2016 Love Affair N/a Director; Unreleased
2018 Raazi Teji Khan
Yours Truly Mithi Kumar
2019 Noblemen Shruti Sharma
No Fathers in Kashmir Halima
War Nafeesa Rahmani
2021 Sardar Ka Grandson Simi Netflix film
2023 Pippa Maati
2025 Abir Gulaal Sushma
Hari Ka Om Renuka [32]
Songs of Paradise Noor Begum [33]

Television

[edit]
Year Show Role Platform
1986 Buniyaad Sulochana (Lochan) DD National
1994-98 Junoon DD Metro
1995-96 Saahil DD Metro
2017 Love Ka Hai Intezaar Rajmata Rajeshwari Ranawat Star Plus
2019 The Verdict - State vs Nanavati Mehra Nanavati ALTBalaji and ZEE5
Out of Love Mrs. Kapoor Hotstar
This Way Up Kavita, Vish's mother Channel 4
2021 Call My Agent: Bollywood Treasa Netflix
2024 Tanaav Zubeida Mir SonyLIV season 2

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result Ref
1985 Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Saaransh Nominated [34]
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Best Actress Nominated [35]
2024 Indian Television Academy Awards Best Supporting Actress - OTT Pippa Won [36]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Soni Razdan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Soni Razdan (born 25 October 1956) is a British-born Indian actress and director recognized for her contributions to Hindi-language cinema, television, and theatre. Born in Birmingham, England, to a German mother and Kashmiri Pandit father, she initiated her acting career in English theatre before entering Indian film with a debut role in Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981). Razdan has featured in significant parallel cinema productions including Shyam Benegal's Mandi (1983) and Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh (1984), for which she received a Filmfare Award nomination, alongside later mainstream appearances in films like Monsoon Wedding (2001) and Raazi (2018). Married to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt since 1986, she is the mother of author Shaheen Bhatt and actress Alia Bhatt. Her work spans supporting roles that highlight nuanced character portrayals, reflecting a career marked by versatility across independent and commercial projects.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Soni Razdan was born on October 25, 1956, in Birmingham, England, to parents of mixed ethnic heritage: her father was a Kashmiri Pandit from India, and her mother, Gertrude Hoelzer, was German. This paternal Kashmiri Pandit lineage traces to the Hindu Brahmin community historically native to the Kashmir Valley, while her maternal German roots reflect Central European ancestry. Razdan relocated to during her youth, where she was raised primarily in Bombay (present-day ). Her upbringing in this cosmopolitan Indian city exposed her to a blend of cultural influences, shaped by her family's cross-continental background, though specific details on her father's profession or early family circumstances in remain limited in public records. This multicultural foundation later informed aspects of her personal identity and artistic pursuits in Indian cinema and theater.

Education and initial career steps

Soni Razdan received her early schooling at the in South Bombay, where she benefited from a Westernized upbringing that emphasized personal freedom. In the 1970s, she pursued formal training in acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in , honing skills that would later define her stage presence. Upon returning to in the early 1980s, Razdan immersed herself in English-language theatre, collaborating with prominent directors such as and . Her entry into the traced back to influences like Dubey's 1965 play, which she later credited as a foundational inspiration for her artistic journey. These theatre engagements built her reputation in circles before her transition to screen work. Razdan's film debut came in 1981 with the role of Rosemary in Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane, a critically acclaimed English-language feature that marked her entry into Indian cinema. This role, alongside , showcased her ability to portray nuanced Anglo-Indian characters, setting the stage for subsequent appearances in art-house films.

Professional career

Film debut and early successes (1981–1990)

Soni Razdan made her film debut in 1981 with Aparna Sen's , portraying Rosemary Stoneham, the niece of the protagonist, an aging Anglo-Indian schoolteacher played by . The English-language film, set in post-independence Calcutta, depicts themes of isolation, cultural alienation, and fleeting human connections, earning critical praise for its nuanced portrayal of marginalization and securing the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English. Razdan's supporting role marked her entry into Indian cinema, following her training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in . That same year, she appeared in Ahista Ahista, a drama directed by , where she played Deepa in a story centered on family dynamics within a courtesan's household. Razdan's early career aligned with the parallel cinema movement, emphasizing realistic narratives over commercial formulas, as seen in her subsequent roles in art-house productions. In 1983, she featured as Nadira in Shyam Benegal's satirical Mandi, which critiqued hypocrisy and exploitation in a setting, alongside ensemble casts including and . A notable role came in 1984 with Mahesh Bhatt's , where Razdan portrayed Sujata Suman, a tenant in the home of an elderly couple grappling with their son's death and urban corruption in . The film received widespread acclaim for its raw exploration of grief and resilience, launching Anupam Kher's career while showcasing Razdan's ability to convey emotional depth in supporting parts. She continued with Benegal's Trikaal (1985), playing Aurora in a multigenerational family drama set across Goa eras, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra's thriller (1985), further establishing her presence in intellectually driven cinema. These works, though not box-office successes, highlighted Razdan's versatility in the 1980s parallel wave, prioritizing character-driven stories amid Bollywood's dominant masala genre.

Television work and mid-career developments (1980s–2000)

Razdan entered television acting in the mid-1980s with the serial (1986–1988), where she portrayed Sulochana, the resilient elder daughter-in-law in a family navigating the . The series, spanning over 100 episodes, depicted the socio-political upheavals of the era through interconnected family narratives, and her performance contributed to its widespread popularity as one of India's early landmark TV productions. During filming, Razdan managed the physical demands of pregnancy, later recalling cravings for amid the production's rigorous schedule. In the , she sustained her television presence with roles in serials including Saahil (1996), a production exploring interpersonal relationships and family dynamics, and Gaatha, directed by , which she was actively filming as of 1998. These appearances on state broadcaster and emerging channels provided opportunities for character-driven roles amid a selective approach to projects. offered greater creative scope compared to sporadic film work, allowing her to portray nuanced supporting characters in serialized formats. Mid-career, Razdan's developments reflected a pivot toward stable mediums like TV following her 1986 marriage to filmmaker , as film roles became less frequent while she prioritized family, including the birth of daughter Shaheen in 1988. This period marked a consolidation of her acting versatility across influences and broadcast television, laying groundwork for later selective comebacks without abandoning earlier artistic roots.

Post-marriage challenges and recent resurgence (1986–present)

Following her marriage to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt on October 20, 1986, Soni Razdan encountered significant professional setbacks in her acting career, with opportunities diminishing rapidly due to prevailing industry attitudes toward married women. Razdan later recounted receiving feedback questioning her need to work, given her husband's prominence, reflecting sexist expectations that women should prioritize family over career post-marriage. She described feeling "so angry" and "upset" as her career "came to a standstill," leading her to withdraw temporarily from frequent acting to focus on family, including the birth of daughters Shaheen Bhatt in 1988 and Alia Bhatt in 1993. Despite these hurdles, Razdan maintained selective involvement in projects during the late and , appearing in films such as (1986), Daddy (1989), and (1991), often in supporting roles connected to the Bhatt family productions. She also continued television work, including the Doordarshan series (1986–1987), where she portrayed Sulochana, sustaining visibility amid reduced film offers. By the , her output remained sporadic, with roles in (2001) and occasional theater or TV appearances, as industry norms limited roles for women over 40, compounded by her family commitments. Razdan experienced a professional resurgence from the mid-2010s onward, leveraging the growth of OTT platforms and diverse cinema to secure more substantial roles. Notable appearances include Rockstar (2011), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003, re-released contextually), Raazi (2018) as Alia's on-screen mother, and War (2019) in a pivotal supporting part. This period marked increased visibility, with further credits in Sardar Ka Grandson (2021) and Pippa (2023), reflecting a shift toward character-driven narratives often exploring family and societal themes. In 2025, she starred as Noor Begum in Songs of Paradise, portraying Kashmir's pioneering female singer Raj Begum, a role she described as a "return" emphasizing authenticity in independent cinema. Additionally, Razdan directed Difficult Daughters (in development as of September 2025), adapting Manju Kapur's novel with Alia Bhatt in the lead, signaling her expanded creative involvement. This resurgence aligns with broader industry trends favoring mature actresses in nuanced, non-glamorous parts, allowing Razdan to rebuild momentum after decades of selective engagement.

Advocacy and public engagement

Soni Razdan, whose father was a , has connected her heritage to roles and commentary on the region's conflicts. In the 2019 film , directed by , Razdan portrayed Halima, a mother grappling with her son's disappearance amid the insurgency's legacy of approximately 8,000 reported enforced vanishings since 1990. The production endured a protracted certification battle with India's , delaying release until March 2019 after multiple cuts and appeals over depictions of security forces and militancy. Razdan, who filmed on location despite harsh winter conditions, described the experience as poignant due to her roots and stressed the film's intent to humanize the conflict's toll on families without endorsing violence. Razdan took the role of the elder Noor Begum in the 2025 musical drama Songs of Paradise, directed by Danish Renzu and released on on August 29, loosely drawing from the life of recipient Raj Begum, a pioneering Kashmiri singer known as the "Nightingale of the Valley." The narrative spans pre- and post-conflict eras, emphasizing Kashmir's poetic and Sufi musical traditions amid displacement and unrest, with Razdan refining her Kashmiri accent for authenticity. She cited fascination with Begum's trailblazing career, which defied gender norms to perform classical folk genres like rouf and hikayat, as motivation for the part. Razdan's public positions have centered on civilian protection and de-escalation. After the February 14, 2019, suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel, she tweeted solidarity with targeted Kashmiri students, declaring "Mobs are the terrorists, not you" in condemnation of vigilante attacks. In August 2019, she endorsed a Washington Post opinion by , which recognized the 1990 Kashmiri exodus as rooted in Islamist militancy but cautioned against retaliatory oppression of as a remedy. Razdan has framed her views as politically driven, advocating nuanced storytelling over polarized narratives in coverage. In May 2025, amid cross-border tensions, she shared and signed an urging an immediate halt to India- hostilities, garnering over 3,700 signatures and emphasizing for regional stability. During promotion, she stated she would consider relocating to if it restored Kashmir's syncretic culture, citing erosion from militancy and . These stances, while rooted in her background, have sparked debate over balancing Pandit displacement—estimated at 300,000-500,000 refugees—with broader calls for restraint, often critiqued in Indian discourse for underemphasizing Islamist roots of the 1990 violence per primary accounts from exiled communities.

Political commentary and social media presence

Soni Razdan maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter), where she frequently shares opinions on political matters, describing her approach in a as being "very political in my mind, thoughts, and understanding." Her posts often emphasize anti-war sentiments and calls for peace, such as in December 2023 when she stated that the only outcome of ongoing conflicts should be peace, as people have "suffered enough." Similarly, in October 2023 amid the Israel- war, she argued that a "right to defend" does not justify flattening areas or depriving civilians of essentials like water and electricity, framing the conflict as targeted at rather than broader civilian infrastructure. In May 2025, amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Razdan amplified a Change.org petition titled "India, Pakistan: Stop the hostilities. Peace, not war," which urged de-escalation and had garnered over 3,700 signatures at the time; she positioned it as a humanist appeal for vulnerable populations. This drew significant backlash, with netizens trolling her for perceived naivety or pacifism, sarcastic comments questioning the petition's impact, and accusations of overlooking India's security concerns; she subsequently deleted the post. Domestically, Razdan has critiqued perceived divisiveness in Indian politics, such as in April 2019 when she labeled certain events an "appalling display of division" and "politics of hate," questioning if it represented India. She has urged voting "against hate" as a matter of human decency rather than citizenship status. In June 2021, she decried an unspecified political development as "disgusting," attributing it to underlying politics. Her commentary on Kashmir, informed by her Pandit heritage and roles in films like No Fathers in Kashmir (2019), which addressed enforced disappearances, reflects a nuanced view of regional complexities, though she has also expressed cautious optimism about national addresses, as in August 2019 when she praised a prime ministerial speech but hoped it reached Kashmiris. Razdan mutes bigots and trolls on her account, which she uses to blend personal and political expression alongside her professional identity.

Controversies

Backlash over political statements

Soni Razdan faced significant online backlash in January 2020 after tweeting that Mohammad Afzal Guru, executed in 2013 for his role in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, had been made a "scapegoat" and calling for a "solid inquiry" into his conviction and hanging. The post, made on the seventh anniversary of Guru's execution, drew accusations from netizens and critics of sympathizing with terrorism and undermining national security narratives, prompting a police complaint filed against her in Delhi for allegedly promoting anti-national sentiments. Razdan later clarified in a video statement that she was not claiming Guru's innocence but questioning procedural aspects of the case, emphasizing her opposition to capital punishment in general. Her vocal support for Kashmiri perspectives has repeatedly sparked criticism, particularly around 2019 amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions post the Pulwama attack. In February 2019, Razdan tweeted defending Kashmiri students targeted by mobs, stating "it's not you [Kashmiris]. It's them [the mobs who are terrorists]," which some interpreted as equating Indian vigilantes with terrorists and led to trolling for perceived anti-India bias. Earlier that year, her promotion of the film No Fathers in Kashmir, which portrays the human cost of militancy and counter-insurgency in the region, fueled debates, with detractors accusing her of glorifying separatism while she described the trolling as misplaced "patriotism" that silences dissent. In May 2025, amid escalated India-Pakistan border tensions following an incident that claimed 26 lives, Razdan shared a Change.org petition urging both nations to "stop the hostilities" and de-escalate, which amassed over 3,700 signatures but ignited widespread condemnation on social media. Critics, including netizens, labeled the post as one-sided appeasement toward Pakistan, questioning her loyalty given her British citizenship and extending scrutiny to her daughter Alia Bhatt's dual nationality, with calls to revoke it and boycott their work. Razdan deleted the post and responded that her appeal targeted Pakistan as the aggressor, while decrying war's horrors, but the episode amplified perceptions of her as out of touch with Indian nationalist sentiments. Soni Razdan's relationship with originated as an extramarital affair in the early 1980s, which contributed to the dissolution of Bhatt's first marriage to Kiran Lorraine Bhatt in 1985. This development strained relations with Bhatt's children from his first marriage, including and , who initially perceived Razdan as the "evil seductress" responsible for separating them from their father. Razdan acknowledged experiencing resentment toward Bhatt's first wife and family during the initial years of integration into the blended household, describing the period as challenging but ultimately resolvable through time and communication. She and Kiran Lorraine maintained a tumultuous dynamic marked by arguments, yet Razdan later reflected that they developed a functional despite the early conflicts. Razdan has expressed personal guilt over the circumstances of her 1986 marriage to Bhatt, confiding in family members about feeling responsible for the upheaval in his prior family structure. In reflections dating to the early , she conveyed to regarding the impact on the first family. More recently, in September 2025, Razdan voiced ongoing disappointment with aspects of her marriage, citing persistent identity reduction to "Mahesh Bhatt's wife" and resultant career setbacks, including a sharp decline in acting opportunities post-1986 due to industry perceptions of her as a dependent rather than an independent professional. She attributed this to sexist assumptions that questioned her need to work after marriage, a frustration she described as enduring into the present. No public disputes have been reported between Razdan and her biological daughters, and Shaheen Bhatt, with family accounts emphasizing a supportive dynamic despite occasional parental self-doubt, such as Razdan's past feelings of inadequacy as a for prioritizing early career demands.

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

Soni Razdan married Indian filmmaker on April 20, 1986, after meeting him through a mutual connection during her early acting career. The union occurred while Bhatt remained legally married to his first wife, Kiran Bhatt, from whom he had two children, and ; no formal had taken place prior to the marriage with Razdan. Razdan converted to before the wedding, aligning with Bhatt's background as a Gujarati Muslim. The couple's relationship began secretly amid Bhatt's ongoing personal complexities, including his prior affair with actress . Razdan later expressed initial guilt over the marriage's circumstances, particularly its impact on Bhatt's first family, though the union endured. Together, they have two biological daughters: Shaheen Bhatt, born in 1988, an author and advocate; and , born on March 15, 1993, a prominent Bollywood actress. Razdan serves as to Bhatt's elder children from his previous marriage. No public records indicate prior marriages or long-term relationships for Razdan before her union with Bhatt. The couple has maintained their marriage for nearly four decades as of 2025, with occasional public reflections on its challenges, including Razdan's career interruptions post-wedding due to motherhood and industry biases against married actresses.

Family dynamics and children

Soni Razdan and filmmaker welcomed their first daughter, Shaheen Bhatt, on February 28, 1988, followed by their second daughter, , on March 15, 1993. Shaheen has pursued writing, authoring the I've Never Been (Un)Happier in 2019, which details her struggles with depression and anorexia, while Alia has become a prominent actress, debuting in in 2012 and achieving commercial success in films like (2018). Razdan has described raising her daughters in a modest, middle-class environment despite their family's involvement in the film industry, noting that there was "never any excess " and emphasizing , such as traveling economy class while occasionally affording upgrades for herself alone due to budget constraints. Early family life involved residing in a one-bedroom flat in , where Razdan often felt like a "single mother" handling primary responsibilities amid Bhatt's demanding work schedule and the financial strains of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The family dynamics reflect a blended , with Razdan integrating as stepmother to Bhatt's two children from his prior relationship—Pooja and —while fostering an environment of creative independence for Shaheen and , unbound by strict religious or cultural impositions given Razdan's Kashmiri heritage and Bhatt's secular outlook. Razdan has publicly supported her daughters' journeys, particularly Shaheen's, and collaborated professionally with on projects like the upcoming Difficult Daughters, highlighting a close, affirming maternal bond evident in affectionate public gestures, such as referring to her as "Mama Birdie."

Reception and legacy

Achievements and accolades

Soni Razdan received a nomination for the Award for for her role in the 1984 film . Her performance in the film also earned her a nomination for from the Film Journalists' Association. In recent years, Razdan has garnered recognition for her supporting roles in OTT content. For her portrayal in the 2023 war drama Pippa, she won the Star Eminence Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also received the International Iconic Award for Best Supporting Actress in an OTT Film for the same role at the 2024 ceremony. Additionally, she was honored with a News18 REEL Movie Award, contributing to her total of two wins and five nominations as listed in industry records. Razdan's career achievements extend beyond acting awards to include directing the 2002 film Girvi, which addressed social issues, though it did not receive major accolades. Her body of work spans over four decades, with appearances in more than 80 and television serials, establishing her as a versatile performer in Indian cinema and media.

Critical assessments and public criticisms

Soni Razdan's performances have received mixed , with for her nuanced portrayals often tempered by observations on technical aspects. In the 2025 film Songs of Paradise, where she portrayed the older Noor Begum, reviewers commended her quiet presence and ability to convey decades of emotional weight through silences and gaze, describing it as exceptional and compelling. However, some critiques noted her performance as jarring due to an unmastered Kashmiri accent, contrasting with co-stars who adopted it more convincingly. Public criticisms of Razdan have largely centered on her activity and political statements, drawing accusations of insensitivity toward concerns. In May 2025, she faced significant online backlash for sharing a urging between and amid heightened tensions, with netizens labeling it naive or pro-. Similarly, a 2019 statement expressing that she would be "happier" in elicited controversy, interpreted by critics as an emotional rejection of her Indian roots despite her Kashmiri Pandit heritage. Razdan has also encountered pushback in debates over in Bollywood, where her defense of family connections in the industry prompted objections from users highlighting barriers for outsiders. In August 2023, a cryptic post on , posted amid scrutiny of son-in-law , drew slams for perceived hypocrisy in addressing online outrage. She has frequently addressed resulting trolls and personal attacks, framing them as challenges of public visibility.

References

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  3. https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/soni-razdan.html
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  30. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/soni-razdan-recalls-losing-work-after-marrying-mahesh-bhatt-i-was-so-angry-2780076-2025-09-01
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  32. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/soni-razdan-expresses-disappointment-over-her-marriage-with-mahesh-bhatt-67734
  33. https://www.india.com/entertainment/meet-actress-who-fell-in-love-with-a-father-of-two-children-career-stalled-after-marriage-now-daughter-is-making-waves-in-bollywood-she-is-soni-razdan-8148221/
  34. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/soni_razdan
  35. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/soni-razdan/filmography/
  36. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/soni-razdan/2196/filmography
  37. https://news24online.com/entertainment/soni-razdan-opens-up-about-her-return-with-songs-of-paradise/632627/
  38. https://www.knskashmir.com/film-review--spiritual-and-musical-significance-of-danish-renzu-s-songs-of-paradise-198205
  39. https://variety.com/2025/film/markets-festivals/alia-bhatt-soni-razdan-difficult-daughters-busan-asian-project-market-1236525549/
  40. https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/bollywood/its-special-for-me-to-shoot-in-kashmir-soni-razdan-514940
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5279674/
  42. https://www.ndtv.com/video/soni-razdan-on-no-fathers-in-kashmir-censorship-row-504452
  43. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/soni-razdan-on-no-fathers-in-kashmir-shooting-in-extreme-weather-conditions-and-why-shes-proud-of-alia-bhatt-6408051.html
  44. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/songs-of-paradise-movie-review-saba-azad-raj-begum-nightingale-of-kashmir-voice-of-the-valley-prime-video/article69992333.ece
  45. https://www.ptinews.com/story/entertainment/soni-razdan-on-playing-kashmiri-artist-raj-begum-in-biopic-she-opened-doors-for-generations-to-come/2869484
  46. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/songs-of-paradise-review-saba-azad-and-soni-razdans-performances-lend-the-kashmir-set-film-its-charm-9180809
  47. https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/mobs-terrorists-not-soni-razdan-kashmiri-students-1502734373.html
  48. https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/soni-razdan-backs-kashmiri-students-119022300216_1.html
  49. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1164956813185486850
  50. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/im-very-political-in-my-thoughts-soni-razdan/article26805881.ece
  51. https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/peace-is-the-only-way-alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-signs-petition-to-stop-india-pakistan-hostilities
  52. https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-shares-petition-to-stop-india-pakistan-hostilities-peace-not-war-11746801869938.html
  53. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/soni-razdan-candidly-admits-she-wont-mind-moving-to-pakistan/articleshow/68689594.cms
  54. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1731503661711573467
  55. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1718457007102165434
  56. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-gets-trolled-for-sharing-a-peace-petition-amidst-india-pakistan-tensions-heres-what-netizens-have-to-say/articleshow/121057403.cms
  57. https://www.news18.com/movies/alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-trolled-for-sharing-peace-petition-amid-india-pak-tensions-ws-l-9331299.html
  58. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/soni-razdan-trolled-urging-citizens-sign-india-pakistan-peace-petition-deletes-post-883131
  59. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1117954588349325312
  60. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1409171375009398785
  61. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1159488454780018688?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw
  62. https://x.com/Soni_Razdan
  63. https://www.firstpost.com/india/actor-soni-razdan-claims-afzal-guru-was-made-a-scapegoat-demands-solid-inquiry-into-his-hanging-7937661.html
  64. https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/actor-soni-razdan-kicks-up-row-with-controversial-tweet-on-afzal-guru-598752
  65. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/230120/police-complaint-against-soni-razdan.html
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFbhSRwcYBw
  67. https://www.news18.com/news/movies/alia-bhatt-mother-soni-razdan-backs-kashmiri-students-tweets-mobs-are-the-ones-who-are-terrorists-not-you-2046223.html
  68. https://twitter.com/Soni_Razdan/status/1099034285099634689
  69. https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/no-fathers-in-kashmir-actor-soni-razdan-feels-celebs-are-trolled-in-the-name-of-patriotism-364034.html
  70. https://www.news18.com/movies/alia-bhatts-british-citizenship-under-fire-after-soni-razdans-india-pakistan-hostilities-post-9334186.html
  71. https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/india-pakistan-tensions-netizens-question-alia-bhatt-british-citizenship-after-soni-hostilities-post-23541219
  72. https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/94023/alia-bhatts-mother-slammed-for-pushing-peace-petition-amid-india-pak-tensions-netizens-say-shes-brit
  73. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/mahesh-bhatt-soni-razdan-first-wife-kids-resented-evil-seductress-took-papa-away-8568328/
  74. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/mahesh-bhatt-cries-daughter-pooja-reaction-to-affair-with-soni-razdan-10282740/
  75. https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/when-soni-razdan-admitted-to-having-problems-with-mahesh-bhatt-s-first-wife-said-that-there-was-resentment-for-a-while/story-rLG8xhnuCywBCIbXGf1I5O.html
  76. https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/when-soni-razdan-opened-up-about-her-tumultuous-relationship-with-mahesh-bhatts-first-wife-lorraine-wed-had-our-fights-but
  77. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/soni-razdan-revealed-having-problems-with-mahesh-bhatts-first-wife-kiran-bhatt-21299
  78. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/when-soni-razdan-felt-guilty-of-marrying-mahesh-bhatt-35347
  79. https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-opens-up-about-disappointment-over-her-marriage-to-mahesh-bhatt-i-was-so-upset-3242264/
  80. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/soni-razdan-reveals-how-she-met-baby-mahesh-bhatt-in-anniversary-post-bahut-lambi-kahani-hai-101682048403561.html
  81. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/neetu-kapoor-wishes-soni-razdan-mahesh-bhatt-on-wedding-anniversary-7878174/
  82. https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/mahesh-bhatt-warned-soni-razdan-before-they-married-in-1986-i-will-destroy-you
  83. https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/soni-razdan-birthday-2025-look-at-her-family-pics-with-alia-ranbir-and-others-107947
  84. https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/soni-razdan-birthday-2025-cutest-family-photos-with-alia-ranbir-and-others-107947/9
  85. https://www.indiaforums.com/article/alia-bhatt-just-gave-us-major-mother-daughter-goals-with-her-birthday-post-for-soni-razdan_228538
  86. https://www.facebook.com/100075948465446/posts/alia-bhatt-and-shaheen-bhatt-daughters-of-filmmaker-mahesh-bhatt-and-actress-son/897089232832684/
  87. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/soni-razdan-reveals-alia-bhatt-and-shaheen-bhatt-have-had-typical-middle-class-upbringing-as-there-was-never-excess-money/articleshow/106133936.cms
  88. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/there-was-no-excess-money-soni-razdan-on-giving-a-middle-class-upbringing-to-daughters-alia-and-shaheen-13523812.html
  89. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/soni-razdan-felt-like-a-single-mother-when-raising-alia-bhatt-and-shaheen-in-one-bedroom-flat-today-raha-has-a-lot-more-9325537/
  90. https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/soni-razdan-says-she-was-practically-a-single-parent-to-alia-shaheen-heres-why
  91. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/mahesh-bhatts-life-story-married-alia-bhatts-mother-soni-razdan-without-divorcing-first-wife-56388
  92. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQPJ4zUCEvR/
  93. https://filmyfocus.com/celebs/soni-razdan
  94. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12887208/awards/
  95. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0073358/2024/1/
  96. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/songs-of-paradise/ottmoviereview/123569487.cms
  97. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJeUctTNP7w/
  98. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK_n5jVTNJm/
  99. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/soni-razdan-takes-on-the-internet-in-nepotism-debate-4666166
  100. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/soni-razdan-posts-a-cryptic-post-on-cancel-culture-amid-ranbir-kapoor-lipstick-controversy-43619
  101. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN-XBJzCc80/?hl=en
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