Veteran actress Soni Razdan has candidly spoken out about the gender bias she faced in the film industry after her marriage to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in 1986. In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Razdan revealed that work offers abruptly dried up, with people questioning why she, as a married woman, would “need to work.”
The actress, who was doing “really well” at the beginning of her career, shared her frustration over the sexist remarks. “I got a feedback from somewhere that since she’s now so and so’s wife, why does she need to work? I got so angry!” she recalled. This professional setback was eventually reversed by a turning point in her career: the iconic television serial Buniyaad, which aired in 1986. The show’s success allowed her to secure more projects and regain her footing in the industry.
A Lingering Struggle for Her Own Identity
Despite her extensive career spanning decades and her acclaimed performances in films like Raazi and Saaransh, Razdan admitted that she continues to face a struggle for her own professional identity. She hinted that she is often referred to as Alia Bhatt’s mother and Mahesh Bhatt’s wife.
“All my life, even now, I’m somebody else’s somebody,” she stated, emphasizing that her personal journey has been about being known for who she is, independent of her famous family members. While she expressed gratitude and pride for the success of her loved ones, she acknowledged a persistent feeling of being overshadowed. “I’m happy for the people around me, who’re doing so well in their lives… But perhaps that’s how my journey was meant to be. Now I laugh at it,” she added, reflecting on her path with a sense of acceptance and humor.
Soni Razdan’s most recent film is Danish Renzu’s Songs of Paradise, which premiered on Prime Video. The film, inspired by the life of legendary Kashmiri singer Raj Begum, also stars Saba Azad and has received positive reviews.