Mumbai — Royalty, privilege, and fame — most would think Soha Ali Khan had it all from birth. Daughter of legendary actress Sharmila Tagore and cricket icon Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and sister of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, she could have relied on her family name to chart her path. But Soha had other plans.
After completing her master’s degree at the London School of Economics, Soha chose financial independence over inherited prestige. She moved to Mumbai, rented a modest apartment in Lokhandwala, and joined an international bank with an annual salary of ₹2.2 lakh, spending ₹17,000 of it on rent
“I wanted to make my own choices and live life on my terms,” she recalled, emphasizing that privilege alone wasn’t enough to shape a meaningful career.
Soha’s early days were a mix of financial discipline and personal ambition. Determined to stand on her own feet, she balanced work and life while scouting opportunities in modeling and acting. Her breakthrough came with a ₹5 lakh modeling assignment, which boosted her confidence and visibility. Soon after, she made her Bollywood debut in Dil Maange More (2004) opposite Shahid Kapoor, earning ₹10 lakh (Times of India). Though the film didn’t set the box office on fire, it marked a turning point in her career.
Over the years, Soha has carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema, starring in films across genres — from romance to drama to offbeat indie projects. Despite the glitz and glamour, she often reflects on her early struggles, crediting them for instilling resilience, self-reliance, and a strong work