Former ‘Ram Lakhan’ Actor Sonika Gill Reflects on Career Losses and Family Life

Actor Sonika Gill, remembered for playing Vivia in Ram Lakhan, once appeared poised for a bigger breakthrough in Bollywood before a serious car accident altered the course of her career.

The Delhi-born actor, who built her career without film industry connections, spent nearly a decade doing supporting roles before gaining recognition in director Subhash Ghai’s 1989 blockbuster starring Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit and Dimple Kapadia.

In interviews, Sonika recalled that her journey in films began after years of stage performances in Delhi, where she studied alongside singer Sonu Nigam. After moving to Mumbai, she appeared in films such as Nazrana Pyar Ka, Prem Geet, Siskiyan and Main Aur Tum before landing a more prominent role in Clerk.

Subhash Ghai signed her for a three-film deal

Sonika said Subhash Ghai signed her to a three-film contract under Mukta Films after their first meeting. She was selected despite rumours circulating in the industry about her being unprofessional.

In a 2024 interview with Bollywood Thikana, Sonika denied the allegations and said she neither smoked nor drank alcohol.

“I’ve never smoked or touched alcohol. But there were some people spreading this ‘praise’ all around so they could push their favourites,” she said.

According to Sonika, Ghai ignored the rumours and believed she had potential. Her role in Ram Lakhan later brought her wider visibility despite the film’s ensemble cast.

Accident changed the course of her career

Sonika’s career suffered a major setback after she met with a car accident in January 1992 that resulted in a fractured leg and a long recovery period.

The injury forced her to step away from several projects, including Khalnayak, where she was reportedly replaced by Ramya Krishnan. The film, directed by Subhash Ghai, starred Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff.

Sonika later recalled visiting the set on crutches and being advised by Ghai not to appear publicly in that condition because it could affect her career further.

The accident also impacted other projects. A dance sequence with Sanjay Dutt in Jeena Marna Tere Sang was reportedly removed. She continued working selectively during recovery, including appearances in Tirangaa and Ghar Ki Izzat.

Move to Dubai and return to acting

Following professional setbacks and personal tragedies, including the deaths of close family members, Sonika moved to Dubai and worked as a manager at The Moghul Room restaurant, owned by former actor Rajan Sippy.

After returning to India, she resumed acting with projects including My Friend Ganesha 3, Akkad Bakkad Bam Be Bo and the television series Anamika.

Sonika Gill on marriage and blended family life

Beyond her professional struggles, Sonika has also spoken openly about her personal life. She revealed that six of her engagements ended before she eventually married businessman and builder Mitesh Rughani.

“I thought that I would not get married because I am choosy in some matters,” Sonika said in an interview, adding that she later learned she was “maanglik” and performed a puja before eventually getting married.

Sonika now lives in a blended family with her husband, his first wife and their children. She has spoken positively about the arrangement and said mutual respect helped maintain harmony within the household.

“How can a woman hate another woman? She’s also someone’s daughter and wife, like I am,” she said.