Meet actress who hails from wealthy background, quit her job for debut role, which was later took by Rani Mukerji, she is…

This renowned actress is known for her acting skills who has featured in many cult classic and underrated films of Indian Cinema.

Published: September 17, 2025 6:40 PM IST

This renowned actress grew up in the arms of a famous family, with a secure bank job and no plans to become an actress. But then everything changed. A promising script came her way, and her fate decided to take the leap.

Who is this actress?

Here we are talking about Soha Ali Khan, daughter of Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and sister of Saif Ali Khan, who was working in banking when she got an offer to star in Paheli, directed by legendary Amol Palekar. Excited by the opportunity, she even quit her job, thinking this could be her big break. But soon after Shah Rukh Khan joined the project, the producers recast her role and the part went to Rani Mukerji. Soha later spoke about how she was left wondering how she would pay her monthly rent of Rs 17,000 while unemployed and without that film.

When did Soha Ali Khan make her debut?

Even though Paheli didn’t work out for her, Soha’s actual Bollywood debut came later with Shahid Kapoor starrer Dil Maange More (2004). She also acted in regional cinema, did some modelling, and made her presence felt over the years thanks to thoughtful film choices.

More about Soha Ali Khan

Over the years, Soha has acted in notable projects across Hindi, Bengali, and English cinema, including Ahista Ahista, 99, Khoya Khoya Chand, Rang De Basanti, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. Beyond acting, she’s also a published author, her book The Perils of Being Moderately Famous won the Crossword Book Award. Married to actor Kunal Khemu and a mother to daughter Inaaya, Soha maintains a low-key but respected presence in both Bollywood and high society.

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Story Highlights

1. Soha Ali Khan was offered Paheli while working a bank job, which she quit in hopes of her big Bollywood break.
2. Her role was later given to Rani Mukerji after Shah Rukh Khan joined the project.
3. Left jobless and worried about paying her rent, Soha had to find new ground in the industry.
4. She eventually debuted with Dil Maange More in 2004 and built a career with steady, meaningful choices.

Soha Ali Khan’s journey into Bollywood wasn’t the typical star-kid success story. Despite her royal and film lineage, she faced early setbacks, including losing a major debut film after quitting her stable bank job. However, her resilience and intellect helped her carve a unique space in the industry.