Bollywood actress Sonam, famous for her roles in hits like Tridev and Vishwatma, recently opened up about her emotional journey as a mother to her autistic son, Gaurav Rai. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a rare throwback photo from the day he was born and revealed how her mother’s intuition kicked in right away.
Sonam became a mom at just 20 years old. Posting the picture on Tuesday, she wrote in the caption: "A mother at 20. This picture was taken the day my son was born. I dunno why or how the day my child was born I knew something was not right with him." She called it a mother’s intuition that changed her life forever. Looking back on her struggles, Sonam shared key life lessons she’s learned: Never judge anyone, never pity yourself, never stop loving, always be kind to yourself and others, and live one day at a time while embracing all of that.
Fans know Sonam from her marriage to producer-director Rajiv Rai, with whom she starred in those blockbuster films. Tragically, their son Gaurav received an autism diagnosis at a young age. The family’s life took a dramatic turn in 1997 when they fled India for the UK after hitmen, allegedly linked to Mumbai underworld boss Abu Salem, tried to kill Rajiv. This incident forced them to seek safety abroad.
Sonam has spoken before about the tough stigma of raising an autistic child in the conservative society of the 1990s. She once shared how she’d return from parties or social events, wait until Gaurav fell asleep, and then cry alone in the bathroom. "It was an extremely tough journey," she said, adding that she’d hug her son tight and go to sleep to get through it.
After the move, the couple first lived in Los Angeles before settling in Europe. Sadly, their 25-year marriage hit rough patches and ended in divorce in 2016. Sonam’s candid stories about autism parenting, mother’s intuition, and overcoming personal struggles continue to inspire many, highlighting the real challenges and triumphs of raising a special needs child.
