Sonam Bajwa, born Sonampreet Kaur Bajwa on August 16, 1989, in Nanakmatta, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, India, is a celebrated Indian actress and model known for her captivating performances in Punjabi cinema, with notable appearances in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films. Her journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to one of the most prominent faces in the Punjabi film industry is a testament to her talent, determination, and charisma.
Early Life and Background
Sonam Bajwa was born into a middle-class Punjabi Sikh family in Nanakmatta, a small town in Uttarakhand. Raised in a supportive household, her parents, both teachers, instilled in her the values of education and perseverance. Her mother, Ritu Bajwa, and her twin brother, Jaideep Bajwa, have been significant figures in her life, though she keeps her family life relatively private. Growing up, Sonam faced challenges, including being bullied for her darker complexion and her original name, Sanobar, which classmates mispronounced as "Sarovar." This led her to change her name to Sonam in the first grade, a decision that marked the beginning of her journey to self-confidence.
Sonam completed her schooling at Jaycees Public School in Rudrapur and later graduated from Delhi University. Her early inclination toward modeling and glamour was evident, as she dreamed of participating in beauty pageants. After completing her education, she briefly worked as an air hostess, a role that allowed her to explore her independence and interact with diverse people. However, her passion for the spotlight led her to Mumbai in 2012, where she participated in the prestigious Femina Miss India contest. Although she didn’t win, her status as a finalist opened doors to the entertainment industry.
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
Sonam Bajwa’s foray into acting began with her debut in the Punjabi film Best of Luck (2013), where she starred alongside Gippy Grewal and Jazzy B. The romantic comedy, filmed in Vancouver and Jalandhar, marked her entry into Pollywood (Punjabi cinema) and showcased her natural charm and screen presence. While the film received mixed reviews, it laid the foundation for her acting career.
Her breakthrough came in 2014 with Punjab 1984, a critically acclaimed period drama starring Diljit Dosanjh. Playing the role of Jeeti, Sonam earned widespread recognition for her emotional depth and authenticity, establishing herself as a serious actress in Punjabi cinema. The film’s success at the box office and critical acclaim solidified her position as one of the industry’s rising stars.
Rise to Stardom in Punjabi Cinema
Sonam Bajwa quickly became a household name in Punjabi cinema, delivering a string of successful films that showcased her versatility. In 2016, she starred in Sardaar Ji 2 opposite Diljit Dosanjh, Nikka Zaildar with Ammy Virk, and Aatadukundam Raa, marking her Telugu debut. These films highlighted her ability to balance commercial entertainers with emotionally charged roles. Her performance in Nikka Zaildar was particularly praised, earning her a nomination for the Filmfare Awards Punjabi.
In 2017, Sonam continued her winning streak with Manje Bistre opposite Gippy Grewal and Super Singh with Diljit Dosanjh, both of which were commercial successes. Her role in Carry on Jatta 2 (2018) further cemented her status as a leading lady, earning her another Filmfare nomination. The film’s massive success made her one of the highest-paid actresses in Punjabi cinema, reportedly earning more than her male counterparts in some projects.
In 2019, Sonam delivered a stellar performance in Ardab Mutiyaran, which earned her the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Actress. The film’s empowering narrative and her portrayal of Babbu Bains Bansal resonated with audiences, showcasing her ability to carry a film on her shoulders. Other notable films from this period include Guddiyan Patole and Muklawa, both of which were box-office hits.
Ventures into Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu Cinema
While Sonam Bajwa is primarily known for her work in Punjabi cinema, she has also ventured into other regional industries. Her Tamil debut came with Kappal (2014) opposite Vaibhav, and she later appeared in the Telugu film Aatadukundam Raa (2016). In 2019, she made her Bollywood debut with a special appearance in Bala alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, featuring in the popular song Naah Goriye. She also appeared in Street Dancer 3D (2020) with Varun Dhawan, further expanding her reach in Hindi cinema.
In 2022, she starred in the Tamil horror-comedy Kaatteri and continued to dominate Punjabi cinema with films like Sher Bagga and Jind Mahi. Her 2023 releases, Godday Godday Chaa and Carry on Jatta 3, were well-received, with the latter becoming one of the highest-grossing Punjabi films. In 2024, she starred in Kudi Haryane Val Di opposite Ammy Virk, a cross-cultural romantic comedy that resonated with audiences. Looking ahead, Sonam is set to appear in Ranna Ch Dhanna (2025) alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Shehnaaz Gill, further solidifying her position as a versatile actress.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Sonam Bajwa is known for her private nature when it comes to her personal life. Despite rumors linking her to cricketers KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, she has consistently maintained that she is single and focused on her career. In interviews, she has expressed a desire to keep her personal life out of the public eye, emphasizing her commitment to her craft.
Born into a Sikh family, Sonam announced in 2017 via social media that she follows Jesus but clarified that she has not converted to Christianity, stating, “I follow Jesus, but I am not a religious Christian.” This openness about her spiritual beliefs has endeared her to fans who appreciate her authenticity. She also has a tattoo of “Jesus” on her left hand’s ring finger, reflecting her personal convictions.
Sonam is an avid fitness enthusiast, maintaining a strict workout regimen and a balanced diet. Her love for dogs is well-documented, with her pet dog Simba frequently appearing on her social media. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and indulging in her favorite foods, including chicken soup and mango-based dishes. Her down-to-earth personality and relatable social media presence have earned her a massive following, with over 9.2 million Instagram followers as of 2023.
Fashion and Brand Endorsements
Sonam Bajwa is celebrated for her impeccable fashion sense, often making headlines for her stylish appearances. She has been named the Chandigarh Times’ Most Desirable Woman multiple times (2016, 2017, 2019) and ranked 44th on the Times’ 50 Most Desirable Women list in 2019. Her ability to blend traditional Punjabi aesthetics with modern trends has made her a style icon.
As a brand ambassador, Sonam has endorsed major names like Lux, Puma, L’Oréal, Monte Carlo, Dish TV, Garnier, Moofarm, and Americana biscuits. Her appearances in music videos, such as “Babu Bangaram,” “Tommy,” and “Naah Goriye,” have further boosted her marketability. She also hosts Dil Diyan Gallan with Sonam Bajwa on Zee5, a talk show that showcases her engaging personality.
Net Worth and Achievements
As of October 2022, Sonam Bajwa’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million (around 80 crores INR). Her income stems from acting, endorsements, and her talk show. She owns luxury cars, including an Audi A6 (worth Rs. 65 lakhs) and a Hyundai Creta (worth Rs. 20 lakhs), reflecting her financial success.
Her accolades include the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Actress for Ardab Mutiyaran (2019) and multiple Filmfare Awards Punjabi nominations for films like Manje Bistre and Nikka Zaildar 2. Her ability to command higher pay than her male co-stars in films like Guddiyan Patole underscores her influence in the industry.
Challenges and Resilience
Sonam has been open about the challenges she faced, including being sidelined in the industry and bullied for her complexion during her childhood. In a 2023 interview, she discussed the discrimination she encountered in the Punjabi film industry, where fair-skinned actors were often favored. Her resilience and dedication have allowed her to overcome these obstacles, making her a role model for aspiring actors.
Future Prospects
With Ranna Ch Dhanna slated for release in 2025, Sonam Bajwa continues to push boundaries in Punjabi cinema while exploring opportunities in Bollywood and South Indian films. Her versatility, coupled with her strong screen presence, ensures that she remains a dominant force in the industry.
FAQs About Sonam Bajwa
- What is Sonam Bajwa’s real name?
Her real name is Sonampreet Kaur Bajwa. - What is Sonam Bajwa’s age?
As of May 29, 2025, Sonam Bajwa is 35 years old, born on August 16, 1989. - Is Sonam Bajwa married?
No, Sonam Bajwa is currently single and has not confirmed any romantic relationships. - What was Sonam Bajwa’s debut film?
She debuted in the Punjabi film Best of Luck in 2013. - What is Sonam Bajwa’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $5 million (80 crores INR) as of 2022. - Which awards has Sonam Bajwa won?
She won the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Actress for Ardab Mutiyaran (2019) and has received multiple Filmfare Awards Punjabi nominations. - What is Sonam Bajwa’s height?
She is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. - What is Sonam Bajwa’s religion?
Born into a Sikh family, she follows Jesus but has not converted to Christianity.
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