Kunickaa Sadanand
Kunickaa Sadanand (born 27 February 1964) is an Indian actress, singer, entrepreneur, lawyer and social activist. She is best known for her supporting roles in Hindi films during the 1990s, including Beta, Karan Arjun, Koyla and Hum Saath-Saath Hain. In later years, she transitioned into law and became a practicing advocate, including qualifying as an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court of India.
Early Life and Background
Kunickaa Sadanand was born into a culturally diverse family. Her father, Manjunath Sadanand, served in the Indian Air Force, and her mother, Kalyani, had Punjabi-English roots, with Scottish ancestry through her maternal grandmother. She grew up as the eldest of four siblings.[1]
Her upbringing combined discipline from her father’s military background and artistic encouragement from her mother, shaping her independent and outspoken personality.
Education
Later in life, Kunickaa returned to academics and pursued a degree in law (LLB), followed by an LLM with specialization in human rights and forensic law. After completing her legal training, she began practicing as an advocate and eventually qualified as an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court of India.[2]
Her transition from films to law marked a significant turning point in her professional life.
Acting Career
Film Career
Kunickaa made her film debut with the horror film Kabrastan (1988). Over the next two decades, she appeared in more than 100 films, often portraying bold, glamorous or negative roles.[3]
Some of her notable films include:
- Beta (1992)
- Khiladi (1992)
- Gumraah (1993)
- Karan Arjun (1995)
- Koyla (1997)
- Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999)
She became known for her strong screen presence and distinctive character portrayals during Bollywood’s 1990s era.
Television Career
Kunickaa also gained recognition on television. She appeared in popular shows such as:
- Swabhimaan
- Sanjog Se Bani Sangini
- Dilli Wali Thakur Gurls
- Akbar Birbal
She also participated in reality-based programs and entertainment leagues, further expanding her presence in Indian television.
In 2025, she entered Bigg Boss 19 as one of the senior-most contestants, generating attention for her outspoken personality and life experience.
Music and Entrepreneurship
Apart from acting, Kunickaa released three pop music albums in the 1990s and 2000s. She also ventured into business, establishing restaurants, banquet halls, spas and an event management company in Mumbai.
Her entrepreneurial ventures contributed significantly to her financial growth and independence.
Social Work
Kunickaa founded the Tara Charitable Trust in 2005, focusing on support for underprivileged communities. She is also associated with child welfare initiatives, including Children In Progress (CHIP).
Her activism centers around women’s empowerment, education and child welfare.
Personal Life
Kunickaa married at a young age and had her first son, Arihant Lall. After her first marriage ended, she faced a custody battle. In 1999, she married Vinay Lall, with whom she had her second son, Ayaan Lall. The marriage later ended in divorce.
During the 1990s, she was in a widely discussed relationship with singer Kumar Sanu. She has since described that phase as a closed chapter of her life.
She currently identifies as a single mother and grandmother, emphasizing independence and self-reliance.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Kunickaa Sadanand’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹17–20 crore. Her income sources include acting, legal practice, business ventures, events and investments.
Interesting Facts
- She has acted in over 110 films.
- She debuted in Kabrastan (1988).
- She later qualified as an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court of India.
- She has released three independent pop music albums.
- She founded Tara Charitable Trust for social causes.
References
- ↑ https://www.siasat.com/bigg-boss-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-actress-kunickaa-sadanand-3263286/
- ↑ https://news24online.com/entertainment/who-is-ayaan-lall-all-about-bigg-boss-19-contestant-kunickaa-sadanands-son/671293/
- ↑ https://www.filmibeat.com/television/news/2025/bigg-boss-19-weekend-ka-vaar-who-is-ayan-lal-kunickaa-sadanand-son-slams-contestants-478181.html