Kunickaa Sadanand: 100-Film Veteran Actress-Turned-Lawyer Makes Bigg Boss 19 Splash

Kunickaa Sadanand was born on February 27, 1964, in Mumbai, into a vibrant family. Her upbringing was a blend of South Indian discipline and Punjabi vibrance, enriched further by her English lineage on her mother’s side. This multicultural foundation shaped her personality, outspoken, confident, and artistic.

Creativity was not new to her family. Her brother, Kabir Sadanand, carved his path as a filmmaker and actor, while her sister, Shivani Tijori, became a well-known fashion designer. With such a creative environment, it was almost inevitable that Kunickaa would be drawn to the performing arts.

The Acting Breakthrough

Kunickaa’s first brush with acting came through television in Delhi, where she started doing small roles. She got her major break in the popular serial Swabhimaan, where she played the mother of an adult son. At a time when actresses were cautious about being typecast, she took the risk of essaying a mature role, and it paid off. Kunickaa Sadanand became instantly recognisable for her commanding presence and ability to play complex women on screen. Also Read: Mridul Tiwari Biography: From Sketch Comedy King to Bigg Boss 19 House—Journey, Achievements & Drama

Bollywood Journey: The Bold Trailblazer

Her film debut came in 1988 with the horror drama Kabrastan. Unlike many newcomers who aimed only for lead roles, Kunickaa Sadanand embraced versatile characters, grey, bold, fiery, and unapologetic. This fearlessness quickly made her one of the most in-demand supporting actresses of the 90s.

She went on to act in over 100 films, including blockbusters like:

Beta (1992) – playing strong supporting characters in Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor’s classic.

Gumraah (1993) – showcasing her range in intense drama.

Khiladi (1992) and Karan Arjun (1995) – memorable roles alongside top stars of the decade.

Koyla (1997) – sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) – as Shanti, she became a household name, remembered for her warmth and humour.

Unlike many actresses who faded after the 90s, Kunickaa continued acting in television and films, keeping her presence alive for more than two decades.

Music: A Voice Beyond the Screen

Few know that Kunickaa Sadanand is also a singer. In the mid-90s, she explored the pop music scene in India, releasing albums such as:

Lakhon Mein Ek (1996)

Kunickaa (2002)

Joombish (A Mystical Journey) (2006)

Her husky voice and experimental style gave her a distinct identity in the indie music space, proving she wasn’t just an actress but a multi-talented artist.

Entrepreneurial Flair

Kunickaa has also been a successful entrepreneur. She co-founded:

White – The Italian Café

Zingcafe

Majestica – The Royal Banquet Hall

Exhale Spa

Her ventures reflected her love for hospitality and lifestyle, adding yet another feather to her already diverse career.

Social Activism & Charity Work

Kunickaa’s compassion has always been at the forefront. In 2005, she founded the Tara Charitable Trust, focusing on healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. She also became a trustee of CHIP (Children In Progress), which works for the holistic development of underprivileged children.

She has organised over 100 charity stage shows, raising funds and awareness for social causes. Kunickaa Sadanand also speaks fearlessly about women’s rights, domestic violence, and child welfare, making her more than just an entertainer, but a true changemaker.

The Lawyer Within

Amid her glamorous life, Kunickaa Sadanand chose a completely different path in law. She pursued BLS, LLB, and LLM, becoming a practising advocate. This rare transition from Bollywood to the legal world highlighted her intellectual depth and commitment to justice. Today, she is recognised as both a performer and a legal mind, often consulted on issues related to women’s rights and social justice.

Personal Life: Trials & Triumphs

Kunickaa’s personal journey has been as dramatic as her film career. At 18, she married a man 13 years older and soon became a mother. After years of turbulence, she endured an eight-year custody battle before deciding to let her son live peacefully with his father.

She later had a live-in relationship with director Sunil Sikand, which ended on a bitter note. At 35, she married again and moved to the U.S., where she had her second son. But this marriage too ended in divorce, and she returned to India to raise her son as a single mother.

Her honesty about her personal struggles, including her much-publicised affair with singer Kumar Sanu in the 90s, set her apart in an industry that often hides behind façades. Kunickaa Sadanand’s candidness makes her relatable, raw, and respected.

Bigg Boss 19: The Fiery Comeback

In 2025, Kunickaa Sadanand shocked fans by entering Bigg Boss 19 at the age of 61. The show, which started on 24 August 2025, brought together 16 contestants from diverse backgrounds.

For Kunickaa, Bigg Boss was more than just a reality TV stint; it was a personal challenge. She admitted that being inside the house was on her bucket list, as it would test her patience, push her spiritual growth, and reveal her true self under pressure.

Kunickaa Sadanand’s entry was grand, and within days, she became the first captain of the house. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, she quickly commanded respect. Former Bigg Boss winner Gauahar Khan even urged the housemates to respect her as a senior and treat her with dignity.

Audiences have already labelled her the “dignified firebrand” of the season, someone who balances grace with guts.

Legacy & Why Fans Love Her

Kunickaa’s biography is not just about films or fame; it is about reinvention. She has been:

A Bollywood actress with over 100 films.

A TV star in iconic serials.

A pop singer with her own albums.

An entrepreneur with cafés and spas.

A social activist championing causes.

A lawyer fighting for justice.

And now, a Bigg Boss contestant, proving that age is no barrier to chasing new challenges.

Her fans admire her resilience, her ability to bounce back from personal storms, and her courage to live life on her own terms.

Final Thoughts

Kunickaa Sadanand’s story is a roller-coaster of glamour, struggle, heartbreak, reinvention, and inspiration. Her entry into Bigg Boss 19 is not just about reality TV drama; it’s a reminder that a woman can constantly evolve, reinvent herself, and shine in new ways even after decades in the spotlight.

Kunickaa Sadanand is not just an actress; she is a fighter, a survivor, and a storyteller of her own life, and that’s what makes her one of the most compelling contestants to watch this season.