Actress Sonam Reflects on Emotional Journey as Mother of Autistic Son Gaurav Rai
Bollywood actress Sonam, best known for her roles in Tridev and Vishwatma, has opened up about her personal struggles and resilience as the mother of her son, Gaurav Rai. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the actress shared a throwback picture of herself with her newborn son, accompanied by a heartfelt note reflecting on her journey of raising a special child.
Sonam’s Heartfelt Note on Motherhood
In her post, Sonam recalled the day her son was born. She wrote, “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 went on to describe it as a mother’s intuition and admitted that she had no idea how drastically her life was about to change. Reflecting on her struggles over the years, she listed the lessons she learned through her journey:
- “One, never judge anyone.
- Two, never pity yourself.
- Three, never stop loving.
- Four, never stop being kind to yourself & others.
- Lastly, live one day at a time added with one, two, three & four of the above.”
Her words resonated deeply with followers, many of whom praised her courage and honesty in speaking about a subject that often remains hidden behind social stigma.
Life with Rajiv Rai and Gaurav
Sonam was married to filmmaker Rajiv Rai, with whom she worked on films like Tridev (1989) and Vishwatma (1992). Their son, Gaurav, was diagnosed with autism at an early age.
The couple’s life took a dramatic turn in 1997, when hitmen allegedly working for Mumbai underworld leader Abu Salem attempted to assassinate Rajiv Rai. Following the incident, Sonam and Rajiv left India with their son and settled abroad. They first moved to Los Angeles before making Europe their permanent home.
While adjusting to life overseas, Sonam focused on raising her son, often away from the spotlight of Bollywood.
Battling Stigma and Emotional Struggles
Earlier, Sonam had spoken openly about the challenges of raising an autistic child in the conservative Indian society of the 1990s. She revealed that despite attending social gatherings and parties, she would often return home, lock herself in the bathroom, and cry for hours after her son was asleep.
Calling it a deeply isolating experience, she admitted that she found solace only in hugging her son at night. Her account highlighted the emotional and societal challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, particularly at a time when awareness about autism was limited.
Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage
Despite trying to hold the family together, Sonam and Rajiv Rai’s marriage eventually deteriorated. The couple officially divorced in 2016, after 25 years together. Following the separation, Sonam continued to dedicate her life to her son and to spreading awareness about the struggles of parenting a child with autism.
Lessons in Strength and Resilience
In her Instagram post, Sonam emphasized that despite hardships, she has learned invaluable lessons in resilience, compassion, and unconditional love. Her note reflected a message of hope to other parents in similar situations: to never lose patience, never give up on kindness, and to live each day as it comes.
Her candid reflections not only shed light on her personal journey but also bring attention to the broader challenges faced by families raising children with special needs.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Sonam’s story is one of courage, endurance, and an unwavering bond between a mother and her child. By sharing her personal experiences, she has given a voice to countless parents navigating similar struggles, breaking silence around the stigma of autism in society. Her journey serves as a reminder that while life may bring unexpected challenges, compassion and resilience can help turn pain into strength.