Festive celebrations turned into a devastating nightmare for actress Soniya Kour, whose flat on the 7th floor of Amrut Smruti Building in Four Bungalows, Mumbai’s Andheri West area, was completely gutted in a devastating fire. The tragic incident, triggered by a stray firecracker, occurred during the wee hours of November 6, 2026—coinciding with the auspicious night of Dhanteras—while the actress was away in her hometown in Jammu.
Last seen on Zee TV’s Lakshmi Niwas in the role of Devika, Soniya has built a commendable career over the past decade and a half. However, in a matter of minutes, the apartment she called home became a stark reminder of how sudden misfortune can upend a life. While she and her family are safe, the emotional toll of losing her lifelong possessions, hard-earned awards, cherished memories, and personal sanctuary has left her deeply shocked and shattered.
Reflecting on the harrowing moment she received the devastating news miles away from Mumbai, Soniya recalled the disbelief and subsequent horror of watching her home burn down through photographs and videos sent by neighbours. “On Dhanteras night, I got a call. I felt it was a prank. But when I saw videos and pictures of my burned-down house, I was shattered. My mandir’s shivling is gone; kitchen, home appliances—nothing is left. I have whatever I brought to my hometown. Luckily, I am safe; my sister is safe; we were at home in Jammu.”
The fire did not just destroy physical property; it consumed 15 years of relentless hard work, artistic milestones, and sentimental treasures that can never be replaced. From professional accolades to cherished wardrobe pieces and scripts, everything vanished. “I lost all of my 15 years of hard work—my dreams, my shoot memories, my certificates, dresses, my scripts, awards, whatever I had in my house was burned down in a few minutes.”
Living through such a catastrophic loss has given the actress a profound new perspective on life. While she admits to battling deep shock and depression, making her hesitant to return to Mumbai just yet, she remains profoundly grateful for her survival and views this ordeal as a second chance at life. “Rockets at Diwali are for fun. But a small flame can ruin anyone’s life. I am in shock; I am in depression. I cannot come back to Mumbai yet to see what has happened. If, at all, I were at home, and I was asleep and did not know about the fire, I would not have escaped. Thankfully, this is a second birth for me; I want to start afresh.”
Soniya has featured in many successful shows – Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Jhanak, Ikk Kudi Punjab Di, etc.
We pray that Soniya gets all the strength!
