She made her acting debut with Jawaani (1984), followed it in various films opposite Govinda such as Love 86 (1986), Ilzaam (1986), Sindoor (1987), Khudgarz (1987), Hatya (1988), Farz Ki Jung (1989), Billoo Badshah (1989), Taaqatwar (1989) and Do Qaidi (1989); simultaneously starred opposite Chunky Pandey in films Aag Hi Aag (1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1988), Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988), Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989), and Mitti Aur Sona (1989).

[6] She decided to give acting a shot and signed Jawaani (1984) alongside Karan Shah, Tina Munim's nephew.

[7] Though not a big hit commercially, Neelam's performance in her debut film was noticed and she received many offers.

[8] In 2020-22 she has appeared alongside Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey and Seema Sajdeh in 3 seasons of the reality television series Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives that streamed on Netflix.

She followed a formal course in jewellery-designing[11] in Mumbai and, after quitting films temporarily in 2001, started out commercially on her own under the name Neelam Jewels.

[12] She then launched her jewellery store in Mumbai on 25 August 2011 under the name Neelam Kothari Fine Jewels.