She started acting at the age of 13 under the name Baby Sonia, and made her acting debut in 1966 with the film Suraj.
Her other early roles included starring in the films Dus Lakh (1966), starring in a double role in the film Do Kaliyaan (1968), as well as appearing in Waris (1969) and Pavitra Paapi (1970).
She made her adult debut in 1973 with the film Rickshawala, and went on to appear in 50 films as the lead heroine from 1973 to 1983.
She made her comeback in 2009, appearing opposite her husband in the film Love Aaj Kal, and has since appeared in Do Dooni Chaar (2010), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), and Besharam (2013).