Former actress and humanitarian Somy Ali recently appeared on Nidhi Vasandani’s podcast, where she reflected on her journey from Bollywood to becoming the founder of the non-profit organisation No More Tears. Speaking candidly about her film career, personal struggles, and mission to support survivors of abuse and human trafficking, Somy shared several heartfelt memories and life lessons.
Looking back at her time in Bollywood during the 1990s, Somy described it as a memorable chapter of her life. “It was a memorable phase of my life. I had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest stars of the time, and I cherish many of those experiences despite everything that happened later,” she said.
Recalling her early days in front of the camera, the actress admitted she was overwhelmed by nervousness. She revealed that actor Sanjay Dutt played an important role in boosting her confidence during one of her first shoots. “I was extremely nervous. During one of my early shoots, Sanjay Dutt noticed how anxious I was. He took me aside, encouraged me to relax, and told me to imagine that I was performing with someone I was comfortable with. His advice helped me overcome my fear of the camera,” she shared.
When asked about the colleagues she enjoyed working with the most, Somy fondly remembered several actors from the industry. “I had wonderful experiences working with Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Om Puri, Satish Shah, Rakesh Bedi and Javed Jaffrey. We shared great camaraderie on the sets and had a lot of fun together,” she recalled.
The conversation also touched upon untold stories from the Hindi film industry. Hinting that there is much more to reveal, Somy said, “There are many stories from that era that people have never heard. Some of those experiences are deeply personal, and I plan to share them in detail through my memoir.”
Speaking about her late friend and actress Divya Bharti, Somy revealed that the two shared a close bond built on trust. “Divya and I shared a close bond. She confided certain things in me, and I have always respected that trust. Some aspects of those conversations will only be revealed in my book,” she said.
One of the most emotional moments of the interview came when Somy spoke about how she is often defined by one relationship rather than the humanitarian work she has devoted her life to. “People continue to identify me primarily through one relationship instead of recognising my work as a humanitarian. I’ve received awards for my social work and dedicated my life to helping survivors, but those accomplishments rarely receive the same attention,” she said.
Admitting that such perceptions still affect her, she added, “Of course it does. It hurts when years of meaningful work are overshadowed by one chapter of my personal life.”
Using the platform to advocate for survivors of abuse, Somy urged victims not to remain silent. “Don’t remain silent. Abuse should never be hidden because of societal pressure or fear of what people will say. Survivors deserve support, justice and the courage to speak their truth,” she said.
She also highlighted how societal attitudes continue to discourage survivors from speaking out. “In many cultures, victims are often discouraged from speaking out because families worry about social stigma. That mindset needs to change,” she stated.
Offering advice to aspiring actors, Somy encouraged them to remain authentic despite the pressures of the entertainment industry. “Stay grounded, work hard, and don’t lose yourself chasing fame. Success should never come at the cost of your self-respect or your values,” she said, while adding that talent alone is not enough. “Talent is important, but perseverance and luck also play major roles. Opportunities may open doors, but only consistent work keeps you there.”
Reflecting on her personal evolution, Somy said she has found greater purpose beyond cinema. “I’ve become stronger, wiser, and much more aware of what truly matters. My priorities have shifted from films to making a meaningful impact through humanitarian work,” she shared.
She credited the people helped through her organisation, No More Tears, as her biggest source of inspiration. “The people we help through No More Tears. Their courage inspires me to continue this work,” she said.
Summing up how she hopes to be remembered, Somy concluded, “I hope people remember me for my work in protecting survivors, fighting against abuse and human trafficking, and making a positive difference in people’s lives—not just for my time in Bollywood or my personal relationships.”
