MUMBAI: For Somy Ali, the former Bollywood actress who now runs an NGO called No More Tears, fame is a destination. She believes recognition isn’t about applause or awards; it’s about impact.
She said, "For me, fame has never been a finish line; it’s a platform. Whether through Fight or Flight, The Uncomfortable Conversation, or No More Tears, I see the public’s attention as a sacred responsibility. The true measure of an artist isn’t how loudly they’re celebrated, but how deeply they make others feel seen."
Her fans' love is very special because they have witnessed her growth and seen her evolve. She said, "Fans are not just admirers; they’re witnesses to one’s evolution. For me, their love is sacred because it has followed me through every reinvention: from Bollywood to activism, from the spotlight to the shadows, and back into purpose."
"Their support has never been about glamour; it’s been about growth. Every message, every word of encouragement, fuels my mission with No More Tears to turn pain into change," she added.
Somy stressed that adulation is both a blessing and a mirror. She said, "It can inflate your ego or ignite your purpose. I choose the latter. Today, my drive comes not from applause, but from awareness. Whether it’s my upcoming talk show, The Uncomfortable Conversation, or the work I continue through No More Tears, I use visibility to challenge silence and spark empathy."
"Balance, for me, comes from knowing why I’m using my voice, not just how loudly it echoes," she added.
Sharing some interesting fan interactions, she said, "One that deeply moved me was when a young woman approached me after watching Fight or Flight on Discovery+. She was a survivor of domestic violence and told me that seeing my journey gave her the courage to leave her abuser and start anew. That moment reminded me that storytelling, whether through cinema or real life, can save lives. That encounter wasn’t about fame; it was about healing."
Another incident that left an impact on her was during an event in Miami when a survivor from No More Tears stood up and told Somy that she was her favorite actress, and now she is her savior. She added, "I broke down. In that instant, I realized my purpose had evolved from performing on screen to performing acts of humanity. It was overwhelming, humbling, and profoundly grounding. It reminded me that fame fades, but compassion doesn’t."
When asked about fans asking for photos, Somy said that at those times she reminds herself that she was once a fan too, standing in awe of the people who inspired her. She added, "If someone approaches me with sincerity, I never turn them away. But I also believe in mutual respect. Sometimes, I ask for a few seconds of space, especially if I’m with the survivors from No More Tears or in a sensitive environment. It’s about honoring both moments, public love and private healing."
With autographs now often replaced by selfies, she stressed that for her, a selfie is today’s autograph, as it’s immediate and personal. She said, "I embrace it because it reflects the world we live in: visual, fast, yet still craving meaning. What matters isn’t the format; rather, it’s the human warmth behind the gesture."
And she understands maintaining a boundary with them while making a personal connection. She said, "Boundaries are self-respect, not distance. I stay connected through social media and open dialogues, but I also retreat into solitude when I need to refuel."
"My fans have grown with me, and they understand that my silence sometimes speaks more than my words. Through Fight or Flight and my ongoing advocacy, I’ve learned that vulnerability can be shared publicly, but healing must happen privately. That’s the balance I strive for: connection with conscience," Somy ended.
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