Somy Ali delves into the often-overlooked solitude that accompanies fame, comparing Rajesh Khanna’s journey with that of other legendary personalities.
Through her unique lens as an actress and activist, she explores fame’s emotional toll and the quiet solitude it often brings.
Former Bollywood actress turned activist Somy Ali has lived many lives. In the 1990s, she starred opposite leading men in popular Hindi films like Anth, Yaar Gaddar, and Aao Pyaar Karen.
But after stepping away from the glamour of the silver screen, Somy Ali found her true calling in social impact work.
She now leads No More Tears, a Florida nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, work that has earned her significant recognition for her compassion and advocacy.
Even with her years in activism, the emotional cost of stardom is something Somy Ali continues to reflect on especially when it comes to the lives of screen legends.
Speaking candidly about the isolation that often comes with fame, Somy draws poignant comparisons with iconic figures like Parveen Babi, Marilyn Monroe, and Guru Dutt.
“None were like Kakaji,” she says, referring to Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna. Somy Ali adds, “His fans married his photographs. They collected dust from the path his car took. He was magical but also deeply alone.”
Somy Ali believes that the price of popularity is often paid in silence.
“Stardom followed by silence. Adoration without affection. Visibility without validation that’s the tragedy of fame,” Somy Ali explains, adding, “People would use him, lie to him, and turn him into a product. Kakaji understood this. That’s why he chose solitude over fake entourages and showy photo ops.”
Having experienced both the highs of fame and the depth of real-world suffering through her NGO work, Somy Ali speaks from a place of insight and empathy.
Her reflections serve as a stark reminder that behind the lights and lenses, many stars carry a loneliness that neither success nor adulation can erase.
Tags : Somy Ali, No More Tears, NGO, Rajesh Khanna, Stardom, Celebrity
