Somy Ali: Rejection is a huge part of the acting world

Actress Somy Ali, who has been part of numerous films, says that surviving in the industry is not easy. Somy who now runs a US based NGO called No More Tears and helps rehabilitate victims of domestic abuse and rape, says that people need to be aware of the struggle required to survive here, before they decide to join the industry.

“I believe that if an individual is solely passionate about being in the entertainment industry, he or she is also hopefully prepared and comprehends that the chances of making it big are significantly low. It could be one with immense talent, but unfortunately, there are politics and luck and both play a huge role in anyone succeeding or tasting the inevitable failure. I am not being pessimistic here, rather saying that in any profession it's difficult to immediately gain success and even Brad Pitt started out as an extra. But particularly actors should be wary of the fact that rejection is a huge part of the acting world,” she says.

She adds, “It doesn't mean you won't make it and must quit because I am all for never giving up, but I am also pragmatic enough to know when to bow down and look for an exit sign. Thus, my advice is to give oneself a deadline that I will try for so many years and if nothing good comes my way, I will go to plan B. Let's not forget that Subhash Ghai wanted to be an actor, but he ended up becoming one of the best directors in the Hindi film industry and we deem him to be a huge asset.”

She says that, for her, acting was never a priority. “For me, I have always since I was a child wanted to help others. Thus, acting was never a thought nor a goal and I don't need to explain why I ended up in Bollywood and why I took off as it's all redundant at this point. However, I will say the euphoria and gratitude I have received via my NGO is not only indescribable, but a feeling only one who has seen and experienced immense trauma will comprehend. It's as if a former alcoholic is now running an NGO to help alcoholics quit for good,” she says.

She adds, “Only those who experience specific misfortunes can ascertain the feeling of bringing joy and the end to another's suffering that he/she had suffered themselves. My profession for the past 16 years has been working alongside with the law enforcement and given it takes a huge toll on my psyche, my training helps me a great deal because I know for certain that conclusively the people we rescue be it a woman, child or a man will be safe and abuse free once under our care. There's nothing more unique when it comes to a reward after putting your own life in danger for others and then seeing the ones you have rescued thrive and live a stable happy life.” she says.