Actor and humanitarian Somy Ali believes that failure is not something to be feared but embraced, especially by young people who are just beginning their journey. Opening up about the role setbacks have played in shaping her life, she said, “Failure is not just important, it is essential. It is the brutal teacher that success never is. Every no, every door slammed, every heartbreak shaped me from Bollywood’s abuse to building No More Tears from nothing. Young people starting out should not fear failure, they should chase it. It strips ego, builds grit and reveals truth. My biggest falls, abuse, blacklisting and loss, led to my greatest rises. Failure is not the end, it is the forge. Embrace it early, learn fast and rise stronger. Without it, success is hollow. Remember, you never win if you never lose.”
Reflecting on the habits and mindsets that helped her survive and grow during her most difficult phases, Somy shared, “During my darkest struggles, abuse, isolation and starting over, the habits that saved me were simple but unbreakable. Daily journaling to process pain, meditation to quiet the chaos, and one act of kindness each day, even if it was small. My NGO is my lifeline, helping anyone and reminding me that even the smallest effort matters. My mindset was, this too shall pass and pain is temporary, purpose is forever. I refused to let others define me and turned victim into voice. I made gratitude lists even on awful days and surrounded myself with truth tellers, not enablers. These are the things that kept me alive and then helped me thrive.’”
Speaking about how her idea of success has transformed over the years, she said, “In my younger days, success was fame, lights, cameras, being wanted and admired. Bollywood fed that illusion, but it was empty. Today, success has an impact. One survivor was freed. One voice amplified. No More Tears reaching 50,000 lives. A conversation that shifts minds. Money is just a tool for the mission and fame is irrelevant unless it serves truth. My definition of success has changed completely from external validation to internal peace and measurable change. Real success leaves the world better, not your ego bigger.”
