Actor, activist, and founder of the US-based non-profit No More Tears, Somy Ali continues to inspire thousands with her raw honesty and unwavering commitment to transforming trauma into hope. In an exclusive conversation, the former Bollywood star—who has now devoted her life to rescuing victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and abuse—opened up about her journey, her struggles, and the deeper meaning she has found beyond fame.
For Somy, fulfillment comes from her humanitarian work. Having helped rescue and rebuild the lives of over 50,000 survivors, she says this mission gives her a sense of meaning that fame and success never could.“My life has meaning because I’ve helped rescue and rebuild over 50,000 survivors through No More Tears. That brings a peace no material thing could ever match.”
However, she admits that health and family remain areas she’s still working on. “Health, mental and physical, takes constant attention after years of trauma and burnout. Family wounds don’t heal overnight. I’m learning boundaries, forgiveness, and building a chosen family.”
Reflecting on the unpredictability of life, Somy says she once struggled with postponing her own healing and happiness.“I used to postpone everything—happiness, healing, even speaking my truth—because I believed I had to ‘fix’ myself first. That was a lie trauma told me.”
She emphasizes that real change happens only in the present. “Don’t wait to feel ready. Start messy. Start scared. Start today. The future doesn’t reward delay; it rewards action.”
Somy speaks strongly about the importance of prioritizing health—something she admits she once neglected. “I pushed through abuse, burnout, anxiety, physical exhaustion. I learned the hard way: you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
She calls mental health the true foundation of a meaningful life. “Prioritize your body and mind like you would a child you love. No goal is worth losing yourself.”
Somy Ali believes that pain is not a prison but a source of power when one chooses to use it and speak their truth. She emphasizes that even helping one person can create a ripple effect that grows into meaningful change. Protecting mental health, she says, is essential and must be prioritized through therapy, boundaries, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. Above all, she urges patience, reminding everyone that healing is not linear and success is never instant—what truly matters is showing up consistently and continuing the journey.
Looking back at her teenage self in Karachi, chasing dreams and struggling with self-worth, Somy says she would reassure that young girl of her inherent value. “You don’t need to earn love by shrinking, performing, or enduring pain in silence. Your voice is your power.”
Her words extend to all young women: “The world will try to dim your light—don’t help it. Shine anyway.” Somy concludes with a powerful statement on the transformative force of education: “The greatest weapon against hierarchy, patriarchy, caste, nepotism, career blacklisting is education—free, fearless, and equal for every child, especially every girl.”
She believes denying education is a form of control, while granting it unleashes generations of leaders. “When we educate all, we liberate all.”
