Somy Ali on Bollywood films being made today: The scripts are unbelievably true to life!
Actress Somy Ali, who now runs a US based NGO called No More tears and works tirelessly to help aid victims of domestic violence and rape, says that Bollywood has completely changed than what it was when she began her career. She says that films today are more realistic.
“It's like night and day and all this is thanks to the progression of technology, intellectual mindsets, and of course, social media. The scripts are unbelievably true to life unlike the 90's and the material is far more substantive in comparison.
A film like Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna wouldn't have worked in the 90's, but that happens to be one of my favourite films as it is so true to life. Or even a film like Drishyam is something that girls deal with universally on a daily basis and it's not a made up story. My NGO has rescued girls trafficked for the sole purpose of being blackmailed by their being recorded in inappropriate ways and then threatened to publish those videos.
They are so terrified that they will do anything to make sure those videos don't get published. A great deal has changed since I was there and all for the better. Additionally, the cinematography, direction, scripts, and even actors are better with the exception of those who were always perfect like, Kajol. Shah Rukh, Tabu, Aamir, Rani, and many others,” she says.
Talking about days when she just began, she says, “Well, I recall doing three shifts a day and working on three different movies in one day and each film took over a year to complete. Nowadays, all that is history. The Hindi film industry has adapted more of a western style of not just filmmaking, but also, the amount of time it takes them to complete a film. All changes are pure progression for the better and there is a vast difference once again a positive difference.”
However, she adds that she never faced any nepotism in Bollywood. “I enjoyed my time there and, more than that, I cherished being able to travel all over India. It is literally my favourite place in the whole world. I am hoping to take some time out and visit Mumbai after 20 years this year for certain. I miss many aspects of it from the streets to the food and the best place for me in the world, Rajasthan,” she says.
Ask her which is the best co-star she has had so far, and she says, “This is a tough one because each movie and co-star brought something different along with them. I enjoyed working with Saif (Ali Khan) as he has the best sense of humor. Mithunda is someone I grew up watching so it was an honour and a privilege to be his co-star. Suniel (Shetty) was very hard working and a complete gentleman and it's nice to see that he has not changed one bit even today. Sanju was very grounded in spite of his success and I will always remember him as I gave my very first shot on camera with Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) for Andolan in Goa. Govinda is a spectacular human being and I don't think I have ever met a nicer and more down to earth star like Chichi. He takes the cake when it comes to humility and being respectful. He will always have a special place in my heart eternally. It's difficult to put the likes of Om Puri ji in words. I mean to get a chance to work with him and Jeetu ji in an art film and that being my last film could not have been a better farewell for me from the industry. They are both an institution in themselves when it comes to acting and it was beyond an honour to work and learn from them. I am so happy that I had that opportunity. And then there is Aamir (Khan), even though it was a photo shoot and not a film, I was just in complete awe of how humble and kind he was in his demeanor. Given he is one of the best actors India has, I was thrilled to have worked with him in spite of it being for an editorial piece in a magazine. My only regret is and always will be that I never got to meet let alone work with Shah Rukh(Khan). I saw and spent more time with his gorgeous and wonderful wife, but again never had an opportunity to meet my real life hero. I say this not because he is an exceptionally great actor, but because of his intellect, his wisdom, humility, and the life lessons he shares with our youth today. All of it comes from his heart and all of it is real. There is not an iota of farce or falsification when it comes to Shah Rukh. He is the real deal and he will always be one of my favourite people/actors.”
Comments