Mumbai: As the world marks World Health Day on April 7, actor and activist Somy Ali offers a deeply personal and evolving perspective on health, one that goes far beyond physical appearance and taps into resilience, discipline, and emotional well-being.
Reflecting on how the idea of fitness has transformed over the years, Somy shares, “Fitness used to be about looking a certain way. A number on a scale, a size, a body people could admire. Today, I see it very differently. Fitness is about survival, resilience, and purpose.”
Drawing from her work with No More Tears, she adds, “Working with survivors at No More Tears, I’ve learned that being ‘fit’ means having the strength to get out of bed after trauma, the courage to rebuild your life, and the endurance to keep going when everything inside you wants to give up. If your body and mind allow you to stand up for yourself or for someone else, you are fit. To me, fitness is no longer vanity, it’s vitality.”
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Apr 6, 2026Speaking about the relevance of traditional Indian practices in today’s fast-paced world, Somy emphasizes simplicity. “Absolutely, they are not just relevant, they are everything. We keep looking outside for answers when so much wisdom already exists in our homes. A simple home-cooked Indian meal, dal, sabzi, roti, cooked with love, is far more nourishing than most packaged ‘health foods.’ Our spices heal, our routines ground us, and our culture teaches balance. I eat simple, clean Indian food, I avoid excess sugar, I hydrate constantly, and I listen to my body. It’s not complicated. We’ve just been conditioned to think it is.”
Addressing the growing concern of excessive screen time, she urges people to reconnect with their physical selves. “We are living more on screens than in our own lives, and that disconnect shows up in our health. Start small. Give yourself the first hour of your morning without your phone. Let your mind wake up naturally. Step outside, breathe fresh air, stretch your body. Even during the day, just standing up, walking while you take a call, or resting your eyes can make a difference. Your body is not designed to sit still and scroll endlessly. It needs movement, sunlight, and real connection with people and nature.”
On the importance of sleep, Somy is clear and direct. “Sleep is everything, and yes, it’s deeply underestimated. We live in a culture that glorifies being busy and exhausted, but the truth is, your body heals when you rest. Your mind resets when you sleep. Without it, everything suffers, your skin, your mood, your immune system, your ability to think clearly. If you want to take care of yourself, start by respecting your sleep. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
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Apr 6, 2026When asked whether people today are more health-conscious or simply following trends, she notes a mix of both. “People are definitely more aware, but they are also overwhelmed by trends. Every day there is a new diet, a new product, a new ‘perfect’ routine. It becomes noise. Real health is not a trend. It’s consistency. It’s knowing your body, understanding what works for you, and not chasing every new idea that shows up on social media. Health is personal, not performative.”
Highlighting the role of discipline, she says, “Motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what stays. There are days when you don’t feel like taking care of yourself, when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. I have those days too. But discipline is choosing yourself anyway. It’s drinking water when you’d rather skip it. It’s eating clean when it’s easier not to. It’s showing up for your body because you respect it, not because you feel like it. Discipline is self-love in action.”
For Somy, one simple yet powerful shift can transform overall well-being. “Gratitude. It sounds simple, but it changes everything. When you start your day with gratitude, your stress shifts, your perspective softens, and your body responds. Health is not just physical. It’s mental, emotional, environmental. Clean thoughts, clean surroundings, clean air, clean habits, they all matter. Avoid toxicity in every form, whether it’s what you consume, what you breathe, or the people you surround yourself with. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.”
She concludes with a message that reflects both acceptance and purpose. “Real health is not about perfection. It’s about peace. Growing older is not something to fear. It’s something to honor. A wrinkle or two is not a flaw, it’s proof that you have lived, loved, and survived. And honestly, the glow people see in me doesn’t come from a moisturizer. It comes from knowing that through No More Tears, we have helped save over 50,000 lives. No product in the world can replace that kind of light.”
