Somy Ali reveals why she no longer believes in large social circles

Mumbai: Actor, filmmaker and No More Tears founder Somy Ali has shared an honest perspective on friendship, saying that life experiences and years of working with survivors have changed the way she views relationships, loyalty and trust.
Speaking about whether she prefers a large social circle or a few close friends, Somy admitted that she has never believed in having too many people around her. “I have never had a large circle. I prefer a handful of people I can truly count on, and even that handful has proven rarer than I once hoped,” she said.
Drawing from both her personal journey and her work through No More Tears, she explained that witnessing betrayal has made her value genuine connections over popularity. “Through my own life and through the work of No More Tears, I have seen the worst of humankind. I have watched people abandon those they claimed to love the moment the association stopped serving them. I no longer romanticise the idea of a large circle. I value depth over numbers, and I have learned that true presence is scarce when someone is down and out.”

When asked about a friend who stood by her during one of the most difficult phases of her life, Somy gave a deeply personal response. “I wish I could offer a warm story here. The truth is harder,” she said. “During the most difficult phases of my life, when I was living under control, when I was leaving, and when I was rebuilding, most people disappeared. Some of my own blood chose affiliation with power and wealth over standing with me.”
She revealed that those painful experiences ultimately inspired her humanitarian work. “What I will never forget is not what someone did for me, but what so many chose not to do. That silence taught me more about human nature than any loyalty ever could. It is one of the reasons I built No More Tears, so that survivors would not have to face their darkest hours as alone as I once did.”Sharing her views on friendships in the entertainment industry, the former actress described the environment as highly transactional. “It is extremely difficult. The entertainment industry runs on power, visibility and access. In my experience, most connections are transactional. People stay close when you are useful, visible or connected. When you are struggling, the room empties quickly.”
Reflecting on how her friendships evolved after entering the industry, she said fame removed many illusions. “They became clearer. I stopped expecting loyalty from those who only appeared when it benefited them. I stopped confusing proximity with care. What remained were a very small number of people who did not need anything from me.”
Speaking about friendships that have endured over time, Somy said the strongest bonds are not measured by years but by sincerity. “The bonds that have lasted are the ones that survived periods when I had nothing to offer. The secret, if there is one, is the absence of agenda. When someone stays without needing the association or anything in return, that is rare.”
Despite balancing long workdays and the emotional demands of helping survivors through No More Tears, she believes making time for the right people is about prioritising meaningful relationships. “I make time by being ruthless about who actually matters. Presence does not always mean long conversations. Sometimes it means consistent truth, quiet support and the willingness to show up when there is nothing glamorous to gain.”
Summing up the lessons life has taught her, Somy concluded, “I have decided not to expect anything from anyone in order to protect my heart from being broken over and over again. Life isn’t fair and people are cruel. That is the truth I have experienced. I am a realist and I live life pragmatically.”