Mumbai: On the occasion of World Music Day 2026, actress, humanitarian, and social activist Somy Ali reflected on the profound role music has played throughout her life. Speaking with remarkable honesty, Somy described music not merely as entertainment but as a lifeline that helped her navigate some of her darkest moments.
“Music has been my silent witness and my greatest healer,” Somy shared. “When I had no words left, music spoke for me. It held my pain when I was too broken to carry it alone. It reminded me that I was still alive even when I felt dead inside. Music didn’t just entertain me. It saved me. It became the language through which I could feel again, hope again, and slowly, begin to heal.”
Known for her fearless advocacy work and emotional transparency, Somy revealed that her musical tastes span two very different worlds. On one hand, she draws strength from the powerful energy of American rock music, while on the other, she finds solace in the emotional depth of classic Bollywood melodies.
“I find myself moving between two very different worlds. There is the raw, powerful energy of Bon Jovi that gives me strength and reminds me to keep fighting. And then there is the deeply emotional, almost spiritual music associated with Rajesh Khanna, which touches the most fragile parts of my soul. One gives me the courage to stand, the other gives me permission to feel,” she said.
When asked about a song that instantly lifts her spirits, Somy explained that healing is not always about escaping pain.
“It’s not always about lifting my mood. Sometimes the most healing songs are the ones that sit with my pain. But if I had to choose one that gives me hope when everything feels dark, it would be ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi. It reminds me that even when you have nothing, if you keep going, something shifts. It has carried me through nights when I truly didn’t know how I would survive the next day.”
For Somy, the most meaningful music is the kind that speaks uncomfortable truths about life.
“I am most drawn to music that carries truth, whether it’s rock or old Bollywood melodies. Rajesh Khanna’s songs especially feel like they were written for the broken parts of us. There is a depth in that music that feels almost prophetic. It doesn’t just entertain. It teaches you something about life.”
Although she appreciates contemporary music, Somy admits that she frequently returns to classic Bollywood songs whenever she seeks emotional connection and comfort.
“I listen to old Bollywood music often, especially when I need to feel connected to something larger than my pain. The newer music is beautiful too, but the old songs carry a certain honesty and emotion that feels rare today. They remind me of a time when music was not just about rhythm, but about the human heart.”
Discussing her favorite Bollywood singer, Somy credited the legendary voice of Kishore Kumar while also speaking fondly about her memories of superstar Rajesh Khanna.
“Rajesh Khanna’s songs, and therefore Kishore Kumar Ji, will always be my favorite. Not just as a singer, but as an artist and a human being. I was fortunate to meet Rajesh Khanna a few times, and what struck me most was the depth in his eyes. He wasn’t just acting or singing. He was feeling. His songs spoke about life in ways that only someone who has truly suffered and loved can understand.”
One song in particular continues to hold immense significance for her.
Quoting the timeless lyrics, Somy said, “Zindagi ka safar hai yeh kaisa safar, koi samjha nahin, koi jaana nahin. It feels like he was telling us that none of us truly understand this journey called life, and that’s okay. We just have to keep walking with grace.”
She further explained why she often describes the song as “prophetic.”
“When Rajesh Khanna sang those words, he was at the absolute peak of his career. No one could have imagined that the same man who was adored by millions would later experience loneliness and struggle. Yet the song already carried that wisdom. It understood that life is uncertain, mysterious, and often unfair. That is what makes it prophetic.”
For Somy, the song resonates on a deeply personal level because of her own experiences with both triumph and heartbreak.
“For someone like me, who has also seen extreme highs and devastating lows, this song feels like a gentle warning and a strange kind of comfort. It reminds me that none of us are fully in control of this journey. We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do. And maybe we’re not supposed to.”
When asked about songs currently dominating her playlist, Somy named two tracks that continue to provide both strength and perspective.
“Right now, I keep going back to ‘Zindagi Ka Safar’ and Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’ One reminds me that life is a mysterious journey we don’t fully understand, and the other reminds me that even when we have nothing left, we must keep believing and keep moving. Together, they give me both peace and strength.”
