“A Woman’s Worth Cannot Be Measured by Her Face, Figure or Age”: Somy Ali Calls Out Bollywood’s Gender Bias and Double Standards

Former actress and activist Somy Ali has spoken candidly about the deep-seated gender bias, ageism, and rigid beauty standards that female actors faced during her time in Bollywood—issues that continue to permeate broader society today. Reflecting on the systemic imbalance, Ali pointed out how male actors are routinely celebrated for growing older and taking on distinguished roles, while women are expected to relentlessly fight the natural aging process.  

"There was an unspoken expectation that a woman’s value in the film industry was closely tied to her youth, beauty, and ability to fit a particular image," Ali observed. "Men were often allowed to grow older and be seen as more experienced, powerful, or distinguished. Women, on the other hand, were expected to fight the passage of time as though aging were a personal failure. Our worth cannot be measured by a face, a figure, or the number of years we have lived."  

Highlighting the disparity in industry opportunities, she noted how veteran male actors frequently continue playing romantic leads opposite significantly younger actresses, while seasoned female stars find their roles drastically restricted. Ali advocated for rich, complex stories that honor the vast emotional landscape women develop over time through love, heartbreak, motherhood, and ambition.

Beyond career opportunities, the activist slammed the glaring double standards surrounding personal autonomy and relationships. While independent choices by men are often praised as confident, women making identical choices are subjected to gossip, judgment, or labeled as selfish. Drawing from her extensive work with abuse survivors through her non-profit foundation, No More Tears, Ali emphasized that societal fear and public shame frequently prevent women from leaving unsafe environments.  

Reiterating that true female empowerment lies in the freedom to live authentically without fear of professional or personal retribution, Ali concluded:  

"Real change begins when we stop treating a woman’s appearance as her greatest asset and start recognizing her as a complete human being."