logo
Ali Merchant on his Mother's unwavering support; Says, 'When everything felt uncertain and I started doubting myself, she became my quiet anchor'

Ali Merchant on his Mother's unwavering support; Says, 'When everything felt uncertain and I started doubting myself, she became my quiet anchor'

Time of India11-05-2025
Actor-turned-DJ
Ali Merchant
known for his performances in web shows like
Libaas
and his appearance in
Bigg Boss
and
Lock Upp
Season 1 finds his grounding in someone quietly powerful, his mother. Her influence has been subtle yet steady, showing up in the most meaningful ways throughout his life and career.
When asked to describe his relationship with his mom in just one word, Ali doesn't hesitate, saying, 'Telepathic. She somehow knows I'm stressed even before I've fully processed it myself. Her simple 'Kuch hua kya?' texts arrive like clockwork, right when I need them the most. It's like she's turned into a frequency only we share,' he says, capturing the unspoken bond that only a mother and child can understand.
Ali also credits his mother with imparting the most valuable life lesson he's ever learned, saying, 'It's something she didn't just say once, but lived by every day: 'Beta, talent is great, but good character is rare—be that.''
Operation Sindoor
Amid flare-up hours after thaw, officials say things will settle down with time
Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: Key decisions by India against Pak that still stand
'Will work with India & Pakistan to seek solution on Kashmir': Trump
He adds, 'That one line has grounded me in ways I never realized until I faced real challenges.'
Among the many qualities he admires in her, there's one trait that stands out and continues to inspire him. He shares, 'Her
emotional stamina
. No matter how chaotic things got especially during my teenage years she stayed calm, composed, and endlessly kind. Honestly, just putting up with me back then should qualify her for a lifetime achievement award.
That strength wrapped in softness is something I aspire to every day.'
When Ali faced career lows and moments of
self-doubt
, it was his mother who became his rock. He says, 'When everything felt uncertain and I started doubting myself, she became my quiet anchor. She never pressured me but always checked in, always prayed for me, and reminded me of who I truly am. When no one else believed in me, she did with every fiber of her being. That kind of faith can move mountains, and in my case, it often did.'
And while public life often highlights glitzy milestones, it's the small, consistent moments from his childhood that Ali holds closest to his heart. He said, 'It's the small, everyday rituals that left the biggest mark. Like the way she packed my tiffin every single morning, no matter how late I was running or how annoyed I looked. And when I fell sick? Magically, a glass of haldi doodh—or, on good days, a chocolate shake—would appear by my bedside.
I didn't appreciate it then, but now, I'd give anything to go back. Because in her own way, she was always saying, 'I've got you.' And she still does.'
Bhagyashree Reflects On Motherhood, Drops Heartwarming Throwback Ahead Of Mother's Day
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Mother's Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Second schedule of Vishal 35 to begin in Ooty on Monday
Second schedule of Vishal 35 to begin in Ooty on Monday

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Second schedule of Vishal 35 to begin in Ooty on Monday

The second schedule of director Ravi Arasu 's eagerly awaited film, featuring actor Vishal in the lead, will begin in Ooty on Monday. While a video clip of actor Vishal stating that they were in Coimbatore and that they would be shooting in Ooty has begun doing the rounds on social media, sources close to the actor said that the schedule would begin on Monday. It may be recalled that Vishal had commenced shooting for his 35th film on August 1st this year in Chennai. Produced by veteran filmmaker R B Choudhary under the banner of his well-known production house, Super Good Films, the film was officially launched in July this year with a grand pooja ceremony. This upcoming project is the 99th film of Super Good Films, which has delivered numerous blockbusters and, more importantly, introduced several talented filmmakers to the Tamil film industry. The film, which is yet to be titled and which is being tentatively referred to as Vishal 35, will mark director Ravi Arasu's first-time collaboration with Vishal. The actor, who is riding a success wave with his most recent film to hit the screens, 'Madha Gaja Raja,' emerging as a superhit, is intent on continuing the success streak. The film boasts of an exceptional technical team. Acclaimed cinematographer Richard M. Nathan reunites with Vishal after their successful outing in the superhit film 'Madha Gaja Raja.' The film also brings back the Mark Antony combo of Vishal and G.V. Prakash Kumar. G V Prakash will be composing the music for this film. NB Srikanth is in charge of editing, while Durairaj handles art direction. Costume design is being led by Vasuki Bhaskar. Talented actress Dushara Vijayan will be playing the female lead, pairing opposite Vishal for the first time. The cast also includes Thambi Ramaiah and Arjai. Sources close to the unit say that the other members of the cast will be revealed soon. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."

Shekhar Kapur reveals Sridevi was 'fiercely' protective about him as her director
Shekhar Kapur reveals Sridevi was 'fiercely' protective about him as her director

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Shekhar Kapur reveals Sridevi was 'fiercely' protective about him as her director

Padma Bhushan awardee Shekhar Kapur , who often speaks about the realms beyond the ones that can be perceived, is travelling back in time to the sets of his sci-fi film 'Mr. India'. On Sunday, the filmmaker took to his Instagram and shared a throwback picture with the late actress Sridevi . The picture is from the first day of his shoot of the film with the actress. The picture shows the actress and the director in a dancing pose with their arms stretched out. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he spoke highly of her, and listed some of her best qualities as a person. He wrote, "This was my first day of shoot with Sridevi ever. We were shooting a song in Mahabaleshwar. And when she started to dance the world stopped for all of us, the only thing that moved was Sridevi dancing. We all just gawked. It was like another being had descended amongst us .. and I even forgot to say 'Cut'. Like everyone else in the set .. we were too mesmerised by Sridevi's dancing. He further mentioned, "There were other things about Sridevi that are not spoken about .. that she was fiercely loyal .. when the film got into trouble .. she would take any chance she got to protect me, speak about how incredible I was, she took it upon herself to fiercely protect her Director yet behind her stardom, behind her incredible talent, lay such innocence, such vulnerability. And she would use not only her talent to perform, but bring to it her vulnerability and innocence too. " "As if the only person she would express her inner feelings to was the camera .. her protector in a way .. That's why she was such a star .. she was not afraid to reveal her inner self to the Camera (sic)," he added. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."

Kanika Kapoor makes BIG claim, saying even 'the greatest singer in India' doesn't get paid for his songs: 'I was paid Rs 101'
Kanika Kapoor makes BIG claim, saying even 'the greatest singer in India' doesn't get paid for his songs: 'I was paid Rs 101'

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Kanika Kapoor makes BIG claim, saying even 'the greatest singer in India' doesn't get paid for his songs: 'I was paid Rs 101'

Kanika Kapoor , who has given us hit tracks like 'Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan' and 'Baby Doll,' recently opened up about how singers don't get paid for their songs. She shared how the Indian music industry works in reality. Kanika expressed that most singers get pennies, and she is one of them. Here's what she said. Kanika Kapoor reveals singers don't get paid for songs: '101 Rupees mile hain' On 'Bunkk With Uorfi,' Kanika Kapoor revealed that "everybody" has given her a hard time in this industry. When the host asked about not getting paid for the song that went viral, Kanika replied, "I don't think any singer is really paid for songs in this industry." She acknowledged that there are some independent musicians, but except for them, all others don't get paid properly. She said, "Main saare contracts dikhaati hu, 101 rupees mile hain (I will show you my contracts. I was paid Rs 101). Kanika went on to add that the people in the industry say that they are doing a favor for the singer. She even claimed that even the "greatest singer in India" is not being paid for most of his amazing songs ever. She said, "I am not going to give names, but it's very obvious." Kapoor went on to share that the music industry doesn't let a singer have a publishing or royalty structure. Kanika Kapoor reveals the real income source of singers Kanika Kapoor stated that singers make money through their live shows. She pointed out that the musicians don't have any pension or any kind of long-term financial support. She said, "Only if you are alive and you are able to sing, agar aapki awaaz chal rahi hai, aur aap shows kar paa rahe hain. Jab tak aap shows kar paa rahe hain, tab tak aapko paise milenge (As long as you can sing and your voice is working, you can earn money through concerts). "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store