‘Chupp’ was extra special for Somy Ali, find out why!
Actress Somy Ali left a career in films in the late 90s and moved to the US. She now successfully runs an NGO called #NoMoreTears and helps save and rehabilitate victims of domestic abuse, rape and exploitation. While she loves how fulfilling her new role is, there are some memories from her showbiz-days that she will always treasure. One such memory is working in the film #Chupp.
Sharing a glimpse of the film on her Instagram feed, she wrote, “The title of this film was aptly named “Chupp.” While its apropos given all assumed I disappeared from India in 1999 which was another implication of the title if translated in English of this film meaning, “Silent.” That wasn’t the case though given my last film was a special appearance with the phenomenal Govinda in a film called Agni Chakra while my ticket back home to Miami had already been booked. This throwback has so much to it that there aren’t enough words to summarize the memories.”
Everyone who she worked with in the film was significant for her. “First of all, I am working with the late Om Puri ji who was gargantuan. I was elated to be playing his wife and while he played an abusive husband in the movie, he was one of the nicest people I had ever met. Then Jeetuji, I mean do I even need words here! Avinash was kind, sweet, genuine, and beyond a pleasure to work with even though we didn’t share much time on screen, I will never forget his kind demeanor. As for my cameo with Govinda, well let’s say for someone who went to India with zero interest in acting ended up doing a complete 360 pertaining to working with the biggest Hindi cinema actors. I covered it all and without intention of doing so. This my friends is called, we make plans while God laughs. To have screen time with all of the above was an honor and a privilege which I will hold close to my heart for eternity,” she continued.
She added. “Last, but not the least, Chupp was a remake of a Rajesh Khanna classic art film. Yes, the same Rajesh Khanna whom I met when I was seven years old and told him that when I grow up I will marry you. So there you have it. A teenager goes all the way from the U.S. to India assuming something and returns home with a beyond comprehension degree of experiences leading her into adulthood. It’s all fate and destiny. We are merely living with invisible strings. Belonging to three countries has been quite the journey to say the least, yet there is more to come. Looking forward with intrigue and anticipation of surprises. Trust me, I attract adventure. I don’t seek it.”
Released in 1997, Chupp was a thriller that saw Somy play the role of Asha Narang.
By Keerti Kadam