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

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.’” 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.”

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