Somy Ali calls Aditya Pancholi 'self-sabotaging' in Mafia tribute
Synopsis
Somy Ali’s latest throwback post on Mafia is a study in contrasts — glowing praise for Dharmendra, her self-described ‘Hindi Film Industry’s papa’, set against a pointed label for Aditya Pancholi as a ‘self-sabotaging personality.’ Coming a year after far harsher public allegations, the post signals Ali is not done speaking her mind about the 1996 film’s cast.
Key Takeaways
Somy Ali described Aditya Pancholi as a ‘self-sabotaging personality’ in a social media tribute post on 17 July .
Ali praised Dharmendra as her ‘Hindi Film Industry’s papa’ , crediting him with teaching her to ride a motorcycle for her cop role in Mafia .
She stated her personal on-set experience with Pancholi was ‘extraordinarily good and respectful’, contrasting with his alleged off-camera behaviour.
Last year, Ali made more serious allegations against Pancholi on Instagram, including accusations of infidelity and physical abuse of women.
Mafia ( 1996 ), directed by Aziz Sejawal , also starred Gulshan Grover , Mohan Joshi , and Raza Murad .
Former actress Somy Ali has described co-star Aditya Pancholi as a ‘self-sabotaging personality’ while sharing a nostalgic tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra from the 1996 action crime film Mafia. The remarks came alongside a throwback video clip she posted on social media, reigniting attention on her complicated history with Pancholi.
The Tribute to Dharmendra
In her post, Ali shared a clip from the song ‘Kis Ladki Ne Dil Mera Chhina’ from Mafia, which featured her alongside Pancholi. She reserved warm words for Dharmendra, calling him her ‘Hindi Film Industry’s papa’ and crediting him with teaching her to ride a motorcycle for her role as a cop in the film.
“This #tbt is extremely significant because of this movie. Majority of my work playing a cop, learning how to ride a motorcycle, was because and was with Dharam ji. My Hindi Film Industry’s papa,” she wrote, adding hashtags #missingdharamji #mumbaitruths #mafia #somyali.
Her Remarks on Aditya Pancholi
While praising the production and its team — including Pranlal Mehta Productions and Jay Mehta — Ali drew a pointed contrast when it came to Pancholi. She described him as “an extremely talented and handsome actor, yet unfortunately a self-sabotaging personality,” while noting that her personal experience with him on set was “extraordinarily good and respectful without a speck of what he depicts off camera.”
The characterisation is notably measured compared to her earlier public statements. This comes amid a broader pattern of Ali speaking out against Pancholi across multiple platforms over the past year.
Background: Earlier Allegations
Last year, Ali made a series of serious allegations against Pancholi via social media. In an Instagram post, she called him a “disgusting human being” and accused him of infidelity and physically abusing women. She also alleged that his son, actor Sooraj Pancholi, was responsible for actress Jiah Khan’s death in 2013 — allegations that remain disputed and are subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
About the Film Mafia
Mafia (1996), directed by Aziz Sejawal, was a Pranlal Mehta Production featuring Dharmendra, Aditya Pancholi, Jay Mehta, Somy Ali, Gulshan Grover, Mohan Joshi, and Raza Murad. The film remains a reference point for Ali, who has repeatedly cited it as a formative professional experience.
Ali’s latest post suggests she continues to navigate the dual legacy of the film — one defined by genuine affection for Dharmendra and a more fraught relationship with Pancholi that has spilled into public view.
Point of View
A nuance that often gets lost in celebrity social media disputes. What the post really is, though, is a tribute to Dharmendra, whose death has clearly left a mark on Ali. The Pancholi remarks arrive almost as a footnote, which may actually give them more staying power than a direct attack would.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Somy Ali say about Aditya Pancholi?
Somy Ali described Aditya Pancholi as ‘an extremely talented and handsome actor, yet unfortunately a self-sabotaging personality’ in a social media post on 17 July. She clarified that her personal experience with him on the sets of Mafia was ‘extraordinarily good and respectful.’
Why did Somy Ali post about the film Mafia?
Ali shared a throwback clip from the 1996 film Mafia as a tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra, whom she called her ‘Hindi Film Industry’s papa.’ She credited Dharmendra with helping her prepare for her role as a cop, including teaching her to ride a motorcycle.
What allegations has Somy Ali made against Aditya Pancholi previously?
Last year, Ali posted on Instagram calling Pancholi a ‘disgusting human being’ and accused him of infidelity and physically abusing women. She also alleged that his son, actor Sooraj Pancholi, was responsible for actress Jiah Khan’s death in 2013 — allegations that remain disputed.
What is the film Mafia and who was in it?
Mafia is a 1996 action crime film directed by Aziz Sejawal and produced by Pranlal Mehta Productions. Its cast included Dharmendra, Aditya Pancholi, Somy Ali, Jay Mehta, Gulshan Grover, Mohan Joshi, and Raza Murad.
