Ali Ansari talks craft, family and finding clarity

How Saboor and Sajal shape his acting choices

Ali Ansari opened up about his career, family, and approach to acting during a recent appearance on After Hours with Ushna Shah. As an actor who initially started his journey as a radio jockey, Ali shared how his transition to television shaped his understanding of performance. However, it's his marriage to Saboor Ali and the insights of his sister-in-law, Sajal Ali, that have added a unique dynamic to his craft.

"When I'm signing a project or get a script, I talk to Saboor first," Ali explained, highlighting the role his wife plays in his decision-making process. "Then, I'll discuss it with Sajal and get her feedback. I ask them if the project makes any sense, and what they'd do if they were in my place."

"When they give me their two cents, the vision clears up instantly," he said. Their support seems to provide him with clarity on his roles, but that doesn't mean he relies solely on their opinions. Ali stressed the importance of doing his own work, making it clear that it requires personal dedication and effort. "But when it comes to my craft and me, I make sure I do my homework. I read the entire script, I look at my character."

Ali's meticulous nature is apparent in his preparation process. "I'll skim through others' scenes but I'll make notes and have everything written down on paper about my scenes. If I don't do that, I can't get into the character," he revealed. Despite his success, Ali remains grounded, emphasising the need for personal satisfaction over external validation. "There's still so much more to achieve. Success for me is self-satisfaction."

He added, "You just have to be happy with what you have right now. Trust the process, you'll get what you want."