Actor Ali has opened up about his decision to leave politics, saying his involvement in the political field affected his film career and made him feel that his efforts were not being valued.
Ali said he never initially intended to enter politics. According to the actor, a political party brought him into its fold in 1999, and he remained associated with it for nearly two decades.
“I never intended to enter politics. In 1999, a party brought me in and draped their party scarf around me. I remained with that party for nearly 20 years, yet I received no real recognition,” Ali said.
He claimed that he was primarily approached during election periods and felt sidelined once elections were over.
“They would only utilise me when elections came around every five years and then cast me aside. I felt, why waste my time when they don’t truly value me and only use me when it suits their needs?” he said.
Ali later joined another political party and continued his political activities, but eventually decided that politics was not the right path for him.
The actor said he ultimately realised that cinema was the field that had given him his livelihood and identity.
“It was the film industry that put food on my table and made me who I am today. Why should I give up movies or jeopardise my career for the sake of politics? That is why I have completely stepped out of politics. I will never return to that field again,” Ali said firmly.
Actor Ali explains why he quit politics, saying his political involvement affected his film career and that he felt he was being used during elections.