Ms. Nafisa Ali
Ms. Nafisa Ali Sodhi born on the 18th January 1957 is the daughter of Ahmed Ali and grand daughter of noted Bengali writer and litterateur S.Wajid Ali. An outstanding athlete – National Swimming champion of India in 1974. “Miss India -1976” and crowned 2nd runner up at “Miss International” in Tokyo in 1976.
She is a self taught artist, keen horse rider won gold medals at the National Show jumping. Married to Col.Ravinder Singh (Pickles) Sodhi. She acted in several Bollywood films, the notable ones being Junoon (1979) with Shashi Kapoor and Major Saab with Amitabh Bachchan (1998), and the most recent being Bewafaa (2005). She forayed into politics last year as the Congress candidate in Kolkata against Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee in last year's parliamentary elections, but lost.
She is a committed and motivated social worker, a spiritualist and devotes her time working for the welfare of others. She is a Trustee of First woman, Chairperson of ‘Women’s commission Indian Olympic Association’. Member of ‘Umang Charitable Society’. She is the Chairperson of “ACTION INDIA” a citizen motivated Trust that she started in 1999. In September 2005, she was appointed the chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) for a period of three years w.e.f. September 2005. CFSI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India
She has been working hard with commitment to make a difference in the lives of many. Touching a soul and healing a heart wherever she goes! Nafisa has the acumen in reaching out to the cross section of people due to her firm commitment in bringing a radical difference in the lives of marginalised and under privileged millions in India. She has proved it time and again that the right attitude to "ACT NOW", her pet slogan has inspired people to live with dignity under all circumstances. Nafisa has brought back the smile on the faces of earthquake victims, HIV/AIDS positive families and distressed people, who have been victims of natural and manmade disasters. Facing challenges is the driving spirit of her NGO 'Action India' that has made its presence felt in these few years.