Baseer Ali Opens Up on Career, Fame & Finding Peace

Known for his journey from reality television to acting, Baseer Ali has carved a niche for himself with shows like Roadies, Splitsvilla, Bigg Boss OTT, and Kundali Bhagya. Over the years, he has successfully transitioned across different entertainment platforms while building a loyal fan following. During his appearance on Honestly, Why Not With MNL S2, hosted by Hoonur Talent Head Mohammed Nagaman Lateef, Baseer opened up about his evolving career, the changing landscape of television and OTT, the importance of peace over fame, and why long-term success depends on smart career choices rather than momentary popularity.

Asked about the growing crossover between influencers and television actors, Baseer said he doesn't believe the trend is fake but feels casting should always prioritise talent. "I wouldn't call it fake, but I do think it's often mismatched. Television used to have its own exclusivity. If someone was a TV actor, people automatically respected that because television carried a certain prestige. Now, many social media influencers are entering television. Some of them live up to expectations, while others don't. Sometimes I watch a project and feel they could have cast a better actor instead of someone who is popular only because of social media numbers. So I think it's less about being fake and more about casting people for the right reasons," he said.

The conversation then turned personal when Mohammed Nagaman Lateef asked what mattered most to him today. "Money matters a lot," Baseer laughed. "But above everything else, I would choose peace. Always. I've reached a stage where I just want peace in life. I want to earn well, keep my family happy, keep my mother happy, and live a peaceful life. That's what matters to me now."

Explaining why peace has become his biggest priority, Baseer said his experiences in the industry shaped his outlook. "The kind of shows I've done and the kind of people I've met. Watching different people over the years made me realize what I don't want in life. Now I know exactly what I want, and that's peace."

Speaking about his personal life, Baseer revealed that he has been single for a long time. "I've been single for a very long time, even before Bigg Boss. After coming out of the show, I became extremely busy with work, travelling, and other commitments. I honestly haven't had the time to give someone the attention a relationship deserves. And I don't believe in bringing someone into my life if I can't give them the time and commitment they deserve."

Asked whether hookups are better than being in love, the actor admitted his perspective has changed with age. "Maybe when I was twenty-five, I would've said yes. Back then it was much easier to treat things casually. But now I've realized that without an emotional connection, it doesn't work for me anymore. Today, I'd choose an emotional connection over hookups any day."

During the discussion, Mohammed Nagaman Lateef praised Baseer for successfully evolving from influencer to reality television personality and then to actor while maintaining his relevance. Responding to the observation, Baseer said consistency matters more than constantly being visible. "You may not have work for nine months in a year, but if you do one strong project during the remaining three months, people will still remember you. That's much better than constantly working but not creating any impact."

He added that winning reality shows alone doesn't guarantee a lasting career. "Many reality show winners eventually disappear. What's the point of winning if no one remembers you later? Personally, I'd rather have a career that stays relevant for years than win a trophy and disappear. Sometimes the runner-up ends up having a longer and stronger career than the winner."

Reflecting on his own journey, Baseer said not winning every reality show ultimately worked in his favour. "I've done five reality shows and won only one, Splitsvilla. In the other four, I reached the finals or came close, but didn't win. To be honest, I think that's God's plan. If I had won every show, maybe I would've become satisfied too early. Perhaps I would've lost my hunger to keep improving. Instead, those losses kept me motivated."

The conversation also explored the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. While Baseer welcomed the rise of OTT platforms and digital content, he cautioned television actors against leaving TV without a long-term strategy. "For talented people, it's definitely a good thing. There are more choices than ever before. But almost every influencer or reality show contestant still dreams of working on television. Getting a successful television show with strong TRPs gives actors a different kind of satisfaction."

He warned that many actors underestimate how difficult it can be to return after stepping away from television. "Once you've stepped away from television for too long, returning isn't easy. Some actors think they'll leave TV, do one successful OTT show, charge double their fees and dominate that space. But sometimes years pass before the right OTT opportunity arrives. Meanwhile, television moves on. When they finally want to return, they realise the industry has changed and getting another lead role isn't easy. That's why I think leaving television at your peak without a proper plan is a mistake."

Baseer also highlighted television's unmatched reach across India. "Television reaches audiences of every age, especially families across small towns and villages. OTT is growing rapidly, but there are still millions of people who either don't use streaming platforms regularly or don't know how to access them. If your audience can't easily watch you, how will they remain connected to your work?"

Looking back at his own career, Baseer admitted he never imagined becoming an actor. "When I was 21 and auditioned for Roadies, if someone had told me I'd become an actor one day, I would've laughed. Today, thanks to web platforms, short-form content and social media, I can continue learning while creating content for my audience. It's become a very healthy ecosystem where creators and actors have multiple ways to grow."

Concluding the conversation, Baseer reflected on how much tougher it has become for newcomers to survive in the industry. "Every year, nearly a hundred new faces enter the industry through reality shows and digital platforms. Imagine the level of competition. It's become much tougher than it was when we started. Sometimes I genuinely feel sorry for newcomers because sustaining a career today is much harder. In a way, I feel fortunate that I entered the industry when I did."