Speaking at the launch of Ghai's memoir, Karma's Child, Ali recalled, "The kind of impact Hero had on me in my life, I don't think any other film had such an impact. I was in that age, watching all that, listening to that music, and the way Subhash ji made that film, it had a very strong impact on me." Ali shared that he would often narrate the story of Hero to his friends, which eventually led him to explore drama in school.

The launch event, held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, was a moment for Ali to reflect on how Ghai's work had influenced his career. "Every time I meet Subhash Ghai, I learn something new," Ali said, revealing how Ghai's wisdom and experience continue to inspire him. He also praised Ghai's memoir, recommending it to anyone interested in films or life. "I've read half of it, and it's been a learning experience for me about life and films," he shared.

Ali also recalled a personal experience from the early days of his career when Ghai played a pivotal role in the release of his debut film, Socha Na Tha. Despite being a newcomer in the industry, Ali was touched by Ghai's generosity when he showed support for the film. "Subhash ji came to watch my film. He was such a huge personality, and I did not even dare to stand in front of him. Luckily, he liked my film," Ali said. Ghai, who believed in the film's potential, bought the TV rights to help secure its release when it was struggling. "He was like a deity who saved me and released my film," Ali added.

Through his reflections, Ali not only acknowledged the profound influence of Hero on his artistic journey but also expressed deep gratitude for Ghai's mentorship and kindness. The relationship between the two filmmakers, built on respect and mutual admiration, continues to be a source of inspiration for Ali as he continues his own filmmaking career. Ghai's legacy, both as a filmmaker and a mentor, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Ali's path in cinema.