Latest news with #Khangarot
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I questioned and belittled myself': Mandira Bedi opens up about battling sexism and self-doubt as a cricket presenter; why it is common
In 2003, when Mandira Bedi made her debut as a cricket presenter during the World Cup, she did not anticipate facing the challenges that she did during her journey. Known for her work as an actor, she entered a field where women were largely absent and often unwelcome. In a recent interview with Yuvaa, Mandira shared, 'I felt dismissed and disrespected. I felt powerless and like, 'I don't know what am I doing here'. I questioned myself and belittled myself saying, 'It must be me'.' Over time, she learned how to hold her ground. As her questions were routinely ignored by senior panelists, she decided she would no longer be sidelined. 'If someone disrespects me, I will repeat that question till they give me an answer, and everything changed,' she said. But despite her growth and resilience, Mandira admitted the underlying culture has not fully shifted even two decades later. 'When you say it was a boys' club, it still is a boys' club,' she said, recalling a recent tournament she worked on. Her experience reflects a reality many professionals, particularly women in male-dominated industries, still encounter. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'This response — of self-doubt — is unfortunately all too common among women navigating workplace exclusion. Societal conditioning often teaches women to second-guess themselves, internalise criticism, and constantly strive to 'prove' their worth, even when their work speaks volumes.' A post shared by Mandira Bedi (@mandirabedi) What's important is recognising that this self-doubt isn't a personal flaw, notes Khangarot, it's a learned response to years of subtle (and not-so-subtle) invalidation. 'I remember being invited to deliver a keynote session to 500 school children aged 12-14. I was dressed in a long, colourful skirt and a formal top — nothing out of the ordinary for me, but in contrast to the sea of uniforms, I stood out. As I walked to the front, I felt those familiar voices creep in: 'Are they judging me? Am I too much?' But I chose not to listen. I delivered my session, and it was a huge success,' Khangarot recalls. She then states, 'That moment reminded me: we all have voices in our heads. Some cheer us on, others whisper doubt. But we get to choose which ones to listen to. The journey from self-doubt to self-assertion begins with that choice: to trust your voice, your presence, your work. And to stand in it fully, regardless of who's watching.' Khangarot mentions that people often take us as seriously as we take ourselves — that's my admittedly biased, but deeply held belief. The way we treat ourselves teaches others how to treat us. If we respect our time, voice, contribution, and emotional space, others learn to do the same. 'Boundaries — those invisible lines we draw around ourselves — are essential not just in friendships or family but at work too. They are a form of self-respect. When we move away from porous boundaries that let everything in, and instead begin to articulate our limits, we create space for clarity, respect, and mutual accountability. We signal that we are not to be overlooked, talked over, or dismissed,' she explains.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Does the evil eye really protect you?
The concept of the evil eye has been a part of cultural and spiritual practices for centuries, believed to ward off negativity and protect from harm. From intricately designed talismans to rituals passed down through generations, this age-old belief holds significance in many societies. But does it truly offer protection, or is it more about the comfort it provides to those who believe? To understand the appeal of the evil eye, we need to explore its historical roots and psychological implications. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, says, 'The belief in the evil eye — a malicious gaze thought to bring harm or misfortune — has transcended centuries and cultures. Despite its mystical origins, this age-old superstition carries both historical intrigue and psychological significance. The evil eye belief is as ancient as recorded history, dating back to the Mesopotamian civilisation around 3,000 BCE. It is mentioned in Ancient Greek, Roman, and Islamic texts, often associated with envy or an evil wish.' In Greek mythology, she adds, the evil eye was considered a direct result of excessive admiration or jealousy. Similarly, in Islamic culture, the concept of 'nazar' highlights the destructive power of envy. 'Over time, cultures adapted protective rituals like wearing talismans such as the blue glass eye or hamsa hand to ward off its effects. While the form of protection varies, the underlying idea remains consistent: shielding oneself from negativity projected by others.' From a psychological standpoint, Khangarot says, believing in an evil eye can offer a sense of security and control in an unpredictable world. 'It serves as a coping mechanism, providing individuals with an explanation for misfortunes that might otherwise feel random or unjust. This belief can reduce anxiety by externalising blame, transforming bad luck into something manageable through protective charms or rituals.' In collectivist cultures, where communal harmony is prioritised, such beliefs strengthen social bonds as they emphasise collective vigilance against envy and ill intent. 'Essentially, the belief in the evil eye can function as a mental anchor, helping individuals navigate uncertainty with a semblance of control,' states Khangarot. The evil eye belief aligns symbolically with the scientific understanding of negative energy, though not literally. 'While modern psychology doesn't recognise the evil eye as a tangible force, studies suggest that envy, hostility, and negativity can influence mental and emotional well-being. Concepts like emotional contagion — where mood and energy levels are affected by others' emotions — mirror the impact attributed to the evil eye. Similarly, cognitive biases like confirmation bias — seeing what you expect to see — may make individuals more attuned to misfortunes after believing they are cursed. Thus, the concept of the evil eye serves as a metaphor for the tangible effects of social and emotional dynamics,' explains the psychotherapist. Khangarot asserts, 'Scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of protective rituals or talismans is limited. However, their psychological impact cannot be ignored. These objects often act as placebo tools, enhancing confidence and reducing stress. Research in neuropsychology suggests that beliefs in protective rituals can trigger the brain's reward system, offering comfort and perceived safety.' That said, she mentions that it's crucial to approach such beliefs with balance. 'While talismans and rituals can provide reassurance, they shouldn't replace rational decision-making or scientific approaches to addressing challenges. Relying solely on them can lead to overgeneralising and neglecting practical solutions.'
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘When you have to rip out a band-aid, how do you do it…Slowly, no. Rapidly,' says Salman Khan on handling breakups; find out if this mindset really helps
Salman Khan's take on breakups is as straightforward as his on-screen persona. While speaking to his nephew Arhaan Khan on his YouTube podcast channel titled Dumb Biryani, Salman compared moving on from a breakup to ripping off a band-aid — quick, decisive, and without dwelling on the pain. He advised Arhaan, 'Even if your girlfriend has broken up with you, let her go. Bye bye.' Salman then compared breaking up with a girl to ripping off a band-aid and said, 'When you have to rip out a band-aid, how do you do it? Slowly? No. Rapidly. Go inside a room, have a good cry and finish the subject. Come out and just say 'What's up? How's it going?'' However, he quickly emphasised the importance of apologising as soon as one recognises their mistake. 'Always apologise when you have made a mistake. 'Thank you' and 'sorry' should come out spontaneously,' he said. While some believe that swiftly moving on helps avoid prolonged suffering, others argue that rushing through heartbreak may suppress emotions rather than resolve them. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Pushing oneself to 'get over it' fast can be a form of emotional suppression and can backfire. While distraction and forward movement are important, ignoring pain can have several consequences.' Khangarot shares some of them: – Rebound Relationships: Jumping into a new relationship before fully healing can transfer unresolved emotions, repeating unhealthy patterns. – Delayed Grief: Suppressed emotions often resurface later in unexpected ways — through anxiety, resentment, or emotional numbness. – Self Deception: Convincing yourself you are fine doesn't mean you indeed are. Unprocessed pain can show up as irritability, avoidance, or physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches. 'That said, wallowing indefinitely isn't healthy either. A balanced approach — allowing emotions to be felt while maintaining self care and perspective is key,' suggests the expert. Khangarot highlights that treating heartbreak as an inconvenience to be buried 'can have serious psychological effects.' Emotional numbing can make it harder to experience joy or form deep connections in future relationships. Suppressed emotions often manifest as anxiety, irritability, or prolonged sadness. Unprocessed loss can also create a fear of vulnerability, leading to commitment issues. Additionally, ignoring pain may reinforce cognitive distortions, such as believing that love is pointless or that people always leave, which can negatively impact future relationships. The healthiest approach to breakups lies in balance, she says, acknowledgment with action. Feel your emotions, but don't dwell in hopelessness; journaling or talking to a friend can help. Rebuilding routines, like focusing on fitness, hobbies, and social activities, fosters healing. Most importantly, seek closure within yourself — true healing comes from self-reflection and growth, not from revisiting the past.
