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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I am open to what the future…': What Dhanashree Verma's response to hate and name-calling after divorce from Yuzvendra Chahal tells us about healing from emotional trauma
Dhanashree Verma has broken her silence on the hate and name-calling she faced following her divorce from Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. The separation wasn't without noise — memes flooded social media with many calling her a gold-digger, and public judgement followed her every move. But Dhanashree remained steady. 'It doesn't bother me at all! I have surrounded myself with great inner strength, and I am so dedicated that my focus has always been on my work, as I have a lot of responsibilities. I have guarded myself and have built myself so strong that I just focus on my work, which will speak for everything,' she said in an interview with Times of India. 'The negativity and public criticism have never really bothered me since day 1, and it will never bother me ever.' The 28-year-old choreographer added that she now filters out anything that doesn't serve her personal growth. 'I have been working on myself even more now… I have completely changed my lifestyle and am focusing on self-love, inner strength, discipline, exercise, good food, and surrounding myself with people who look up to me. I want to be a part of a journey that inspires people around me.' And while her first marriage may have ended on a difficult note, her faith in love remains intact. 'I will always say and believe that love is a beautiful aspect of life, and your understanding of it evolves over time… I am open to what the future holds for me, but for now, it is my career and my family that are of utmost importance to me.' Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist at Mindtalk, tells 'Emotional resilience in the face of public criticism isn't about becoming immune to pain, it's about learning how to process that pain in healthy ways. One of the most powerful tools in building this resilience is self-awareness. When individuals are anchored in their values and have a clear sense of identity, external opinions tend to hold less power over their emotional state.' Cultivating a routine that includes grounding practices, whether mindfulness, journaling, therapy, or even just time away from screens, helps create a mental buffer. In addition, reframing the narrative around public criticism (e.g., recognising that hate often says more about the speaker than the subject) can lessen its emotional impact. Dhanashree spoke about changing her lifestyle, focusing on self-love, exercising, and surrounding herself with supportive people. 'These strategies may seem simple on the surface, but they are incredibly effective because they address both the body and the mind. Exercise, for instance, is not just about physical health, it's a proven way to regulate mood, improve sleep, and release pent-up emotions. Similarly, self-love isn't about indulgence; it's about treating oneself compassionately, especially during vulnerable periods,' states Parashar. Having a supportive circle is equally critical. Parashar notes that emotional recovery is not a solitary journey; trusted relationships provide validation, perspective, and a safe healing space. 'Over time, these practices help rebuild a sense of emotional safety and confidence, allowing individuals to move forward with more clarity and strength.'
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘People can say…': Armaan Malik says his bond with brother Amaal is ‘solid' even after the latter stepped back from family; balancing mental health and boundaries
Armaan and Amaal Malik have long been admired for their deep musical synergy and brotherly bond. Known for their collaboration on several soulful tracks, the duo seemed inseparable — professionally and personally. But in March 2025, Amaal's emotional Instagram post left fans stunned. He shared that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression and was stepping back from personal ties with his family. In that same post, he wrote, 'From now on, my interactions with my family will be strictly professional. This isn't a decision made in anger but one born from the necessity to heal and reclaim my life.' He also acknowledged the impact this had on his relationship with his younger brother, writing, 'Yes, I have only myself to blame for my actions, but my self-worth has been diminished countless times by the actions of near and dear ones who stole pieces of my soul.' Though he later deleted the post and urged people not to harass his parents, fans continued to speculate about the brothers' bond. Armaan Malik finally broke his silence recently, reaffirming the strength of their connection. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, 'Our bond is and will always be the same,' adding, 'People can say what they want, but I know what I share with my brother. We're solid. It (BB) is composed by Amaal, and I've sung it. We're looking at releasing it in about a month,' revealing that the brothers are continuing their collaboration in music. Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells 'When a family member chooses to set boundaries for their mental well-being, it can be emotionally complex for everyone involved, especially siblings who may maintain close ties with the same family. In such cases, the most supportive thing a sibling can do is validate their loved one's need for space without trying to 'fix' the situation.' A post shared by ARMAAN MALIK (@armaanmalik) She adds that it's important for the sibling to recognise that love can exist alongside distance. Emotional neutrality and active listening become crucial, acknowledging the sibling's experience without immediately drawing comparisons or trying to mediate. Each person's relationship with family is unique, and honoring those individual journeys, even if they diverge, helps maintain mutual respect. Emotional reassurance is vital, Parashar says, especially during times of familial discord. Armaan's statement reflects something deeply protective, an affirmation that their bond is intact, even when the broader family dynamics are in flux. 'Such reassurance serves as an emotional anchor. It reinforces trust, counters feelings of isolation, and creates a safe psychological space within the relationship. In many cases, when external narratives or judgments threaten to define one's reality, this kind of unwavering loyalty becomes both grounding and healing,' states the expert. Parashar suggests, 'Families can protect themselves by setting internal ground rules, choosing not to respond to rumors, limiting social media exposure, and designating safe spaces for emotional expression. It also helps to have a united front rooted in empathy rather than defense, supporting the individual without needing to constantly clarify or justify their choices publicly. Therapy or family counselling can be instrumental during these times, not just for the individual, but for the entire support system. Healing often requires boundaries not just within the family, but also between the family and the outside world.'
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘My dad is much happier with Bebo': Ibrahim Ali Khan says parents Amrita Singh and Saif shielded him from ‘pain' of divorce; can a child still feel distressed?
When parents separate, it's often assumed that the emotional fallout is inevitable — especially for the children. But what happens when both parents consciously protect their kids from the bitterness of a breakup? Actor Ibrahim Ali Khan recently offered a rare glimpse into his experience of growing up in a divorced household in an interview with GQ. When asked about his parents separating when he was young, he revealed, 'I was four or five years old, so I don't remember much. It was probably different for Sara as she was older. But my mom and dad have done a great job of ensuring I didn't feel the pain that comes with a broken home. I never saw them lose their cool at each other. Some things are just not meant to be.' He went on to add, 'Now my dad is much happier with Bebo [Kareena Kapoor] and I've got two very handsome and naughty brothers. And my mom is the best mother ever. She takes great care of me, and I live with her. It's all good.' His words hint at something many advocate for but few manage to implement — a peaceful, respectful post-divorce environment for the children's sake. 'Yes, absolutely,' says Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk. She adds that even without visible conflict, children can internalise feelings of loss, confusion, or divided loyalty when parents separate. 'Just because a separation is peaceful on the surface doesn't mean the child has emotionally processed the change. Children often pick up on subtle shifts in dynamics, like altered routines, emotional absences, or unspoken tensions.' A post shared by Sara Ali Khan (@saraalikhan95) According to Parashar, some children may also suppress their discomfort out of a desire to protect one or both parents, especially if they feel everyone else has 'moved on.' 'This can lead to quiet distress that doesn't always show up as overt behavior problems. Attachment issues can stem not just from how the separation occurs, but from how safe, heard, and emotionally connected the child continues to feel with both parents after it happens,' she notes. The solution? Therapeutic spaces or open conversations with trusted adults can help the child make sense of their emotions, even when there isn't 'visible conflict.' Parashar explains, 'It's not about whether parents fought or not, but about how supported and secure the child felt during and after the transition.' That sense of support and resilience also seems to echo in how Ibrahim has dealt with personal challenges beyond his family life. During the same interview, the Nadaaniyan actor also opened up about dealing with a hearing disability since birth. 'Soon after I was born, I had very bad jaundice and that went straight to my brainstem. I went on to lose quite a bit of my hearing and that impacted my speech,' he said, noting that he has worked hard on improving his speech. 'My speech is something that I've had to work hard on since I was a child, with coaches and therapists. It's not perfect; I'm still working really hard on it.' Ibrahim's experiences reflect his strength — the kind that usually comes not just from overcoming physical challenges, but from growing up in an environment where resilience, acceptance, and emotional safety were prioritised.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes': Shabana Azmi recalls co-star's declining mental health; know what early signs look like
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi offered a rare and heartbreaking glimpse into the declining mental health of her co-star Parveen Babi, whose mysterious life and tragic end have long haunted public memory. In a recent interview with Filmfare, Azmi spoke about witnessing disturbing changes in Babi's behaviour firsthand. 'I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes,' she said, recalling a moment from the sets of Jwalamukhi. 'We were on set, and she suddenly looked up at the chandelier and screamed, 'This chandelier is going to fall on me!'' Azmi also recounted several other incidents that pointed to Babi's inner turmoil. 'She was eating very little. She would eat two grapes and say, 'I'm bursting,'' she said, referring to the shoot of Ashanti. Another unsettling memory involved Babi silently standing behind Zeenat Aman, watching her 'in a very strange kind of manner.' Azmi added, 'She was always speaking about esoteric things, discussing books. She was a big star, but never behaved like one. She was in pursuit of an intellect that didn't come easily to her — but she was trying, and she was clearly struggling.' Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells 'Hallucinations and paranoid delusions are often symptomatic of underlying psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, or schizoaffective disorder. In such moments, the person may genuinely believe what they are seeing or fearing, even if it appears irrational to others. These episodes are not merely dramatic outbursts; they stem from a deeply altered perception of reality.' A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) High-stress environments, performance pressure, and lack of privacy can sometimes act as triggers for vulnerable individuals, she adds. 'Sleep deprivation, erratic routines, or untreated mental health conditions can lower the threshold for such symptoms to emerge. In moments like the one Shabana Azmi described, what may seem sudden to bystanders could be the culmination of prolonged emotional strain or undiagnosed illness.' Parashar explains, 'Yes, significant changes in eating behaviour or distorted bodily perceptions can sometimes be early indicators of a mental health condition.' When someone expresses physical sensations that don't align with reality, such as feeling overly full after consuming very little, it may point to somatic delusions or heightened anxiety. These signs can be subtle and often overlooked, especially if the person seems functional. That's why early recognition is crucial. 'Family members, colleagues, or caregivers who notice a pattern of irrational fears, avoidance behaviours, or drastic changes in habits should consider gently encouraging the individual to speak with a mental health professional. Compassionate, non-judgmental support is key to early intervention,' says the expert. In industries where individuals are under constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain a certain image, there's often a silence around vulnerability. This silence can reinforce stigma and isolate the person further, making it harder for them to seek help or be heard when they try. 'Opening up conversations, even retrospectively as Shabana Azmi has done, plays a powerful role in reducing stigma. It reminds us that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that timely empathy, observation, and professional support can make a profound difference,' stresses Parashar.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘If I should gift her a sex toy…': How Gautami Kapoor's unconventional parenting to 16-year-old daughter Sia breaks taboos around teen sexuality
Parenting in today's digital age comes with unique challenges, particularly when addressing topics like intimacy and self-exploration with teenagers. TV actor Gautami Kapoor recently shared her approach to these conversations with her daughter Sia. 'It's so funny that when my daughter turned 16, I was thinking of what to gift her and I thought if I should gift her a sex toy or a vibrator,' Gautami revealed in a recent interaction with Hauterrfly, showcasing her unusually open parenting style. The mother of two described her daughter's shocked reaction: 'Mom have you lost it, are you retarded or crazy.' Gautami explained her reasoning to her daughter, saying, 'Think about it. How many mothers would be willing to talk to their daughters about gifting something like this? Why don't you experiment.' Story continues below this ad She further elaborated on her parenting philosophy, adding, 'What my mom didn't do with me, I don't not want to do that with my daughter. I want her to experience everything. A lot of women go through life without experiencing its pleasures. Why be in that situation? Today, my daughter is 19 and she appreciates the fact that I at least had that thought.' So, at what age should parents begin conversations about sexual health and intimacy with their children? Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells 'Conversations about sexual health and intimacy should ideally begin early, in age-appropriate stages. For example, from the ages of 3 to 6, parents can begin discussing body boundaries. As children grow, these conversations can evolve, covering topics such as puberty, consent, relationships, emotional well-being, and eventually intimacy and safe sexual practices during adolescence.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gautami Kapoor (@gautamikapoor) The key is to treat these conversations as ongoing dialogues rather than one-time discussions, notes Parashar. 'When approached with openness and without shame, children feel more comfortable asking questions and developing a healthy understanding of their bodies. Self-exploration and sexual autonomy are part of personal development, and framing them in the context of safety, respect, and emotional maturity can help teenagers navigate these topics with confidence.' How can parents balance breaking generational taboos while still maintaining appropriate boundaries with their children? Breaking generational taboos can be empowering, but it's important to do so within a framework of mutual respect and emotional safety. Parashar states, 'Balancing this involves being honest yet measured. Parents can share their experiences to provide context, but they must also respect their child's need for autonomy and space. It's less about prescribing specific experiences and more about creating an environment where the child feels safe to explore life on their own terms, without fear of judgement.' Long-term effects of normalising conversations about physical intimacy Normalising conversations around physical intimacy helps remove the shame and confusion often associated with sexual development. 'Long-term, this openness fosters self-respect, emotional resilience, and healthier relationships. It also allows young adults to approach their own sexuality with clarity rather than secrecy or guilt. The appreciation Gautami's daughter expressed highlights an important truth, many young people value not just the information, but the sense of trust that comes from knowing their parent is willing to talk openly and supportively,' concludes Parashar.
