Latest news with #TheAnswerRoom
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Hrithik as my co-parent is a very big thing': What Sussanne Khan's journey with Hrithik Roshan reveals about how mutual respect after divorce can shape emotionally healthy children
Parenting after separation is rarely easy, but Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan have shown how mutual respect and shared goals can create a nurturing and balanced environment for their children. Speaking at the Reality Conclave & Awards 2025, Sussanne, a successful interior designer and entrepreneur, offered insight into her ongoing co-parenting journey with the Bollywood actor. 'Our children are very artistic. Both my boys are artistically inclined to another level,' she shared. 'So I think the support of my family and of course Hrithik as my co-parent is a very big thing to us. I am feeling very grateful and very blessed.' Sussanne's comments come not long after Hrithik posted a heartfelt tribute to her professional success on Instagram, writing, 'Dreams to reality. So proud of you Sussanne! I remember 20 years ago this was a concept you kept dreaming about. Today as you launch your SECOND Charcoal Project in Hyderabad, I can't help but applaud the little girl who dared to dream so many years ago… Your hard work shows, but what shows most is your exquisite and unique talent! World-class truly!' Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Absolutely, post-divorce relationships can evolve into emotionally supportive partnerships — but only when both individuals are willing to move beyond resentment and ego. In my work, I've seen that the shift depends heavily on emotional maturity, mutual respect, and a conscious decision to prioritise the child's emotional landscape over personal grievances.' When parents are able to model conflict resolution, co-regulation, and boundaries even post-separation, it rewires how children view relationships. 'Instead of internalising separation as something destructive or shameful, they start to see it as a transition — where love and support don't have to disappear just because the structure changed,' notes Khangarot. Khangarot states, 'When children witness mutual appreciation between divorced parents, it fosters emotional resilience and a more secure internal working model of relationships. They begin to view both parents as individuals navigating life with dignity rather than adversaries. This reduces their tendency to internalise blame or engage in black-and-white thinking.' Over time, she adds, it nurtures empathy, perspective-taking, and the ability to resolve conflicts in their own relationships. 'A study by Sandler et al. (2008) found that positive post-divorce parenting significantly reduced emotional distress and increased social competence in children, laying a strong foundation for healthier adult relationships and a higher emotional quotient (EQ).' Divorced co-parents can benefit greatly by adopting the mindset of team leadership—where the shared 'project' is the well-being of the child. Like in successful teams, clear communication, defined roles, mutual respect, and goal alignment are essential. Viewing each other as partners rather than opponents helps reduce ego-driven conflict and fosters collaboration. Just as effective teams focus on long-term success over individual wins, Khangarot notes, co-parents who adopt this approach prioritise the child's needs over personal grievances. This perspective encourages problem-solving, accountability, and emotional regulation — key elements that build trust and stability in the parenting dynamic over time, even post-separation.
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Unko laga I am going to leave my family and be with her': Varun Dhawan reveals chilling stalker story; how catfishing fuels dangerous obsessions
Varun Dhawan recently opened up about unsettling experiences with stalkers, including instances where some people have camped out for days and even managed to enter his home. When asked about advice on dealing with stalkers on The Ranveer Show podcast, the Bhediya actor replied, 'Bro, no. I've had some weird stuff where people have run away from their homes and come and stayed 3 to 3 nights on a beach. We've had to call the cops.' One case involved a woman who was reportedly catfished by someone pretending to be Varun. Eventually, the situation escalated to the point where the police had to be involved. He said, 'I've had a person, mere ghar mein entry…and that lady was the wife of a very powerful man. Unko kisi ne catfish kiya tha shayad, ki mere naam se baat kiya tha unke saath. Aur unko sab pata tha ghar ke baare mein. Unko laga ki I am going to leave my family and be with her, it all became very scary. Called the cops.' Catfishing, where someone creates a fake identity to deceive others, is a growing concern in the digital age. It can have serious emotional and psychological effects on victims, leading to distress, betrayal, and even dangerous real-life consequences. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Catfishing, where someone creates a fake identity to deceive others, thrives on emotional and psychological vulnerabilities. Several factors contribute to a person's susceptibility to this deception.' One major factor is loneliness and emotional needs, she says. 'Individuals who feel isolated or crave connection may overlook inconsistencies in the catfish's story because they desperately want the relationship to be real. The emotional void they seek to fill can cloud their judgment, making them more vulnerable to manipulation.' A post shared by The Ranveer Show (@theranveershowpodcast) The expert notes that another key element is idealisation and fantasy thinking. The brain tends to fill in gaps with what we want to believe. If the catfish presents an ideal version of a romantic relationship or claims a celebrity connection, the victim may ignore logical doubts and warning signs, clinging to the fantasy rather than facing reality. Manipulation tactics also play a significant role. Catfishers often employ psychological grooming techniques, such as love bombing — excessive flattery and attention — to establish trust and deepen emotional attachment quickly. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the catfisher may introduce requests for money, secrecy, or other forms of exploitation. Discovering that an emotional connection was built on deception can have lasting effects on mental health. Some of them, according to Khangarot, are: – Betrayal Trauma: A person may struggle to trust not only strangers but their judgment. – Shame and Embarrassment: Victims often blame themselves for falling for the deception, leading to withdrawal from social circles. – Hypervigilance and Paranoia: Some people develop an extreme fear of online interactions questioning the authenticity of future relationships. – Depression and Anxiety: The emotional investment and subsequent loss can lead to symptoms of grief, sadness, and anxiety about being deceived again. 'Individuals must be aware of their psychological vulnerabilities, recognise manipulation tactics and seek professional help if they find themselves struggling with trust or obsessive thoughts,' suggests Khangarot.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Not yet the evil stepmother': Dia Mirza speaks about her stepdaughter's hilarious contact name for her; how fairy tales shape children's views
Actor Dia Mirza recently opened up about navigating her bond with stepdaughter, Samaira Rekhi. Sharing a humorous memory from the early days of their relationship during a conversation with The Official People of India, Dia revealed how she never read fairy tales as a child, which was the reason behind her not villainising her stepfather in her mind. She then spoke about her stepdaughter Samaira, adding, 'Thank god I didn't read fairy tales growing up. Because those would've created a whole different set of biases. Stepfathers, stepmothers are always evil. Which brings me to Samaira, who has saved my number on her phone as — 'Dia, not yet the evil stepmother.' That's what fairy tales do, right? I wonder if she's changed the description under my name.' The actor then elaborated on her own experience of growing up with a stepfather, Ahmed Mirza, whom she lovingly called 'abba'. She said, 'I remember the last time I met him in Hyderabad before I went to an overseas shoot, during which time he passed away (in 2003). I'll never forget the hug he gave me and the tears he had in his eyes as he said goodbye.' Despite his initially reserved nature, she remembered how she and her mother helped him become more expressive. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Early childhood stories, especially fairy tales, can quietly but powerfully shape how children perceive step-parents. Classic tales like Cinderella, Snow White, or Hansel and Gretel often portray stepmothers as cruel or untrustworthy, embedding a subconscious bias. This is where classical conditioning, a concept introduced by Ivan Pavlov (behaviourist), comes in. Just as Pavlov's dogs learned to associate a bell with food, children may begin to associate 'step-parent' with fear or abandonment, simply through repeated storytelling.' In everyday life, she adds, this is reinforced through operant conditioning, 'a framework developed by B.F. Skinner (pioneer of behaviour modification). If adults around a child reward or laugh at these portrayals, or if the media constantly paints step-parents in a negative light, those ideas get further cemented.' Khangarot offers more insight: 'Albert Bandura (social learning theorist), in his famous Bobo doll experiment, showed how children imitate behaviours they observe — especially from adults or media figures. Even without direct experience, if they repeatedly see a step-parent being cruel on screen, they're likely to expect and even mimic those dynamics in real life.' The same learning patterns apply to how children come to understand love and romance. Khangarot explains that fairy tales often reinforce the idea that love is earned through beauty, obedience, or being 'rescued.' This, too, sets up unrealistic expectations, reinforced through reward-punishment cycles (Skinner) and romantic modeling (Bandura). 'As a psychologist, I want to be honest: it's not always easy, and it won't always feel fair,' asserts Khangarot. She mentions, 'First, don't force affection. Let the child set the pace. Be present, not performative. Consistency is your strongest currency — small, dependable gestures matter more than grand ones.' Second, acknowledge the child's emotional reality. You don't have to 'fix' how they feel. You just have to make room for it. That alone is powerful. Third, respect their bond with their biological parent. Encourage conversations about them—this shows you're not competing, and removes the pressure from the child to choose sides. 'Finally, work on the adult relationship too — whether with the biological parent or other caregivers,' concludes Khangarot.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I, as an actor, dehumanised her': Sara Ali Khan recalls going through a moment of jealousy over Alia Bhatt's success; expert on psychological triggers
Actor Sara Ali Khan recently opened up about the emotions she experienced when she saw Alia Bhatt's achievements. She admitted that she went through a moment of jealousy after witnessing Alia's personal and professional milestones. Reflecting on Alia's recent National Award win at a recent event held by NDTV, Sara said, 'When Alia got the National Award, I was like, 'God, she got it, she has a kid also, her life is set'. But I don't know what she went through to get that. I, as an actor, dehumanised her.' She added, 'You don't know, she must have had challenges and disappointments too, to reach where she has. But I didn't realise what went into it. There are two sides to every coin.' Despite this feeling, the Sky Force actor also shared an insightful perspective on envy, explaining, 'Most often, when we are envious of other people, we feel so without all the information. We are envious because we just see that success and then we want that. We don't see what goes behind it; we never see it. Envy means blindness.' Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells 'Envy is a deeply human emotion. Whether in personal relationships or professional spaces, envy often stems from our inherent need for validation, success, and belonging. However, what we see on the surface is rarely the full picture. Understanding envy, its triggers, and its impact can help individuals navigate these feelings in a healthier way.' A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) She adds, 'Envy in personal relationships can arise from perceived imbalances — when one friend seems to have a more fulfilling relationship, a smoother family dynamic, or greater life stability. Professionally, it emerges when peers achieve milestones we aspire to, whether it's recognition, financial success, or a particular career trajectory.' According to Khangarot, This tendency is fuelled by: – The Highlight Reel Effect: Social media and public personas rarely showcase struggles, failures, or personal hardships. – Emotional Projection: When we feel stuck or dissatisfied, we project an idealised version of others' lives, assuming they are free from challenges. – Lack of Context: We only see the outcome — awards, relationships, stability — but not the years of hard work, sacrifices, or setbacks. 'To cultivate a nuanced understanding of success, one must practice perspective-taking — reminding oneself that every achievement comes with its struggles. Engaging in meaningful conversations rather than assumptions helps humanise others' journeys,' she notes.
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.
