Raveena Tandon’s ‘I punched him back’ moment: The psychology of fighting back—and feeling shaken later

Raveena Tandon reminisced about a deeply unsettling incident in a dark parking lot, recounting how she punched a group of men who had cornered her after an award ceremony. Simi Garewal, who was present during the conversation, expressed awe at her swift and fearless response. Psychologist Srishti Vatsa notes that such moments are marked not only by bravery but also by a lingering sense of vulnerability and confusion.

Women, Vatsa explains, often grapple with feelings of anger, shame, and guilt, questioning whether their clothing or actions contributed to the situation. Despite the courage displayed, the aftermath can be emotionally taxing, leaving individuals to navigate a spectrum of emotions such as relief, rage, and even guilt. The strength of their response varies from one person to another, whether it's a physical confrontation or a verbal assertiveness.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that healing begins with recognizing and acknowledging the full range of feelings that follow such experiences, as the journey to recovery is deeply personal and multifaceted.