Janhvi Kapoor on the pressure to look like an actor: ‘I’ve walked in and out of the airport in my pyjamas’

Janhvi Kapoor has shared her experiences with the pressure to maintain a certain appearance in the public eye. She recounted instances when she walked through airports in her pyjamas, seemingly carefree with a pillow in hand. Kapoor expressed that while this posed constant chatter, there were moments when the scrutiny became overwhelming, leading her to question whether she should make more of an effort to fit the expectations of being an actor.

However, she emphasised that at her core, she believes that how one is perceived on screen is what truly matters.

Speaking to mental health expert Tanvi Singh, Kapoor highlighted the importance of privacy, stating that it is not a privilege but a psychological need. She explained that visibility does not equate to vulnerability, and everyone, including public figures, requires personal spaces where they can exist without being observed or evaluated. Singh emphasized that these moments of privacy are crucial for emotional regulation, nurturing relationships, and maintaining a stable sense of self.

Despite the challenges, Kapoor stressed the significance of setting boundaries. She noted that the freedom to choose what aspects of one's life to share reinforces autonomy, dignity, and psychological well-being. Counselling psychologist Athul Raj added that in today's world, privacy is about being intentional about what parts of one's life are non-negotiably private.

Raj advised against sharing real-time updates and suggested viewing social media as a curated window rather than a full diary. He recommended sharing only after a moment has passed to preserve personal boundaries. By treating privacy as a consistent habit, individuals can remain in control of their own narrative.