5 min learnNew DelhiJun 9, 2026 05:56 PM IST
Veteran actor Neelima Azeem opened up in regards to the fixed public scrutiny surrounding her private life and marriages. In a latest Zoom interview, the 67-year-old mirrored on how years of trolling, judgement, and hypothesis have affected her. Neelima was first married to actor Pankaj Kapur, with whom she shares son Shahid Kapoor. She later married Rajesh Khattar and welcomed her son, Ishaan Khatter, earlier than subsequently marrying Ustad Raza Ali Khan.
Talking in regards to the form of feedback she has obtained on-line, Neelima revealed that social media customers have usually accused her of pursuing relationships for cash or profession development. She additionally recalled hurtful rumours about alcohol abuse, regardless of clarifying that she doesn’t drink. Addressing these assumptions immediately, she stated, “I married quite simple males who had no cash, however who I assumed had been nice folks and really gifted. I by no means married for materials or riches. I by no means sought a relationship in my life the place they’d construct my profession for me or make investments cash into my companies; this isn’t my lifestyle.”
DISCLAIMER: This article incorporates private reflections on emotional misery and unverified social media claims concerning private conduct. It’s primarily based on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
She additional spoke about her personal skilled journey and the way she labored independently all through her profession. “I did no matter I might in my capability, I did theatre, TV, I’ve hosted, danced, as an actress, I’ve 27 greatest actress awards, I’ve labored with the best actors, I by no means talked about it or blew my very own trumpet,” Neelima stated. On the identical time, she acknowledged how damaging repeated on-line narratives and public judgement can turn out to be over time.
Neelima additionally mirrored on the emotional influence of staying silent within the face of criticism. “However now I really feel I’ve come to a spot the place I need to communicate as a result of when you don’t inform your reality, folks suppress your voice, change your info. As time passes, you realise that you’re being defamed,” she stated. Expressing disappointment over on-line hostility between ladies, she added, “What’s unhappy is that one other girl is doing it. How do ladies do that to one another? I didn’t wish to finish my marriage, however when issues occur, there’s a purpose. It’s very simple guilty the particular person.”
However when does talking up in opposition to bullying turn out to be emotionally vital?
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “Talking up turns into emotionally vital when silence begins altering the way you see your self. Many individuals assume ignoring bullying makes them stronger, however internally, they start carrying humiliation, anger, and helplessness each single day. They begin questioning their very own actuality as a result of 1000’s of strangers are loudly defining it for them. That form of psychological erosion is harmful.”
He provides that when folks repeatedly assault your character, your relationships, or your intentions, it creates emotional exhaustion that slowly chips away at self-worth. Human beings usually are not designed to soak up relentless public scrutiny with out influence.
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“However talking up shouldn’t turn out to be emotional self-destruction,” notes the knowledgeable, stressing that folks usually make the error of making an attempt to defend themselves earlier than an viewers already dedicated to misunderstanding them. That cycle turns into emotionally consuming. “The healthiest option to reply is to talk from readability, not from heightened emotion. Say what feels trustworthy, set the document straight if wanted, after which step away. You don’t want to carry out your ache for public validation.”
The emotional toll of ladies tearing down different ladies on-line
Raj reveals, “This type of criticism hurts otherwise as a result of ladies usually anticipate empathy and emotional understanding from different ladies. So when the judgement comes from them, it feels extra private and extra disappointing.”
He suggests, “Emotionally defending your self begins with understanding that on-line opinions are not often goal. Most individuals react by their very own insecurities, bitterness, projections, or unresolved emotional wounds. Somebody sitting behind a display screen doesn’t know the emotional complexity of one other particular person’s marriage or life. Individuals additionally must cease treating cruelty as constructive criticism. Fixed publicity to hostility impacts psychological well-being deeply. Defending your self shouldn’t be avoidance; it’s emotional discipline. Mute accounts. Block folks when wanted. Step away when your thoughts and physique start feeling overwhelmed. You aren’t obligated to devour disrespect within the title of being robust.”
DISCLAIMER: This article incorporates private reflections on emotional misery and unverified social media claims concerning private conduct. It’s primarily based on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to.
