Alia Bhatt is known for her incredible career trajectory in Bollywood. Having entered the industry in 2013 when she was in her early 20s, she has spent much of her youth in the spotlight. Now an established actor, she recently opened up about some of the personal and professional lessons she has learned along the way.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, she revealed her thoughts on change, boundaries, and personal growth. When asked what that one thing was that she disliked people telling her, she replied, “One thing that I dislike people saying to me is, ‘Ae, you’ve changed.’” She continued, “And to me, that’s like – okay, I think that’s good. It would be terrifying to be the same person that you were when you were 16 years old. Change is good.” Alia emphasised how important it is to evolve over time and how embracing change is key to growth.
In addition, the Jigra actor discussed the importance of setting boundaries, something she finds essential to maintaining her well-being. She explained, “Setting boundaries is just a way of protecting your own energy, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. Especially as an artist — I’m not sure about other departments, but as an artist, I think a lot of what you give is what you conserve as well. So conserving is okay. That’s your right.” Alia’s response brings attention to the importance of self-care, especially in high-demand careers.
But, how can individuals balance the need for personal growth and change with the pressure to stay consistent in their identity?
Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, tells indianexpress.com, “Evolving while maintaining a consistent identity is a universal challenge. Individuals often feel pressured to remain the same due to societal expectations. An individual can feel stuck when they are changing, for worse or better, but the others around them are taking notice of the same and even trying to resist it.”
Regular self-reflection helps individuals understand their own motivations, he adds, making their transformation feel authentic rather than forced. Open communication with close ones can ease misunderstandings and provide context for changes, ensuring growth is not mistaken for detachment.
Psychological benefits associated with setting boundaries
From the very essence of the word, boundaries are built for resistance and protection, to keep someone/something on the other side. “In interpersonal relationships, boundaries are extremely essential as they safeguard one’s space and energy. For people like Alia Bhatt, who, by the nature of their profession, have to interact with a lot of people, it can often feel draining, with a sense of loss of privacy,” Arora states.
Healthy boundaries help individuals safeguard their time, protect their mental space, and cultivate a sense of control over their lives. Arora shares that they also reinforce self-esteem, as setting limits is an act of self-respect. “Boundaries in professional and personal life enhance relationships by ensuring clarity and mutual respect. Learning to say no and prioritising well-being prevents resentment and depletion, allowing individuals to sustain their careers without sacrificing mental health.”
What role does self-care and energy conservation play in maintaining long-term mental health and overall well-being?
According to Arora, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for individuals in the public eye. Effective energy management allows individuals to stay emotionally balanced, avoid burnout, and make thoughtful decisions.
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“Engaging in mindfulness (not just limited to meditation), physical activities, and hobbies that one loves, prevents mental fatigue and strengthens resilience against stress. Self-care also plays a role in emotional regulation and keeping ourselves grounded. In the pursuit of excellence and growth, it is very common to exhaust ourselves and our resources, regular self-care helps us avoid burnout and maintain consistent efforts,” he notes.
