Krushal Ahuja is a familiar face in the Indian television space, known for his performances in shows including Rishton Ka Manjha, Ki Kore Bolbo Tomay, Jhanak and Binddii. While actors are often expected to keep going despite demanding schedules and professional pressures, the actor believes that mental well-being deserves equal attention. From dealing with criticism to recognising burnout and learning to set boundaries, Krushal feels that understanding oneself is important when life gets overwhelming.
“We often hide our struggles behind a smile because we don’t want people to see us as weak. Sometimes, we also feel that we have to be strong all the time. But I think it is important to accept what you are feeling instead of pretending that everything is fine. Everyone goes through difficult phases, and there is nothing wrong with admitting that you are not okay,” Krushal says.
Being an actor means that your work and choices are often open to public opinion. However, Krushal believes that not every comment needs to affect one’s peace of mind. “You cannot make everyone happy, and you cannot control what people think about you. I feel it is important to understand which opinions are worth listening to and which ones you should let go of. Constructive criticism can help you grow, but you should not allow unnecessary negativity to affect your confidence or take away your peace,” he shares.
Speaking about burnout, the actor feels that people sometimes become so caught up in their responsibilities that they forget to pay attention to themselves. “When you are busy with work, you sometimes keep pushing yourself without realising how tired you have become. I think you need to listen to your mind and body. If you feel constantly exhausted or find it difficult to enjoy things that usually make you happy, it is important to take a step back. Taking a break does not mean you are giving up. Sometimes, you need that time to recharge and come back with a fresh mind,” he says.
Expectations, both personal and professional, can also become difficult to manage. Krushal believes that while working hard and being committed to one’s responsibilities are important, it is equally necessary not to put unnecessary pressure on oneself. “There will always be expectations, whether they come from your work, the people around you or even yourself. But you cannot keep trying to meet everyone’s expectations all the time. I believe you should give your best, learn from your experiences and understand that you are also allowed to have difficult days. You do not have to prove yourself every single moment,” the actor explains.
Reflecting on the lessons that difficult phases teach us, Krushal believes that patience and perspective can make a difference. “One thing I have learnt is that no phase lasts forever. When you are going through something difficult, it may feel like things will always remain the same, but that is not true. You have to remind yourself that things can change. I think it is important to stay patient, give yourself time and not be too hard on yourself when life does not go according to your plans,” he says as he ends.
