Behind the Glamour: Unmasking Performance Anxiety
Today, Bollywood star Kriti Sanon commands the silver screen with undeniable poise and confidence. However, the actor’s early years were painted with a starkly different brush. Far from the self-assured persona her fans adore, her childhood was marked by profound shyness and intense stage fright.
In a recent, candid discussion with digital content creator Ahmad Al Marzooqi, the actress pulled back the curtain on her initial struggles with visibility. She confessed that even facing a camera was a daunting task in her early days. Recalling her debut on the runway and her initial photoshoots, she admitted that her crippling nerves derailed those experiences. Her ultimate takeaway from those nerve-wracking moments? When profound self-consciousness sets in, it is impossible to hide—because, as she aptly noted, the lens captures everything.
The Psychology of the Spotlight
Sanon’s revelation brings a highly relatable, yet often unspoken, issue to the forefront: the crippling fear of not measuring up. According to Sonal Khangarot, a licensed psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor at The Answer Room, this specific brand of stage fright is typically rooted in internalized pressure and profound self-doubt.
“In high-stakes environments, the intense pressure to prove oneself can drastically magnify a person’s feelings of inadequacy, even if their success is otherwise undeniable. Over time, these unchecked pressures can escalate into full-blown social anxiety.” — Sonal Khangarot, Psychotherapist, The Answer Room
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When Nerves Escalate: Understanding Social Anxiety
While occasional jitters are a universal human experience, severe cases bridge into clinical territory. Dr. Rahul Chandhok, the Head Psychiatrist and Lead Consultant for Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospitals, defines social anxiety as an intensely debilitating and pervasive psychological condition. It is characterized by an overwhelming, persistent terror of social interactions and public situations.
According to Dr. Chandhok, this condition does not just live in the mind; it manifests across multiple facets of a person’s well-being:
- Physical Manifestations: Accelerated heart rate, excessive sweating, uncontrollable trembling, waves of nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Emotional Impact: Acute self-consciousness, a heavy sense of dread, and sudden spikes of panic when placed in social environments.
- Behavioral Changes: A strong tendency to completely avoid social gatherings, or the ability to endure them only while experiencing extreme psychological distress.
Silencing the Inner Critic
For artists, public figures, and everyday professionals alike, the voice of the inner critic can sometimes drown out the sound of external applause. To navigate this, experts suggest breaking down the vague concept of a “perfect performance” into manageable, tangible metrics—such as assessing technical execution, evaluating audience connection, and maintaining a strong physical presence.
Khangarot advises implementing targeted grounding strategies to quiet self-doubt precisely when it matters the most. Establishing a routine of reflective journaling, seeking guidance through therapy, or leaning on trusted industry mentors can build a robust internal support system. Ultimately, recognizing personal progress and prioritizing continuous growth over the illusion of flawlessness is the key to reclaiming one’s confidence in front of any crowd—or camera.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on information available in the public domain alongside expert insights. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
