Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Neha Dhupia Opens Up About Anxiety During Work Gaps
Neha Dhupia, a well-known actor, talked about how she feels anxious and sad when she doesn't have acting jobs.
Even after 20 years in the industry, she admitted to crying when she's not working.
She explained that seeing others work while she's not can make her feel left behind.
An expert, Gurleen Baruah, said that many successful people feel this way because they tie their self-worth to their work.
She also mentioned that comparing yourself to others, especially on social media, can make these feelings worse.
To cope, Baruah suggested acknowledging these feelings, focusing on personal growth, and staying connected with supportive people.
Neha Dhupia admitted to experiencing anxiety and crying when she's not working, despite her 20-year career in the film industry.
She described the emotional toll of seeing others work while she's not, feeling like life is passing her by.
Gurleen Baruah, an organisational psychologist, explained that many successful people tie their self-worth to productivity, making work gaps feel like a loss of self.
Baruah noted that comparison with peers, especially on social media, can erode confidence and create feelings of inadequacy.
To build emotional resilience, Baruah suggested acknowledging fear, focusing on personal growth, and staying connected with supportive people.
- Who
- Neha Dhupia, an actor with over 20 years of experience in the film industry, and Gurleen Baruah, an organisational psychologist.
- What
- Neha Dhupia shared her experience of anxiety and emotional toll during periods of not working, and Baruah provided insights on how work gaps impact mental health.
- When
- The article does not specify a particular time frame, but Neha mentioned experiencing these feelings recently, including three days before the interview.
- Where
- The discussion took place in an interaction with Bollywood Hungama, and the expert insights were shared with indianexpress.com.
- Why
- The article highlights the emotional and psychological impact of work gaps on individuals, especially in competitive and public-facing careers.
- Actor
- Neha Dhupia
- Industry Experience
- Over 20 years
- Emotional Impact
- Anxiety, self-doubt, fear of being left behind
- Expert
- Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist
- Key Insight
- Work gaps can trigger imposter syndrome and existential dread
- Comparison Impact
- Can erode confidence and create a sense of being 'less than'
- Resilience Strategy
- Acknowledging fear, self-focus, growth mindset, staying connected