‘I, as an actor, dehumanised her': Sara Ali Khan recalls going through a moment of jealousy over Alia Bhatt's success; expert on psychological triggers

Indian Express

02-06-2025

Actor Sara Ali Khan recently opened up about the emotions she experienced when she saw Alia Bhatt's achievements. She admitted that she went through a moment of jealousy after witnessing Alia's personal and professional milestones.
Reflecting on Alia's recent National Award win at a recent event held by NDTV, Sara said, 'When Alia got the National Award, I was like, 'God, she got it, she has a kid also, her life is set'. But I don't know what she went through to get that. I, as an actor, dehumanised her.'
She added, 'You don't know, she must have had challenges and disappointments too, to reach where she has. But I didn't realise what went into it. There are two sides to every coin.'
Despite this feeling, the Sky Force actor also shared an insightful perspective on envy, explaining, 'Most often, when we are envious of other people, we feel so without all the information. We are envious because we just see that success and then we want that. We don't see what goes behind it; we never see it. Envy means blindness.'
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, 'Envy is a deeply human emotion. Whether in personal relationships or professional spaces, envy often stems from our inherent need for validation, success, and belonging. However, what we see on the surface is rarely the full picture. Understanding envy, its triggers, and its impact can help individuals navigate these feelings in a healthier way.'
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She adds, 'Envy in personal relationships can arise from perceived imbalances — when one friend seems to have a more fulfilling relationship, a smoother family dynamic, or greater life stability. Professionally, it emerges when peers achieve milestones we aspire to, whether it's recognition, financial success, or a particular career trajectory.'
According to Khangarot, This tendency is fuelled by:
– The Highlight Reel Effect: Social media and public personas rarely showcase struggles, failures, or personal hardships.
– Emotional Projection: When we feel stuck or dissatisfied, we project an idealised version of others' lives, assuming they are free from challenges.
– Lack of Context: We only see the outcome — awards, relationships, stability — but not the years of hard work, sacrifices, or setbacks.
'To cultivate a nuanced understanding of success, one must practice perspective-taking — reminding oneself that every achievement comes with its struggles. Engaging in meaningful conversations rather than assumptions helps humanise others' journeys,' she notes.