Sandeepa Dhar speaks on validation pressures in the age of social media

Mumbai- Actress Sandeepa Dhar has shared her thoughts on how the growing influence of social media has intensified the need for validation, particularly affecting women.

In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Sandeepa said that people today are increasingly dependent on external approval instead of embracing self-acceptance. She noted that this constant comparison and approval-seeking often leads individuals to believe that a future, “better” version of themselves is more valuable than who they are in the present.

Highlighting the gendered nature of this pressure, the actress pointed out that women face far greater scrutiny when it comes to appearance. She described the expectations placed on women—from following diet fads and skincare routines to cosmetic and anti-aging treatments—as excessive and unfair. According to her, women are routinely judged at social gatherings if they do not conform to certain standards of dressing or grooming.

“These expectations are overwhelming and deeply unfair,” she said, adding that society needs to move away from such judgments. Sandeepa emphasised that self-worth should not be dictated by appearance or public opinion, concluding that simply being oneself should be enough.

The actress was also asked about her upcoming film Do Deewane Seher Mein, which explores themes of validation and self-acceptance. She explained that while the film may appear to be a love story on the surface, it delves much deeper into emotional and social realities.

According to Sandeepa, the film touches upon issues such as sibling comparisons, the search for validation, self-worth, sisterhood, family dynamics and emotional toxicity that can exist within households. “It’s not just a romance,” she said, “but a wholesome and relatable portrayal of relationships and emotional struggles in modern urban life.”

With inputs from IANS