Actor Pradeep Rawat says Shah Rukh Khan was a ‘true chain smoker’: ‘He would light a cigarette, use it to light another…’

Chain smoking, the habit of lighting one cigarette after another without pause, is a behaviour that many don’t know is rooted in psychological factors. 

In an interview recently, actor Pradeep Rawat, known for his negative roles in the 80s and 90s, recalled his experience shooting for Rakesh Roshan’s Koyla, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles. While talking about the film, he referred to Khan as a “true chain smoker.”

He revealed, “I wasn’t close to Shah Rukh during the shooting, but he was always well-mannered and a wonderful person. One thing I remember vividly is that I haven’t seen any other actor smoke as much as he did. He would light a cigarette, use it to light another, and then light yet another one. He was a true chain smoker. Nonetheless, his dedication to the film was undeniable.”

Understanding why people engage in this pattern goes beyond just the physical act of smoking. 

Take it one step at a time by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day. (Source: Freepik)

Psychological factors that contribute to the development of chain smoking behaviour

Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, says, “Studies and research indicate that chain smoking often begins due to peer pressure, with additional factors including the desire to be part of a group that one admires or wants to join, and the novelty and curiosity of trying something new.”

The primary psychological reasons, she states, are typically related to seeking acceptance within a group, wanting to belong to a group that one looks up to, and the strong curiosity about the smoking experience itself — how it feels and what it looks like

Movies and TV shows glamourise smoking, making it seem cool or sophisticated. This can influence people, particularly young people, to try it and emulate admired characters.

Baruah also elaborates, “Curiosity about the experience — how it feels to smoke and the ritual associated with it — can also drive individuals to start smoking. The combination of these factors can lead to experimentation with smoking.”

Stressors and coping mechanisms play a significant role in the continuation of chain smoking habits, she says. Individuals may turn to smoking as a means of coping with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. The perceived calming effects of nicotine can provide temporary relief from stressors, reinforcing the habit and leading to continued smoking.

Specific personality traits or psychological profiles that are more prone to engaging in chain smoking

Baruah agrees that specific personality traits and psychological profiles are more prone to engaging in chain smoking, particularly when intersecting with the demands of a high-pressure profession. “Traits such as neuroticism, which involves easily experiencing stress, high agreeableness, characterised by difficulty in being assertive and saying no, and high openness, indicative of being open-minded and inclined to try new experiences, have been associated with an increased susceptibility to smoking or addiction in general,” she says. 

These personality traits intersect with the demands of a high-pressure profession in various ways. For instance, individuals working in high-stress environments may be more prone to smoking as a coping mechanism for managing the demands of their profession, such as pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and navigate intense working conditions.

What chain smokers can do to overcome addiction

Baruah recommends, “First acknowledge it as a problem and express a genuine desire to change. Take it one step at a time by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day. When cravings arise, acknowledge them and deliberately challenge yourself to let the moment pass without giving in.”

Employ coping strategies such as deep breathing, redirecting attention, or engaging in alternative activities to fill the void left by smoking. Remember that relapse is possible, but remain resilient and committed to your goal.

Don’t lose hope! Envision the incredible feeling of accomplishment when you achieve this feat. By quitting smoking, you’ll add more years to your life, and your health and energy levels will improve significantly. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every step toward a smoke-free life is worth celebrating.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.