Janhvi Kapoor reveals she shoplifted once; we decode the reasons behind the urge to do so

Janhvi Kapoor, riding high on the success of her recent film Mr and Mrs Mahi alongside Rajkummar Rao, recently opened up about some interesting habits. During an interview with Curly Tales, Janhvi confessed to occasionally taking pillows from hotels, without permission.

The interviewer, surprised by the revelation, inquired further. Janhvi explained,  “I have got them from different hotels. I take it every time I forget to carry a pillow from home and I am travelling or taking a long flight so that I can sleep on the flight.”

Janhvi also shared a childhood experience when she shoplifted. She recalled a time, while shopping with her parents Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, when she picked up an item from a store without paying. “I was young,” she explained,  I really didn’t understand the concept of money. I picked up something and ran out and I met papa and mumma and said, ‘I got this and we didn’t have to pay for it’, they were like ‘You thief’.”

According to Dr Ashima Ranjan, Consultant-Psychiatry, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, Noida, shoplifting behaviour often emerges from a complex interplay of psychological factors. It can manifest as an impulsive control disorder, where the individual’s impulse control is compromised, leading them to prioritise immediate gratification over the potential consequences of their actions.

This impulsive behaviour overrides rational decision-making processes, making it challenging for the person to resist the urge to steal when presented with an opportunity, Dr Ranjan said.

She recalled a time, while shopping with her parents Sridevi and Boney Kapoor (Image: Sridevi Kapoor/Instagram)

Individuals may find it difficult to cease the behaviour. Underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety often coexist with shoplifting tendencies, she added. These conditions not only exacerbate the impulse control issues but also contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a sense of being out of control.

How can you put this habit to bed once and for all?

Overcoming shoplifting habits necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses both the behavioural symptoms and the underlying psychological factors driving the behavior, said Dr Ranjan.

Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provide individuals with practical strategies to recognise and challenge distorted thought patterns and behaviors. Furthermore, she added, hypnotherapy can help individuals explore the subconscious motivations behind their actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

By combining medication with therapy, individuals can gain the tools and support necessary to break free from the cycle of shoplifting and regain control over their impulses and behaviours.

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