Saba Azad on the lack of opportunities after dating Hrithik Roshan: ‘Are we really still living in the dark ages…’

In a series of Instagram stories, actor and singer Saba Azad recently opened up about facing a dearth of opportunities in her career after going public with her relationship with actor Hrithik Roshan. 

In one of the posts, she wrote, “Are we really still living in the dark ages where we assume a woman in a relationship with a successful partner no longer has to put food on her own table?? Or pay her rent and bills? Or take pride in her work and take care of herself and her family??? What kind of an archaic assumption to make!!!??”

After her relationship with Roshan was confirmed, Azad has time-and-again come under undue scrutiny and judgment that public figures, especially women, often encounter when their personal lives take center stage. 

But, this does not just apply to celebrities. External perceptions can sometimes overshadow an individual’s talents and aspirations even in normal settings. So, learning to navigate them gracefully is crucial for maintaining focus on one’s goals. 

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals and Mindtalk says, in the case of women like Azad, fame exposes their personal lives to relentless scrutiny. “Their relationships, family matters, and even social media posts can overshadow talent and hard work.”

But, even normal professionals can face similar situations at their workplace, especially when their personal lives aren’t kept very private, either because of social media or other factors. In order to thrive, such people must learn to strike a balance between their public persona and private life, she asserts. 

What strategies can be used to navigate and mitigate the effects of external judgments on one’s career?

Cadabam suggests, “Think of yourself as a brand, not just an employee.” To ensure your talent remains the focus, follow these steps:

Professionalism is Key: Conduct yourself with integrity, both in personal and professional settings. Maintain a reputation for being reliable and easy to work with.

Invest in Yourself: Continuously refine your skills and expand your knowledge. Be the best at what you do.

Even normal professionals can face similar situations at their workplace (Source: Freepik)

Craft Your Narrative: Every interview and social media post is an opportunity to showcase your work and passion. Use these platforms strategically to shape your public image.

Cultivate Strong Relationships: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and fans who value you for your talent. They’ll keep you grounded amidst the industry’s chaos.

Media Savvy: Learn how to navigate interviews and media appearances. Steer conversations towards your professional achievements and avoid personal drama.

Advice for people facing reduced opportunities due to misconceptions about their personal life

Negative publicity and misinterpretations can impact your career, agrees Cadabam. “However, remember that setbacks are temporary.” 

She continues, “Define your career aspirations and create a roadmap for achieving them. This will keep you motivated and on track. Do not forget to maintain a positive outlook, even during challenging times. Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.”

Invest in your personal and professional development. Take courses, attend workshops, and learn new skills to stay ahead of the curve. Attend industry events, connect with peers and mentors, and build relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.

She further advises people who are struggling to regularly solicit constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement and refine their craft.

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