‘I think he is far more successful than me’: Expert on what Ayushmann Khurrana’s admiration for his brother reveals about handling sibling comparisons

When asked about the perception that elder siblings often fare better in the same profession, Ayushmann responded, “I really believe that there is no way to compare the two of us. He is very happy with what he is doing. He does 10 different things in one day, and you can’t really measure success. He is a natural sportsperson; he is a great musician. He travels a lot, and he lives his life to the fullest. I think he is far more successful than I.”

But, how do comparisons between siblings, even when unintentional, affect their self-esteem and personal growth over time?

Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “Even unintentional comparisons can leave a deep mark on a child. When one sibling is constantly measured against another, it can make them question their own worth: ‘Am I good enough?’ Over time, this can lead to self-doubt, unnecessary competition, or hiding one’s true interests to avoid judgment.”

He adds that Simple remarks like ‘Why can’t you be like your brother?’ can linger far longer than intended. Children may start chasing achievements that do not reflect their own passions, shaping their self-perception well into adulthood. This affects confidence, decision-making, and the ability to define success on their own terms.

 

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Healthy ways siblings can define success for themselves

Success is personal and cannot be measured against someone else. Raj notes, “Siblings with similar paths should focus on what truly matters to them–growth, learning, and happiness. Setting individual goals, even small ones, helps shift the focus from comparison to personal achievement. Honest conversations about dreams and challenges can turn potential rivalry into support.” 

Recognising each other’s unique strengths, whether creativity, determination, or resilience, changes the story from ‘better or worse’ to ‘complementary’. At the end of the day, success is about being proud of your own journey, not someone else’s.

How parents and families can foster an environment where siblings feel equally valued 

Raj states that parents set the tone for how siblings see themselves. Valuing effort, curiosity, and individuality over results builds confidence. One-on-one attention is crucial so each child feels genuinely seen. Families can model admiration and pride without judgment or comparison. 

“Encouraging collaboration, empathy, and recognition of differences over competition teaches siblings to coexist respectfully. When children feel supported equally, they can pursue their own passions freely, celebrate each other’s wins, and grow confident in their own worth,” concludes the expert.