‘You’re not me’: As speculation over his marriage to Aishwarya Rai continues, Abhishek Bachchan on dealing with hurtful rumours; why silence isn’t always self-protection

“It’s so convenient to sit anonymously behind a computer screen and write the nastiest things. You do realise you’re hurting somebody. No matter how thick-skinned they are, it affects them. How would you like it if somebody did that to you?” he said, expressing concern not just for himself but also for his family.

Psychological impact of false or negative talk about personal relationships

Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, tells indianexpress.com, “Gossip, often linked with ridicule, especially in the public domain can erode trust, cause emotional exhaustion, and create chronic stress. Even if the allegations are true, the public scrutiny can add fuel to the fire and cause more psychological damage to the couple.”

He adds, “For individuals, it may lead to anxiety, irritability, or even feelings of helplessness, especially when they have little control over the narrative. Families, too, may internalise these pressures; children might feel confused, while partners may begin second-guessing each other due to external noise.”

How can choosing to remain silent about one’s personal life be both protective and harmful?

Silence can serve as a boundary, Arora notes, preserving privacy and preventing unnecessary emotional leakage. It avoids spreading more oxygen to rumours and allows individuals to retain control over what they share. In a public setting, this can work very well. 

However, he adds that prolonged silence can “also leave space for speculation to grow unchecked.” It may be misinterpreted as confirmation or emotional withdrawal. Internally, it may also isolate a person, especially if they feel they can’t express themselves even to close friends or family.

Strategies individuals can use to protect their mental health and boundaries when dealing with gossip or judgement

“Not using and consciously trying to stay away from social media might be the biggest step one can take to protect their mental health in such scenarios,” suggests the expert. 

Cultivating a small but emotionally safe support system allows them to express their feelings and gain perspective without fear of judgement. “Setting firm boundaries, like declining to comment or redirecting intrusive questions, reinforces a sense of personal control. Most importantly, practicing self-compassion and affirming that one’s worth isn’t tied to public perception helps maintain emotional stability in the face of scrutiny,” concludes Arora.