‘That is the one thing I feel responsible for’: Anurag Kashyap on Ranbir Kapoor facing self-doubt after career setbacks; psychologist explains how to rebuild confidence

Reflecting on that phase of back-to-back box office disappointments, he continued, “It was a series of three films. It was my film, my brother’s film (Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam), and Jagga Jasoos (directed by Anurag Basu). So after that, he suddenly stopped experimenting. But his commitment is amazing, he does not do wrong, it is the director… everybody comes together to make a good film, but directors make bad films.”

Failures and criticism often prompt even the most committed professionals to question themselves. Yet, as Anurag pointed out, persistence and trust can also play a big role in bouncing back stronger. 

So, why does repeated failure often trigger self-doubt, and how can individuals in any profession avoid letting it paralyse their future choices?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “Repeated failure often shakes one’s sense of competence and self-worth. Psychologically, our brain is wired to detect patterns. When setbacks pile up, it can start interpreting them as proof of personal inadequacy rather than circumstantial outcomes. This fuels self-doubt and avoidance.” 

To prevent paralysis, she explains that individuals need to consciously separate ‘outcomes’ from ‘identity.’ Practicing self-compassion, seeking constructive feedback, and keeping a growth mindset help professionals in any field move forward with resilience.

How important is trust, whether in a mentor, leader, or team, for someone to perform at their best?

Trust, as Kashyap noted about Kapoor, plays a pivotal role in unlocking performance. In psychological terms, trust provides ‘psychological safety,’ a sense that one can take risks without fear of humiliation or betrayal. 

When people feel supported by mentors, leaders, or teams, they can channel their full creativity and commitment, notes Gurnani. “Building such trust requires consistency, transparency, and reciprocity. To avoid feeling exposed, one can set healthy boundaries: sharing selectively, pacing vulnerability, and ensuring that trust grows through proven reliability rather than blind faith.”

Strategies to regain the confidence to experiment and grow again after failure

After setbacks, it’s common for individuals to retreat into a state of safety. Gurnani states that risk-aversion is a protective mechanism; the brain wants to shield itself from further pain. “While this response is natural, staying in it too long restricts growth. Regaining the confidence to experiment again involves graded exposure—starting with small, low-stakes risks before attempting bigger leaps. Reframing failure as a learning experiment, surrounding oneself with supportive peers, and recalling past successes are effective strategies. Equally important is self-reflection: identifying what went wrong without catastrophising.”