Shraddha Kapoor recently shared a candid glimpse into her family dynamics at the launch event of SCREEN magazine in Mumbai. The actress, known for her vibrant roles on-screen, revealed that setting boundaries at home is key to maintaining healthy relationships. While discussing whether she could relate to her character in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, Kapoor explained how her family handles personal space and privacy with an ingenious yet simple system.
“We have this system at home. Whenever someone needs personal space, we make DND signs on paper and hang them on our room doors. The rule is you can only knock on the door, or bang it when there is an emergency. If not, you will wait till the sign is off,” she told indianexpress.com. This lighthearted approach is more than just a quirky habit; it’s a reflection of how the family respects each other’s space while still maintaining strong connections.
Kapoor’s revelation shines a spotlight on the importance of boundaries within family structures. Establishing personal boundaries might seem like a formal approach, but in reality, it helps foster healthier family dynamics. By communicating clearly about their need for space, Kapoor and her family avoid misunderstandings and give each other time to recharge individually. This is crucial in families, especially those living in close proximity, where personal space can often be overlooked.
Setting boundaries in family life can sometimes feel awkward, particularly in cultures where collectivism is emphasized. However, boundaries can actually strengthen family ties. They allow individuals to carve out time for themselves, to process emotions or simply to relax, making them more present and engaged during family interactions. Boundaries are not walls to shut people out; rather, they are like doorways that control how and when interaction happens. It creates a balanced environment where everyone’s needs are met without encroaching on others.
Kapoor’s method of using “Do Not Disturb” signs is an example of how boundaries can be established gently without causing offense. It’s a simple way of communicating the need for privacy while simultaneously respecting the feelings of family members. Implementing something like this can be transformative, especially in large or multi-generational households, where it’s easy for individual needs to get lost amidst group activities. The key is that such boundaries are acknowledged and respected by all family members.
In her interview, Kapoor also highlighted that there is a difference between needing personal space and pushing people away. Her family’s system works because it doesn’t isolate anyone; it merely asks for time to reset. When families honor these requests for space, it prevents burnout and emotional strain. It also sets a healthy precedent for future generations—showing them that it’s okay to ask for time alone without guilt or shame.
The concept of boundaries is important for mental health as well. In a world that is constantly connected through technology and social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Personal space allows for moments of reflection, self-care, and unwinding, all of which are crucial to maintaining mental well-being. For Kapoor, who balances the high demands of a public life and acting career, these small but effective boundary-setting tools could make all the difference in preserving her sense of peace at home.
Boundaries also encourage communication, as they involve expressing individual needs clearly. In a family setting, where roles and expectations can sometimes be unspoken, having a system like Kapoor’s encourages a healthy dialogue. It reinforces the idea that everyone’s needs matter, and each family member deserves respect for their time and emotional energy.
Kapoor’s light-hearted approach to discussing her family’s boundary-setting system offers valuable insight. It demonstrates that boundaries don’t have to be rigid or confrontational. Instead, they can be as simple as a sign on a door, letting others know that personal time is being requested. In return, this fosters healthier family dynamics, where love, support, and respect for individuality thrive.
By establishing such practices, families can avoid the tensions that arise from unmet expectations or emotional burnout. Personal space, after all, is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, and when families honor it, they create a more harmonious living environment. Shraddha Kapoor’s “DND” system is a small but powerful reminder of how boundaries can transform relationships for the better.
Shraddha Kapoor’s approach to boundaries doesn’t just benefit her own well-being—it also creates an environment where the family is more aware of each other’s emotional needs. By encouraging the use of these “Do Not Disturb” signs, she fosters a sense of mutual respect that avoids potential conflicts. This is particularly important in households where family members have different schedules or responsibilities. When one person might need time alone to rest or work, the family’s collective understanding ensures that no one feels ignored or undervalued. This practice of asking for space, and giving it, makes for a more peaceful home.
Kapoor’s insights about setting boundaries also extend beyond just personal space. They touch on the broader idea of self-care, something that’s increasingly necessary in a fast-paced, high-pressure world. For actors like Shraddha Kapoor, who are constantly in the public eye, the demands of their profession can be exhausting. By implementing small but effective habits like her “DND” system, she’s able to protect her mental health and personal life. It also shows that even in high-profile families, the same issues of space and respect come into play as in any household.
The actress also implied that this system is not about shutting people out but about creating balance. Whether it’s taking time for herself or allowing others to do the same, this practice is a gentle reminder that while family is important, personal well-being should never be compromised. A well-rested and emotionally fulfilled individual will always be more present for their loved ones, whether at home or in public life. Kapoor’s method demonstrates how boundaries can be set in a loving, playful way without diminishing the closeness that her family enjoys.
By setting a clear example with her “DND” signs, Shraddha Kapoor also serves as a role model for her fans, encouraging them to take charge of their own needs without guilt. Many people, especially women in traditional settings, might feel pressured to always be available for their family, even at the expense of their own mental or emotional health. Kapoor’s candidness about creating personal boundaries at home could inspire others to implement similar practices, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
In the broader sense, boundaries like those in Shraddha Kapoor’s household are not just a family dynamic tool—they are a life skill. In all relationships, be it professional, romantic, or friendships, setting clear boundaries helps define expectations and creates healthier, more balanced connections. Kapoor’s simple yet effective strategy of using DND signs can be adapted by anyone, reminding us that asking for personal space is a natural and necessary part of healthy relationships.