Marks not everything, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone tells students

Patience is crucial when preparing for exams and dealing with results, but marks are not everything, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently told students during the eighth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’.

Padukone emphasized the importance of self-care during exam season, advising students to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, exercise, meditate, and express themselves to manage stress effectively.

Addressing the pressure of academics, the Padmaavat actress reassured students that stress is natural but learning to handle it is key. She admitted she struggled with math but was fortunate to have parents who didn’t prioritize high marks over her overall growth. She also highlighted the role of friends and community in coping with anxiety. "Parents must understand that a child's passion may lie elsewhere, and that's okay," she said.

As part of an interactive session, Padukone encouraged students to write down their strengths and display them on a board. "This activity helps you realize that by focusing on your strengths rather than weaknesses, you can see how many things you're actually good at," she explained. She acknowledged that competition is a part of life but stressed the importance of self-awareness and personal growth over external comparisons.

Drawing from her own mental health journey, Padukone shared that opening up about her feelings made her feel free and lighter. She encouraged students to do the same when dealing with exam stress. "Expressing your emotions helps. Focus on what’s within your control and talk to your parents or someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed," she advised.

Encouraging students to embrace failure and enjoy their passions, she also shared a mindfulness technique to stay present. "It’s called 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise brings you back to the moment," she said.

Reflecting on her childhood, Padukone recalled her love for sports and extracurricular activities. "I was a very naughty child. Even today, my parents say that you will never find Deepika on the ground level. I was always jumping from sofas, tables, and chairs," she shared.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha on Feb 10 in Delhi, engaging with students at Sunder Nursery in its first episode. Emphasizing the significance of technology, Modi encouraged students to embrace and make the best use of it.

"A student's life doesn't end with an exam failure. You must decide whether you want success in life or just in books. Failures should be seen as teachers. You are fortunate to be born in the era of technology, and our focus should be on understanding and utilizing it optimally," Modi said.