Mumbai: Actress Chaitali Kohli, who has carved a niche for herself with performances in projects like *Crew*, *Khauff*, *Single Papa* and *Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors*, believes that every setback in life comes with a lesson. On the occasion of International Youth Day, she reflects on the advice she wishes she had received earlier, the challenges today's generation is grappling with, and why social media should remain a tool rather than take over people's lives.
Looking back at her own journey, Chaitali says she would encourage her younger self to trust the process instead of striving for perfection.
"I would tell my younger self to stop chasing perfection and start believing in herself a little sooner. It's okay if your journey doesn't look like everyone else's. Every rejection, every delay and every setback is preparing you for something bigger. Keep learning, stay kind and don't be afraid to take risks. Most importantly, don't compare your Chapter 2 with someone else's Chapter 20. Your time will come if you stay consistent."
Laalo Ghare Aavyo: The ₹100 Crore Blockbuster Comes Home to ShemarooMe
Aug 11, 2026Speaking about the biggest challenge faced by today's youth, the actress feels that the pressure to constantly keep up with others has become overwhelming.
"I think the biggest challenge today is the constant pressure to keep up. Whether it's careers, relationships, money or social media, everyone feels like they have to achieve everything instantly. We often forget that success isn't a race. It's important to focus on building skills, taking care of your mental well-being and growing at your own pace instead of constantly seeking validation from others."
Sharing her thoughts on the growing influence of social media, Chaitali says the platform itself is not the problem but the way people engage with it needs to be more mindful.
8 Hairstyles Inspired by Sreeleela That Can Elevate Any Look
Aug 11, 2026"Social media itself isn't the problem—it's how we choose to use it. As someone who creates content, I know it can be an incredible platform for opportunities, learning and connecting with people. But it becomes unhealthy when it starts replacing real life."
She further adds, "I think the solution is creating boundaries. Be mindful of what you consume, follow people who inspire you instead of making you feel inadequate, and remember that what you see online is only a small, curated part of someone's life. We also need to spend more time building real experiences offline because that's where genuine growth and happiness come from. Social media should be a tool that serves us, not something that controls us."
