Actress Maninee De reflected on how Sushmita Sen, the Miss Universe 1994, played a pivotal role in motivating her to enter the Miss India pageant that same year. De described the experience as thrilling, crediting Sen for actively encouraging her to audition. “Sushmita was instrumental; she literally took my hand and guided me to the audition. We developed a friendship, and she remarked on my unique and exotic appearance. At that time, such compliments were rare, and it felt uplifting to receive them. Kindness is truly essential,” De shared during her conversation on the celebrity podcast Main Character Energy, hosted by Anjali Kir and Kainaz Jussawalla.
In her reflections, De revealed that Sen highlighted various attributes she noticed in her—such as her intelligence and distinctive way of speaking—qualities that had not been pointed out to De in such a manner before.
Delnna Rrajesh, a psychotherapist and relationship breakthrough coach, emphasized the importance of external validation in developing self-belief. She noted that while people are often advised to recognize their worth and not seek affirmation from others, the reality is that self-awareness is often shaped by the feedback we receive from those around us. “During our early years, we begin to understand ourselves through the perspectives of parents, teachers, friends, and mentors, who serve as psychological mirrors reflecting our strengths and potential,” said Delnna.
Delnna also mentioned that prior to establishing self-confidence, individuals sometimes rely on the faith others have in them.
Moreover, kindness is often misinterpreted as a sign of weakness, particularly in competitive settings. Delnna stated, “A person can embody both strength and kindness. A leader can demand high standards without resorting to humiliation. A parent can correct behavior while preserving a child’s identity. A colleague can engage in competition without resorting to cruelty.”
She further explained that certain acts of kindness require a strong sense of self. “Offering opportunities, recommending talented individuals, acknowledging contributions, mentoring others, or opening doors for someone else all necessitate the belief that another person’s success does not reduce our own.” However, she cautioned that relying solely on borrowed belief is not sustainable.
While it is a gift to have someone recognize our potential, true emotional maturity involves internalizing that recognition over time. “Eventually, the mentor’s voice must become our own. We cannot rely on someone else to reassure us of our worth indefinitely. The greatest gift is when someone helps us see what we are inherently capable of. Once we receive that gift, we may have a responsibility to extend it to others,” Delnna remarked.
Most people can recall at least one individual who recognized their potential before they could. “A more profound question to consider is: Whose potential are we acknowledging today, and are we communicating that to them? Sometimes, altering someone’s path does not require wealth, power, or significant intervention. Often, it can start with a simple phrase: I see this in you,” Delnna concluded.
