'Chill, don’t drill', says Deepika Padukone on exam stress in Pariksha Pe Charcha

Deepika Padukone has also shared advice on exam stress and mental health in 'Pariksha Pe Charcha.' With the students participating in Pariksha Pe Charcha, Deepika has shared her inputs on examination stress, self-care, and mental health. She stressed that one needs to take care of oneself, talk freely, and work on what one can do.

Speaking to the students, Padukone acknowledged that stress is a part of life but laid stress on the part of how one deals with it.

"Feeling stressed is okay, but how we deal with it makes all the difference. It's about having patience in the exam and the results. Rather than thinking about what we cannot do, we must think about what we can do—sleeping well, drinking lots of water, exercising, and doing meditation," she suggested.

She urges students to shift their focus to what is within their control, like preparing for the exam.

"One of the ways to cope with stress is by talking to your parents the night before an exam. Identify what's putting you under pressure and talk to someone you trust about it," she said.

Recalling her school days, Deepika gave a peek into her childhood self. "I was quite naughty as a child—I'd be climbing and jumping on sofas, tables, and chairs all the time," she giggled, recalling. She also confessed to struggling with some subjects, like Mathematics, something which she continues to do till this day.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's book, she emphasised the importance of open communication. "Modi ji has also mentioned in his book—express, never suppress. With your parents, friends, or teachers, always speak your mind rather than bottling it up," she said.

Deepika also emphasised the importance of parents in creating a stress-free learning environment. She thanked the fact that her own parents never pressured her for good grades and requested everyone else to do the same.

"Every child has unique potential. Parents should be concerned about discovering and nurturing their child's strengths rather than placing expectations," she urged.

The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, began on February 10 in Delhi, with the first episode showcasing his interaction with students at Delhi's Sunder Nursery.