The Hitlist Team asks the citizens of the film industry about their student life and advice for the young guns; and a message for parents to not drive their wards up the wall. Read on...
Shah Rukh Khan
Book-smart. Important?
Books are important to build an organised way of preparing for life. All subjects you study may have different degrees of usefulness later on in life but it is an essential to have some sort of discipline in gaining knowledge.
Performance pressure?No extra pressure than the usual anxiety of getting tested or marked. It's kind of like how one felt before a big sports day or even a game... nervous energy which can be harnessed for good results.
Dealing with stressYou gotta do what you gotta do.
Any advice? Study because you have to excel, study as if it's not work but play. So study hard and later, play even harder and pray to Allah to give you the strength to do well and if you don't do it as well as you wanted there's always next time. Life doesn't end with studies -- it actually begins with studies. Never worry. Success is never final and failure is never fatal.
Educational QualificationsSchooled in sciences till 12th. BA (Eco Hons and Masters in Mass Commun-ication (I left it just before I could get my final degree though -- personal reasons).
Amrita Rao
Book smart important? What's the point when the knowledge you attain just remains valid till you achieve a degree, and then all the theory gets flushed down the drain. Education is a public stamp of approval which in some cases qualifies people for marriage and career. More than being a bookworm apply the knowledge you gain to practical life and invent a personalised theory of success.
Performance pressure? Performance pressure exists at every level. As a student, and later as a professional. Rise above them.
Dealing with stress Firstly, stress and kids don't go really complement one another. Kid should involve themselves with extra-curricular workshops, which will allow them to unwind and relax.
Any advice? I sincerely ask each parent to stop comparing their child to the peer group, demanding ridiculous marks at exams and expecting the child to act mature at an age where he/she is expected to be naive and innocent.
Educational QualificationsMajored in Psychology. Bachelor of Arts. Sophia College.
Celina Jaitly
Book-smart. Important?I think it's a blend of having a good education and also learning from your experiences. Education is very important to polish you as a person. Most leaders and achievers in life have had a strong education system behind them.
Performance pressure?Not so much from my parents but definitely from school. I remember during my board exams, a classmate shot himself with a pistol his dad owned. It had become a huge issue back then.
Dealing with stressFortunately my parents always pushed me into extra curricular activities like sports. Even during my exams I was told to get out of the house and indulge in some physical activity like swimming or squash. This not only took my mind off the stress, but also kept me physically fit.
Any advice?Besides studies it's important to give at least 30 minutes of your day to some sport. The focus shouldn't be on being number one, but being consistent. Suicide is definitely not an option. Parents shouldn't burden kids with extra pressure.
Educational QualificationsDid a year-and-a-half in microbiology and later a diploma in software engineering.u00a0
Sonu Sood
Book-smart. Important?It's really important for parents not to push a child into a line of education, but try and match it to personality and interest so that it has practical application in life. The discipline of learning is always good, but learning something you can actually use in life is much more important.
Performance pressure?Engineering is stressful! So there was a lot of pressure, but I also really enjoyed my time as a student in hostel.
Dealing with stressI spend time with friends. Also my parents were always very encouraging and supportive. That really helped.
Any advice?Listen to your child and see their unique talents. There are many more fields and lines available now that enable people to make a good living besides being a doctor or an engineer. If they enjoy what they are learning it will be absorbed much more and not be a stressful experience.
Educational QualificationsA qualified Engineer.
Koyna Mitra
Book-smart. Important?
A rounded personality is more important than being just book-smart. In today's day and age someone who is smart and ambitious will probably get the job over someone with better grades and not street-smart.
Performance pressure?I would always study last moment. But I was responsible enough to know that I had to do well. Knowing what subject you are weak in also helps since it makes you prepare better.
Dealing with stressI think parental stress is the main culprit that takes toll on students. Fortunately, my parents never forced me to take up a certain stream. My dad wanted me to be a lawyer, he never forced me. Today, children have become medals that parents flaunt at social gatherings, so they put pressure on them.
Any advice?Parentsu00a0 need to let their kids decide what path they wan to pursue. I think a more realistic approach is needed.
Educational Qualifications
Honors in Psychology.
Riteish Deshmukh
Book-smart. Important?It's definitely important. I have got a degree in architecture but even though I am an actor today, I can discuss the subject and design places today. Basic education is a must as it gives a base to build your future.
Performance pressure?I didn't have any. My dad never asked any of us to follow his footsteps. Of course, all parents feel their child should do and study well, including mine. I studied architecture but am in films. That's the choice I made.
Dealing with stressWe followed certain rulesu00a0u00a0 -- no playing till exams and then after that we could do whatever we wanted.
Any advice?I'd like to advise parents to give space to their children and to figure out what they want. Don't thrust your dreams on your child.u00a0
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's in Architecture
B-Town plays agony uncle/aunt to kids and parents Part 1
B-Town plays agony uncle/aunt to kids and parents Part 3
