‘…for being an actor’s son’: When Ranbir Kapoor recalled being bullied in school for his famous last name; how it shapes emotional resilience | Lifestyle News

Bullying is often thought of as something that happens because of physical appearance, academic performance, or social differences. But sometimes, it can stem from something entirely out of one’s control, like who their parents are.
During an appearance on his cousin Kareena Kapoor Khan’s show What Women Want, Ranbir Kapoor opened up about a lesser-known part of his childhood: being bullied in school. Kareena, visibly surprised, asked why he would be targeted. Ranbir’s candid response revealed how being born into a famous family didn’t protect him from emotional challenges.
He said, “Sometimes, you know, being an actor’s son, your seniors sometimes bully you because you are a soft target. I think somewhere that also kind of hardens you. It prepares you for the world. I think it was a blessing only. I don’t see it as ‘Oh, I’m tormented the fact that I was bullied’. But, I was bullied in school for being an actor’s son, for sure.”
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So, can bullying ever have a constructive effect on someone’s personality?
Gurleen Baruah, exential psychotherap at That Culture Thing, tells , “The impact of bullying isn’t the same for everyone. Some people internalise it as deep emotional pain; others build a kind of hard shell. But what looks like ‘toughening up’ is often emotional armour, not real strength.” 
She adds that many, especially boys, are told to be stoic, to act like it doesn’t hurt. That may help someone function in the short term, but over time, unprocessed pain can show up as anger, numbness, or difficulty trusting others. Real resilience comes not from dismissing pain, but from acknowledging and working through it.
How can parents and schools help children develop emotional resilience and self-worth in such situations?
Family, school, and community together shape how children respond to bullying. Kids learn a lot through what they observe. When adults name unfair behaviour clearly and stand up for what’s right, children learn to do the same. 
“Parents can create a safe space for honest conversations about what happened and how it felt, instead of dismissing it as ‘kids being kids.’ Schools can teach emotional literacy, set clear anti-bullying norms, and build peer support systems. These aren’t just protective steps—they help children build a stable sense of self even in harsh environments,” notes Baruah. Story continues below this ad
For adults who were bullied growing up, what are some subtle signs that the emotional impact still lingers?
The effects of bullying don’t always look obvious in adulthood. Baruah states that sometimes they show up as being extra sensitive to criticism, having a strong fear of rejection, bursts of anger, or feeling small in moments of conflict. Some people may overwork to prove themselves; others might avoid confrontation altogether. 
“Recognising these patterns is often the first step. Healing usually means allowing yourself to name those early experiences, process the emotions that were once buried, and rebuild self-trust through therapy, reflection, or supportive relationships. The pain may be old, but it can still be unlearned,” concludes the expert.