‘Full of clutter’: Decoding Alia Bhatt’s confession on perfectionism and motherhood | Lifestyle News

4 min readNew DelhiJul 16, 2026 07:00 PM Between films, business ventures, public appearances and motherhood, Alia Bhatt is used to juggling multiple responsibilities at once. But in a recent conversation with Karishma Mehta, the actor admitted that trying to do everything well can sometimes feel overwhelming.
“I have this need to constantly do everything to perfection and do it really well. But there are days where I find it tough. My mind is full of clutter because I have so much to think of,” she said.
Bhatt also spoke about the unexpected source of comfort that helps her through difficult days. “Sometimes when I have low energy, I’m not feeling great. Just one look at my ba and I’m like 100 watts of energy.”
Her comments struck a chord because they capture something many people experience: the pressure to excel in multiple roles while managing the mental load that comes with them. Experts say both perfectionism and the emotional boost parents feel around their children have interesting psychological explanations.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Why do so many people strive for perfection?
According to Dr Anil Kumar, Consultant Psychiatr at Paras Health Gurugram, perfectionism is often shaped a mix of personal experiences and external expectations.
“Perfection tendencies often develop from a combination of early life experiences, personality traits, and social expectations. Many individuals grow up believing that their worth, acceptance, or success depends on meeting exceptionally high standards,” he says.
These standards can come from academics, careers, family responsibilities and even social media, where people are constantly exposed to carefully curated versions of other people’s lives.Story continues below this ad
“This can be reinforced academic pressure, workplace competition, parenting expectations, or even social media, where people are constantly exposed to idealized versions of others’ lives. Over time, they begin to equate makes with failure, making it difficult to feel satisfied with their achievements,” Dr Kumar explains.
While aiming high can be healthy, constantly chasing perfection can make it difficult to acknowledge successes or feel content with one’s progress.
“Just one look at my ba and I’m like 100 watts of energy,” says the Gangubaai actor (Image: Instagram/Alia Bhatt)
Why can a child instantly lift your mood?
One of the most relatable parts of Bhatt’s reflection was her admission that seeing her daughter can completely change her mood, even on a difficult day.
Dr Kumar says many parents report similar experiences.
“Interestingly, many perfections report feeling an immediate sense of relief, happiness, or renewed energy when they see their child after a stressful day. Psychologically, this is linked to the brain’s emotional reward system.”Story continues below this ad
Positive interactions with children can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone”, which promotes feelings of connection, comfort and emotional security.

Children can also help shift attention away from deadlines, responsibilities and self-criticism.
“In many cases, a child’s smile, hug, or simple presence acts as an emotional reset button. It reminds parents that their value is not solely defined productivity or perfection but also meaningful relationships. This emotional connection can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a sense of balance, which is why even highly driven perfections often feel calmer and more grounded in the presence of their children,” says Dr Kumar.
Bhatt’s comments are a reminder that even people who seem to have it all together can feel overwhelmed expectations. Sometimes, the antidote isn’t becoming more productive or more perfect — it’s finding moments of connection that remind us what truly matters.Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.