‘Sab soch rahe the I am carrying a coffin’: Sushma Seth recalls taking tanpura to America; psycholog on awkwardness people feel while carrying noticeable luggage | Feelings News

Legendary actor Sushma Seth once shared a funny and heartfelt memory from her early days when she travelled to the United States carrying a tanpura, a traditional Indian musical instrument. “Everyone thought I was carrying a coffin,” she said with a smile on Soul Safar aur Ehsas, remembering the curious and puzzled looks from fellow travellers as she carried the big, oddly shaped case.
Tanpura is an essential instrument for classical Indian music, and for Sushma, it was not just an instrument but a part of her identity and art. However, travelling with such a large and unusual item brought its own share of awkward moments.
The awkwardness of carrying noticeable luggage
Carrying large or dinctive luggage can make people feel uneasy or self-conscious, said Dr Anjali Mehta, a clinical psycholog who studies social anxiety, as she explains why this happens. “When you have something that draws attention, like a musical instrument, it naturally makes you stand out. This unwanted attention can make people feel awkward or worried about being judged,” she says.

Dr Mehta added that the physical effort involved in carrying or managing such items also plays a role in the discomfort. “It’s not just about others watching you. Carrying something big or heavy is tiring and sometimes embarrassing because you worry about bumping into others or inconveniencing people,” she notes. This heightened self-awareness can make the situation even more uncomfortable.
Mr. S Giriprasad, Psycholog, Aster Whitefield, further adds that this embarrassment is a result of our social wiring which makes us concerned about our status within a group. ” If you happen to have more physical space than others it may lead to the idea that you are thinking of marring the appearance of being clumsy, selfish, careless, or socially awkward. This apprehension uses the same mechanism as that behind impression management and the spotlight effect, which is the case when people always overestimate the extent to which others notice or judge their appearance and actions.”
For Sushma Seth, despite her fame and confidence, the experience was relatable for anyone who has ever felt the eyes of strangers on them because of what they are carrying. “Even though I was proud of my tanpura, I couldn’t help but notice how weird I must have looked to others,” she shared.

When passion meets public spaces
Sushma’s story highlights the small but real social challenges faced people carrying items connected to their passion or profession. It also shows how personal belongings can sometimes create invisible barriers and feelings of awkwardness in public places. Dr Giriprasad explains that people may adopt avoidance or low-profile strategies such as tucking a bag close, shuffling along to reduce feared scrutiny.
As Dr Mehta sums it up, “Feeling awkward when carrying noticeable luggage is completely normal. But embracing what makes you different—whether it’s a musical instrument or something else—can also be empowering and confidence-building.”Story continues below this ad
In the end, Sushma’s tale reminds us that whether it is a tanpura or any other unique item, it is often our attitude towards these moments that turns them from awkward experiences into memorable stories.