‘Have more empathy…’: When Natasa Stankovic opened up about being judged after her divorce from Hardik Pandya; experts on societal pressure after divorce | Feelings News

Dancer and model Natasa Stankovic shared a video last year where she spoke up about how people’s judgement can easily affect others especially when they are not aware of the whole story. This video was shared not long after she broke the news about her divorce with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya. In the video, she goes on to say that as humans we should have more empathy and learn to be more patient with other people.
“We don’t know what has happened, what is behind the whole thing, the whole act, the whole situation. So let’s be less judgmental, observe more, have more empathy, and be patient with people” said Natasa.

“Divorce is still a taboo in Indian society, evident the fact that India has some of the lowest divorce rates in the whole world. Society’s judgmental behaviour is leading couples to stay in unhappy marriages risking their emotional and physical well-being to avoid judgement.” says Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psycholog at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Does this judgement equally affect men and women?
No, Dordi notes that women often face harsher societal judgment during divorce, particularly regarding their roles as wives and mothers. They endure more criticism for perceived failures to maintain a marriage, while men, though also judged, face less scrutiny. Traditional gender roles and expectations play a significant role in this disparity, with women being more closely associated with the maintenance of family and home.
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Has this stigma towards divorce changed over the years?
Yes, this has changed over the years, but progress has been gradual, at best. Societal attitudes toward divorce have become more accepting. Increasing divorce rates and greater public discourse on the subject have contributed to a shift in perception. However, Dordi says that in many cultures and communities, significant stigma still exs, and traditional views continue to influence opinions on divorce.
Does societal attitude still affect an individual long after they have gotten divorced?
“Yes, societal perception can affect an individual long after they have gotten divorced. The stigma can lead to lingering feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. It can also impact future relationships, self-esteem, and social interactions.” says Dordi.
However, the extent to which an individual is affected varies widely, depending on their personal resilience, support system, and the specific cultural and societal context they are part of. Over time, as individuals rebuild their lives and gain confidence, the impact of societal perception may diminish, but it can still leave lasting emotional scars.