Dipshikkha Nagppal, who was recently seen on TV in projects Na Umra Ki Seema Ho and Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein 2 and is currently seen in Colors’ Megha Barsenge, says social media has become an integral part of our lives, but she believes it should not be made an addiction.
She said, “The first thing people do when they wake up is check Instagram, and it’s often the last thing they look at before bed. While social media offers access to vast information and spreads awareness, it has also turned into a bad habit.”
“In earlier times, when there was no social media, we relied on friends or others for knowledge, but now you can find everything online. However, excessive use of social media is harmful, and it has led to widespread addiction. It’s essential to use it in moderation to avoid negative impacts,” she added.
Sharing her views on Australia’s recent ban of social media for kids under the age of 16, she said, “I think this is a commendable step by Australia. Over time, children have lost their innocence due to early exposure to social media. Kids should be engaging in physical activities like sports rather than spending their time on phones. When my children were young, social media trends weren’t prominent, and I encouraged them to participate in activities like badminton and skating.”
“Today, many young children are active on social media, and even parents allow this. This takes away their childhood’s purity and exposes them to things prematurely. I feel this ban should be implemented globally to preserve children’s innocence,” she added.
Dipshikkha also stressed that overexposure to social media can have a negative impact on adolescents. “Thankfully, during my children’s early years, there were no iPhones or the strong presence of social media. By the time these technologies became mainstream, my son had already enjoyed nine or ten years of a childhood free from social media,” she said.
“A balance between social media and physical activities is crucial for children. Parents must guide their kids toward understanding what’s truly important in life,” she added.
She also pointed out that parenting in the digital age requires setting boundaries. “I’m grateful for my upbringing, where my parents and grandparents taught me to separate personal and professional life,” she said.
“Similarly, I teach my kids to maintain balance and avoid unnecessary dependency on social media. When I am home, I focus on spending quality time with my children—playing badminton, going out, or enjoying life with friends. As a parent, it’s essential to instil these habits in children while allowing them to make informed decisions as they grow older,” she said.
Currently seen in Megha Barsenge, Dipshikkha is happy about her role in the show, which addresses the issue of women facing abuse. She said, “This is the first time I’m playing a vulnerable and helpless woman on TV, which is very different from my usual strong and bold roles. I accepted this role because the show focuses on how society treats women and their struggles.”
“The current storyline, where Megha’s father-in-law molests and threatens her, has been especially difficult for me. Reading such scenes makes my heart sink, and I can’t help but think about real women who face such situations. It’s frustrating yet emotionally challenging to portray this character, and I hope my performance resonates with the audience,” she added.
Asked how she feels her show can create awareness, she said, “Television and films are powerful mediums that influence society. Through shows like Megha Barsenge, we have the opportunity to highlight critical issues like abuse and women’s rights. I’ve always believed in using my platform to address societal taboos.”
“For instance, my movie Ye Dooriyan aimed to normalize marrying divorced women. If even a small percentage of viewers understand the show’s message and start supporting women or addressing these issues, it can bring about meaningful change. I’m hopeful that such storytelling can create awareness and empower women by showing them they’re not alone,” Dipshikkha ended.
