Shiwani Chakraborty says Gen Z is more accepting and less judgmental

Actor Shiwani Chakraborty, who plays Meeta in Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi’s Anupamaa, recently shared her thoughts on how today’s youth view life differently compared to earlier generations. According to her, the younger generation, often called Gen Z, brings a more sensitive yet understanding approach to the world around them. She said, "I think the youth now, whom we call Gen Z, are very sensitive and simultaneously very understanding."

A More Accepting and Non-Judgmental Generation

Shiwani believes one of the most positive traits of today’s youth is their non-judgmental nature. She explained that youngsters today are more open-minded and accepting of differences. "What I like most about today's youth is that they are not judgmental. Most of them are like, 'It's okay'; they understand others' feelings. They try to sort things out in their own way."

Comparing her own childhood to the present generation, she noted a clear shift in mindset. While she recalls being overly sensitive and questioning situations deeply in her younger days, she feels today’s youth take things more lightly and handle situations with a casual outlook. According to her, this ability to remain calm and understanding helps them navigate emotional situations better.

Empathy Comes Naturally to Today’s Youth

Another aspect Shiwani appreciates is how easily young people empathize with others. She shared, "They say, 'No, it could be that they are troubled; that’s why he or she is like that.' They are non-judgmental, which feels very good."

She feels that the younger generation often tries to see situations from another person’s point of view, which creates a more compassionate environment. This quality, she believes, is refreshing and much needed in today’s fast-paced world.

What I like most about today's youth is that they are not judgmental. Most of them are like, 'It's okay'; they understand others' feelings. They try to sort things out in their own way

- Shiwani Chakraborty

Tech-Savvy but Emotionally Vulnerable

While praising their technological awareness, Shiwani also expressed concern about the mental health of today’s youth. "They know everything; they know all the technicalities of this era and stay updated, which is very nice. But the mental health of these youngsters is very poor nowadays."

She feels that, although they are strong in terms of technology and information, they lack emotional strength. Drawing a contrast with earlier generations, she said elders passed down values such as resilience and coping during tough times, something she feels is missing today. "They just quickly get depressed. They go into the wrong ways to try and fix it, like addiction and depression."

Bridging the Generation Gap

Despite her concerns, Shiwani highlighted the independence of today’s youth and their ability to make decisions. "I really like this thing about the current generation: they have very different mindsets, which makes you accepting."

She concluded by saying that if different generations make an effort to understand each other, the gap between them can easily fade. According to her, mutual understanding can create harmony between youngsters, millennials, and elders alike.