Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia has sparked an important conversation about emotional manipulation, highlighting how shame and guilt are frequently used as tools of control in relationships and social dynamics.
Tamannaah's Powerful Statement on Emotional Control
In a recent interview with Lallantop, the popular actress shared insightful observations about manipulation tactics. "People who cannot control you use one technique: shame and guilt," Tamannaah revealed during the conversation that took place in November 2025.
She elaborated further in Hindi, explaining that manipulators constantly make you feel that whatever you do should be considered shameful. "When they feel that they can make you feel like you have something to be ashamed about, they can gain control over you," the actress noted, putting words to an experience many people recognize but struggle to identify.
Healthy Accountability Versus Toxic Manipulation
According to clinical psychologist Neha Parashar from Mindtalk, there's a crucial difference between healthy accountability and manipulation through guilt or shame. "Healthy accountability always comes from a place of respect and growth," Parashar tells indianexpress.com.
When someone points out mistakes with the genuine intent of helping reflection and improvement, the guilt that arises can be constructive. This type of accountability is usually specific to an action, time-bound, and comes with clarity about what can be done better next time.
Manipulation through guilt or shame feels entirely different. Instead of focusing on behavior, it targets the person's identity or self-worth. "The key difference is that accountability empowers, while manipulation diminishes," emphasizes Parashar.
Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Manipulation
When guilt or shame is used as a control tool, certain patterns typically emerge. The manipulator makes you feel constantly indebted, unworthy, or at fault regardless of actual circumstances.
"Their statements may exaggerate your responsibility, play down your needs, or suggest that you are selfish for prioritizing yourself," Parashar states. Even after apologizing or trying to make amends, the guilty feeling never truly resolves because the purpose isn't repair but control.
A useful indicator is when you experience lingering heaviness or confusion after interactions. Feeling like you're always walking on eggshells shows the dynamic isn't rooted in fairness or genuine care.
Protecting Your Mental and Emotional Well-being
Parashar suggests practical steps to safeguard yourself from such emotional manipulation. "The first step is to recognize that these feelings are not always a reflection of truth but can be induced by someone else's need for power," she advises.
Building self-awareness helps individuals pause and question whether the guilt is constructive or externally imposed. Setting clear boundaries becomes essential - this means communicating what behavior you won't accept and limiting emotional space given to those who use shaming tactics.
Seeking support from trusted friends, mentors, or therapists can help rebuild self-confidence and distinguish between valid accountability and manipulation. "Strengthening one's sense of self-worth and practicing self-compassion acts as a shield," Parashar concludes, ensuring that external attempts to induce shame or guilt don't cause long-term harm.
