Trishala Dutt, the daughter of Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt, has sparked a significant conversation on social media with her insightful analysis of a common relationship dynamic. The US-based psychotherapist used her Instagram platform to delineate the stark contrast between healthy silence and the toxic silent treatment, offering clarity to anyone who has ever felt confused or punished by a partner's withdrawal.
The Crucial Difference: Cooling Down vs. Control
In a series of candid Instagram stories, Trishala Dutt provided clear definitions that resonate deeply in today's dating and relationship culture. She described healthy silence as a self-aware, communicated pause. This is when someone says, "I need a moment to process, let's talk soon." This approach is characterized by directness, honesty, and respect, with no hidden agendas or mind games.
In sharp contrast, she identified the harmful silent treatment. This tactic is not used for self-regulation but as a weapon. "Used to make someone feel small or desperate," Trishala explained, this form of silence is a tool for control and punishment. She powerfully summarised, "Silence that protects your nervous system is self-respect. Silence that punishes someone else is power play."
Why the Silent Treatment Erodes Relationships and Self-Worth
Trishala Dutt's expertise as a psychotherapist shone through as she detailed the long-term damage of the silent treatment. She warned that it does more than just strain a relationship; it systematically attacks an individual's core sense of security. "Over time, the silent treatment erodes your sense of safety, your self-trust, and your belief that relationships are supposed to be places where problems can be worked through instead of being weaponised against you," she wrote.
This insight highlights why the experience of being ghosted or given the silent treatment can feel so profoundly distressing, leading to anxiety and a diminished sense of self-value.
Who is Trishala Dutt?
Despite her famous lineage, Trishala Dutt maintains a relatively private life. She is the daughter of Sanjay Dutt and his first wife, Richa Sharma, who passed away from a brain tumour in 1996. Sanjay Dutt later married Maanayata in 2008, and they have twins, Shahraan and Iqra, born in 2010.
While the twins occasionally appear on their parents' social media, Trishala, who lives in the United States, chooses to share selectively. She primarily uses her platform to normalise conversations about emotional abuse, setting boundaries, and healing. Despite physical distance, she and her father share a close bond, often exchanging warm wishes publicly on social media.
A Timely Message in an Age of Ghosting
Trishala Dutt's message arrives at a critical time when passive-aggressive behavior and ghosting culture are prevalent, especially in dating. Her words serve as a vital reminder that the silent treatment is not merely "taking space"—it is a form of emotional manipulation. Healthy relationships are fundamentally built on open, honest communication, not on power dynamics or control.
Her advice empowers individuals to recognize toxic patterns. The next time someone employs unexplained silence for days, remember this distinction. You can choose to address it kindly or decide to walk away. Ultimately, you deserve relationships where silence is used for healing, not for harm.
