Preity Zinta Reveals Childhood Memory of Hiding Under a Table All Night; Experts Explain Why Children React in Fear

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta recently revisited a striking childhood memory—one that blends innocence, fear, and the subtle emotional lessons children absorb while growing up. Speaking on the once-popular talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Zinta recalled how a sibling fight spiralled into a moment of panic that left her sleeping under a table the entire night.

According to Zinta, a quarrel with her elder brother escalated when she struck him with a stone, leaving him in tears. Trying to imitate what she had been taught, she repeated a phrase often told to her by her father: “Rajputs don’t cry.” Surprisingly, the remark stopped her brother’s tears, but her own fear began building immediately.

When she heard her mother return home, young Preity panicked, convinced she would be scolded for the fight. Acting on instinct, she crawled under a table to hide—eventually falling asleep and remaining there until the next morning.

What began as a child’s attempt to avoid trouble soon worried her parents, who searched the neighbourhood and even informed the police. Ultimately, it was the family’s maid who discovered the little girl curled up under the table the next day.

Though humorous in hindsight, the episode sheds light on how children respond to emotional cues and punishment. To understand this behaviour better, indianexpress.com spoke with Ms. Arpita Kohli, psychologist at PSRI Hospital, who explained the deeper impact of emotionally dismissive communication.

“Don’t Cry” Messages and Emotional Suppression

Kohli notes that when adults tell children statements like “Be strong, don’t cry,” it teaches them to associate vulnerability with weakness. Over time, this leads to emotional suppression rather than healthy emotional processing.

According to her, such children may grow up with difficulty managing emotions, and may develop anxiety, anger issues, or a belief that expressing feelings is unacceptable. What seems like strength is often self-silencing.

How Children Mirror Emotional Insensitivity

Children imitate what they observe. Kohli explains that when a child mocks or scolds another for crying, it usually reflects behaviour they have learned at home. This early emotional invalidation can hinder empathy, making it harder for children to understand their own feelings or those of others.

Why Children Hide After Making Mistakes

Fear-based parenting or unpredictable reactions to mistakes condition children to link errors with punishment or rejection. Kohli says this leads kids to hide, lie, or avoid confrontation—not out of mischief, but self-protection.

Such patterns can damage self-esteem and block open communication within the family.

Creating a Safe Emotional Environment

To prevent fear-driven behaviour, parents must emphasise honesty over perfection. Kohli recommends staying calm when addressing mistakes, listening before reacting, and explaining consequences without blame.

Positive reinforcement helps too. Acknowledging honesty—even during difficult conversations—teaches children that mistakes are part of learning, not a trigger for punishment. Phrases like “Thank you for telling me” or “We’ll solve this together” build trust and emotional safety.

Zinta’s childhood story, though decades old, continues to hold relevance today. It highlights how simple interactions shape a child’s ability to express emotions, handle fear, and trust their caregivers.