From Zakir Khan to Neha Kakkar: Why India’s Biggest Stars Are Hitting Pause — And What It Says About Burnout Today

On Tuesday, a video from comedian Zakir Khan’s recent Hyderabad show went viral after he revealed plans to step away from work for an extended period to prioritise his health. Speaking candidly to a packed audience, Zakir said the break could last three to five years, possibly until 2028, 2029 or even 2030, once he completes his current professional commitments.

“It will be a break of three, four, or five years to take care of my health and to sort out a few other things. Everyone present here tonight is very close to my heart. Your presence means more to me than you can imagine, and I will always be grateful to all of you. Thank you so much,” Zakir told the audience.

The clip quickly sparked conversations across social media, with fans and mental-health advocates discussing burnout, overwork and the growing need to pause and reset—not just for celebrities, but for working professionals everywhere.

A Growing Pattern Among Public Figures

Zakir Khan isn’t alone. In recent months, several public figures have openly spoken about stepping back from work or social media to protect their mental well-being.

On Monday, singer Neha Kakkar triggered concern among fans after posting—then deleting—an Instagram Story announcing a break. While details remained limited, the post added to an ongoing public conversation around emotional exhaustion and digital overload in high-visibility careers.

Experts Explain: Why Taking a Break Is Not “Giving Up”

Mental-health professionals stress that recognising the need for a break is often a sign of self-awareness, not weakness.

Clinical psychologist Pulkit Sharma explains that burnout today is driven by relentless expectations.

“No one wants anything average anymore. In this constant quest to be the best, people are burning out—mentally, emotionally and physically,” he says.

Psychologist Priyanka Varma adds that while celebrities may have financial security, burnout affects people across professions.

“Burnout often stems from being misaligned with one’s work. It’s very different from physical tiredness and doesn’t disappear after a weekend off,” she explains.

With Indians spending nearly seven hours a day on screens, experts say digital fatigue is accelerating burnout, making deliberate pauses an act of self-preservation rather than indulgence.

Why Social Media Breaks Are Becoming Common

The pressure of constant online presence is another major contributor.

Comedian-actor Jamie Lever, who took a social media break in December 2025, described it as a necessary “creative holiday.”

“Social media can be brutal. People feel free to write anything, and it can really throw you off,” she says, noting the strain of juggling online expectations with live performances, television and films.

Actor Ronit Roy, who stepped away from social platforms for a month last year, echoes this sentiment.

“I try to respond to fans, but it can’t become a daily obligation. When I’m preparing for a role, I need to cut off completely,” he says.

Counselling psychologist Sachita Sethi points out that social media often fuels unhealthy comparison.

“Even short breaks can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, fear of missing out and low self-esteem,” she explains.

Micro-Breaks That Actually Help (Even If You Can’t Disappear)

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A post shared by Ronit Bose Roy (@ronitboseroy)

Not everyone can afford to vanish for months or years—but experts say small, consistent pauses matter:

• A no-phone hour after waking up
• One quiet evening a week with no plans and no guilt
• Turning off notifications for non-essential apps
• A weekend without posting—just living
• A proper screen-free lunch break

As more public figures speak openly about burnout, the message is becoming clear: pausing isn’t falling behind—it’s how many are surviving.