Pranitaa Pandit opens up about rising consumerism, explaining how trends, social media and comparison culture push people to buy more than they need.
She urges mindful choices, emotional awareness and a balanced approach to minimalism, one that focuses on “enough,” not more.
Actress Pranitaa Pandit, known for her roles in Kasauti Zindagi Kay, Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki, Jamai Raja and Kavach, brings a grounded and refreshing voice to a world overwhelmed by trends, upgrades and constant consumer pressure. While social media encourages people to buy more, look perfect and stay “trend relevant,” Pranitaa firmly believes that emotional presence matters far more than material possessions. For her, true luxury isn’t something you purchase, it’s a feeling you live.
Sharing her thoughts on modern consumption, Pranitaa says today’s society absolutely pushes people to buy far more than they need. According to her, we live in a culture engineered to keep us wanting. With constant upgrades and aggressive advertising, desire is manufactured daily. She admits that even she sometimes gets caught in the pressure, because the environment normalises overconsumption. Calling it a global habit, she says, “It feels like a pandemic.”
For Pranitaa, social media is one of the strongest forces behind this mindset. She believes the line between inspiration and pressure has completely blurred, making people chase lifestyles rather than products. A ten-second reel is enough to convince someone to buy something they didn’t even want moments earlier. The obsession with “perfect lives,” she says, creates comparison and insecurity, pushing people toward impulsive spending just to keep up. She notes that people today aren’t purchasing products, they’re investing in fantasies sold to them.
The emotional impact, she adds, is even more concerning. Excessive consumerism feeds insecurity by suggesting that people must keep buying in order to matter. It affects self-worth, increases anxiety and slowly disconnects individuals from who they really are. When possessions become the measure of success, people begin doubting their own pace and happiness based on someone else’s curated reality.
On how individuals can separate wants from needs in such a persuasive digital world, Pranitaa believes the answer lies in self-awareness. Simple questions like Do I really need this? Am I influenced? Will this matter next week? often reveal the truth instantly. She explains that needs add genuine value, while most wants only create momentary excitement—both are acceptable as long as the choice is mindful, not reactive.
Pranitaa also highlights the environmental consequences of consumerism. Every unnecessary purchase contributes to waste, pollution and resource depletion. Whether it’s fast fashion or gadgets, the planet pays a heavy price for everything produced and discarded. She believes many people remain unaware of how their consumption habits affect the environment, from manufacturing footprints to overflowing landfills.
When asked if minimalism can counter this rising crisis, Pranitaa says yes, but only if redefined. Minimalism, she believes, isn’t about depriving yourself or owning nothing; it’s about owning with intention. People can still enjoy beauty, fashion and comfort without letting pressure dictate their choices. For her, minimalism is about balance, clarity and emotional lightness. In her view, minimalism isn’t measured by how little you own, but by having the right amount.
She also stresses the importance of educating young people about financial literacy, digital influence and environmental responsibility. Pranitaa believes that once the next generation understands how algorithms shape desire, how money works and how consumption impacts the planet, their choices will naturally become more mindful and sustainable.
