Television actress Shubhangi Atre, best known for her roles in 'Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain', 'Chidiya Ghar', and 'Do Hanson Ka Jodaa', has spoken out about the escalating threat of pollution and its long-term consequences for both the environment and human well-being. Her remarks come ahead of World Environment Day on 5 June, as public discourse around ecological degradation grows louder.

A Forgotten Relationship With Nature

Atre did not mince words when describing what she sees as the root of the crisis. 'Honestly, I feel the biggest problem is that we have forgotten how to coexist with nature. We are not just using resources anymore; we are exhausting them. Forests are disappearing, animals are losing their homes, and the natural rhythm of seasons is changing,' she said.

Her observation reflects a broader concern shared by environmentalists: that consumption patterns, particularly in rapidly urbanising nations like India, have outpaced the planet's capacity to regenerate. This comes amid data showing that India ranks among the world's most pollution-affected countries, with several of its cities consistently appearing in global air quality indices.

Plastic Pollution: A Silent Chokehold

On the specific issue of plastic pollution, Atre offered a vivid characterisation. 'Plastic pollution, to me, feels like something that slowly chokes nature. It doesn't allow the earth or water to breathe freely, and animals suffer the most because they don't understand it,' she said.

Notably, plastic waste remains one of India's most persistent environmental challenges. Millions of tonnes of single-use plastic enter water bodies and soil annually, with marine and terrestrial wildlife bearing a disproportionate burden. The actress's framing — centred on the voicelessness of animals — adds an emotional dimension that public awareness campaigns have long sought to communicate.

Living Closer to Nature

Beyond critique, Atre also spoke about her personal approach. 'I try to live in a way that feels closer to nature. When you stay connected to nature, you automatically become more careful about your choices,' she said, advocating for mindfulness as a practical entry point for individual action.

This philosophy aligns with a growing wellness movement in urban India that links mental health and lifestyle choices to environmental consciousness — a convergence increasingly reflected in public health research.

Warning Ahead of World Environment Day

With World Environment Day approaching on 5 June, Atre issued a forward-looking caution. 'If pollution continues, the world may lose its natural calmness. We need to slow down and observe nature more. If we respect it, it will continue to nurture us. Even small steps in our daily life can help protect it,' she said.

Her appeal echoes the broader theme of this year's global observance, which focuses on ecosystem restoration and individual responsibility. As celebrities increasingly use their platforms to amplify environmental messaging, Atre's voice adds to a chorus calling for structural and behavioural change before irreversible damage sets in.