Mumbai: Musician Amaal Mallik recently shared his battle with clinical depression, revealing his struggles and the toll it took on his personal life. In an emotional Instagram post on March 20, he opened up about the years of pain he endured, including a strained relationship with his brother, Armaan Malik, which he attributed to the influence of their parents. Amaal’s decision to distance himself from his family during his fight with depression highlights the deeply personal nature of mental health challenges.
However, Amaal is not the only Bollywood celebrity who has bravely spoken out about their mental health struggles. Over the years, many stars have shared their experiences in the hope of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Their openness has sparked important conversations and encouraged others to seek help. Here’s a look at eight celebrities who’ve shared their mental health battles in the past:
1. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is one of the pioneers in speaking about mental health in Bollywood. In a 2015 interview with Barkha Dutt on NDTV, the actress revealed that she struggled with severe depression at the peak of her career. Seeking therapy played a crucial role in her recovery, and it inspired her to launch the “Live, Love, Laugh Foundation”, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising mental health awareness in India. Deepika’s story has inspired many to prioritise their mental well-being and seek professional help.
2. Anushka Sharma
In a 2015 interview with “Vogue India”, Anushka Sharma opened up about her anxiety, acknowledging that mental health issues are a normal part of life that should be openly discussed. She stressed the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles, comparing it to treating any physical health issue. Anushka has since used her platform to encourage conversations around mental illness and continue to break the stigma in the entertainment industry.
3. Honey Singh
Rapper “Honey Singh” has been vocal about his battle with bipolar disorder. In the early 2000’s, the pressures of fame and his mental health struggles led him to self-medicate with alcohol. In a 2023 interview with India.com, he referred to that time as a “dark phase” of his life. He urged others facing similar challenges not to hide their struggles and emphasised the importance of speaking out about mental health. Singh’s return to the music scene after a break is a testament to his recovery, and he continues to advocate for mental health awareness.
4. Karan Johar
Director and producer “Karan Johar” shared his personal battle with depression in a 2016 interview with journalist Barkha Dutt. Johar described his two-year struggle as the “darkest period” of his life, during which he experienced feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Often fleeing Mumbai to escape his emotions, Johar revealed that a severe anxiety attack during a meeting was what finally pushed him to seek medical help. His journey through therapy and medication eventually helped him regain his emotional well-being, and Johar now speaks openly about his experience to help others.
5. Ileana D’Cruz
Actress “Ileana D’Cruz” shared her struggles with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anxiety, and depression in a 2016 interview with “Miss Malini”. Ileana revealed that for years, she battled insecurities about her appearance, which significantly impacted her mental health. However, after seeking therapy, she was able to embrace self-love and acceptance. Ileana’s openness about her mental health journey has helped many who struggle with similar issues.
6. Shruti Haasan
In a 2021 interview with “Gulf News”, actress “Shruti Haasan” opened up about her ongoing battle with anxiety and the importance of having continuous conversations about mental health. Shruti criticised the practice of only discussing mental health on days like Mental Health Awareness Day, stressing that it is a disservice to those who face these challenges daily. She has consistently used her platform to encourage others to prioritise their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
7. Varun Dhawan
Actor “Varun Dhawan” admitted to struggling with anxiety and stress while filming the intense role in ‘Badlapur’ (2015). In a 2018 appearance at “India Today Mind Rocks”, he discussed how the dark nature of the role took a toll on his mental health, leaving him emotionally drained. Varun credits his family’s support and meditation for helping him cope with these challenges, and he now advocates for mental health awareness in the industry.
8. Shah Rukh Khan
In a 2017 TED Talk, Bollywood’s “Shah Rukh Khan” subtly touched upon his emotional struggles, particularly after the loss of his parents. He spoke about going through a difficult phase and how he channelled his pain into his work. SRK highlighted the importance of resilience and self-love in overcoming mental health challenges, and his words resonated deeply with many who’ve experienced similar loss and grief.
These celebrities, through their openness, have played a vital role in destigmatizing mental health issues in India. Their courage to share their struggles publicly has not only inspired countless individuals to seek help but also created a space where mental health is no longer a taboo topic. As they continue to use their platforms to raise awareness, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to take care of their mental well-being and seek the support they need.
