Deepika Padukone proves yet again that she’s more than just a gorgeous face leading the glamorous Bollywood life. She’s anything but frivolous and we have proof of it! The Bajirao Mastani actress, who has previously been extremely vocal about her struggles with mental health, recently launched a brand new initiative for the cause!
Deepika was present in New Delhi to launch a “lecture series” that will revolve around the stigma associated with mental health. A “leading lady” in the term’s truest sense, isn’t she? The founder of the Live Love Laugh Foundation aims to start a positive conversation around mental health and to spread awareness about it across different walks of life.
Deepika was diagnosed with clinical depression back in 2014 and, instead of battling it alone, she chose to publicly address it by normalising it like any other illness. A year later, she set up the Foundation aiming to advocate for a discussion on mental health, depression, anxiety, and how its okay to seek help.
The 33-year-old actress said, “As far as the conversation around the cause of mental health is concerned, I think we’ve come a long way. But, we certainly have a long way to go in terms of creating more awareness. I think the conversation has opened up. I don’t think that there’s as much stigma as it used to be four years ago.”
If you’re wondering what this series will be about, she further explained, “[It’s about] inviting speakers from different professions from various parts of the world but, most importantly, people who are passionate about mental health and have them talk to us about their journey, their experience,” she said.
Deepika has always been known for her humble and approachable nature, and is widely loved for always keeping things real. The series will not only feature Deepika but other eminent personalities across different professions. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Padma Shri awardee Siddhartha Mukherjee delivered the first lecture. Deepika’s sister, professional golfer Anisha Padukone and her parents were also present. Give it a watch here:
Don’t we need more artists, actors, and sportspersons (basically, people with influence) in our country to address issues that matter? In an era of hyper-political ‘wokeness’, it’s sad to see most of Bollywood abstaining from even giving opinions on subjects like sexism and rape culture, etc., let alone stand up for causes.
Deepika, however, isn’t the only B-Town actor responsible for getting candid about facing mental health issues. Although, she might’ve paved the way, stars like Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, and Anushka Sharma have also spoken about their bouts with anxiety and depression.
