Karishma Tanna Opens Up About Slipping Into Depression After ‘Sanju’: “I Expected Meatier Roles… I Went Into My Shell”

Mumbai – Actress Karishma Tanna recently revealed how the aftermath of her brief but memorable role in Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Sanju’ triggered an emotionally challenging phase in her career. Despite critical praise for her performance, the anticipated career opportunities didn’t materialize, leading her to experience self-doubt and withdrawal for over a year.

Standing Out in a Small Role

Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Karishma recalled, “Maine bhale hi do–teen scenes kiye, par main stand out hui us chhote se role mein. Mujhe pata tha it’s a very small role, but I knew it was impactful… a funny, impactful role. I had one song also.”

The recognition naturally made her hopeful. “I expected that after that… koi actor ek chhota sa role karta hai, par woh pick up ho jaata hai, aur uske baad unki life change ho jaati hai,” she added.

Disappointment and Withdrawal

However, the larger roles she anticipated never arrived. “After that, it was human to expect meatier roles. And I didn’t get it. So I just went into my shell, thinking: I don’t know what people want from me anymore,” Karishma admitted.

She described this emotionally draining period lasting over a year and a half. “I will just kind of give up and not expect anything from anybody. Let it just be. Yeh feeling ek saal, derh saal chali,” she said.

Coping Without Therapy

When asked if she sought professional help, Karishma explained, “No, I used to read a lot of books on it. I used to go online and check — is it normal? I met a lot of actors, normal people, and I kept myself busy. Maine professional help toh nahi li, but mujhe lagta hai main self-help bhi karti hoon achhi tarah se.”

She emphasized the importance of acknowledging emotions: “You feel what you’re feeling… aap feeling depressed ho, feel it; feeling anxiety, feel it; feeling low, feel it. Because it’s human to feel all of that.”

A Turning Point with ‘Scoop’

Looking back, Karishma believes her show ‘Scoop’ helped reshape her image in the industry. “It finally gave me the kind of opportunity to break out of the long-standing image of being a TV face or a glamorous actor,” she said.

She concluded with optimism, “I’ve become much more confident after that show… that shift has come — from me being glamorous to being an actor-actor. ‘We can consider her. We should consider her.’ Woh switch aa gaya hai, and I’m very happy with it.”