Anisha Padukone, entrepreneur and CEO of the Live Love Laugh Foundation, has spoken candidly about her sister Deepika Padukone’s mental health journey, revealing that she initially did not fully understand the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
During a recent interaction, Anisha shared how Deepika’s experience became a turning point in her own understanding of mental health and inspired her to learn more about supporting individuals facing similar challenges.
‘I Was Not Aware Enough’
Speaking about the period when Deepika was dealing with anxiety and depression, Anisha admitted that she lacked sufficient awareness of mental health conditions at the time.
According to her, recognizing what Deepika was experiencing was difficult, particularly because the sisters were living in different cities.
Anisha explained that distance, combined with limited knowledge about mental health, made it challenging to fully understand the situation as it unfolded.
She noted that Deepika’s experience highlighted the importance of educating oneself about mental health conditions in order to provide meaningful support to loved ones.
A Personal Learning Experience
Anisha said that her sister’s journey encouraged her to become more informed about mental health and emotional well-being.
As a former professional athlete, she had always prioritized physical fitness and overall health. However, she acknowledged that mental wellness had not received the same level of attention in her life at that time.
Through research and increased awareness, Anisha began to better understand the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
She also recognized that millions of people worldwide experience similar struggles, making mental health an issue that affects individuals across all backgrounds and professions.
Deepika Padukone’s Advocacy for Mental Health
Over the years, Deepika Padukone has become one of India’s most prominent voices in mental health advocacy.
The actress has openly discussed her experience with clinical depression and anxiety, helping bring greater public attention to conversations around emotional well-being and mental health support.
Her willingness to share her personal story has been widely credited with encouraging many individuals to seek help and speak openly about their own experiences.
The Live Love Laugh Foundation
In 2015, Deepika Padukone established the Live Love Laugh Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma often associated with mental illnesses.
The foundation works to:
- Promote mental health education
- Encourage early intervention and support
- Create awareness about depression and anxiety
- Advocate for improved access to mental health resources
Today, Anisha Padukone serves as the organization’s CEO and continues to support initiatives aimed at fostering greater understanding of mental wellness.
Growing Awareness Around Mental Health
Mental health conversations have become increasingly prominent in India over the past decade.
Experts emphasize that awareness, education, early recognition of symptoms, and access to professional care play important roles in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Public discussions led by advocates, healthcare professionals, and public figures have contributed to reducing misconceptions and encouraging more open dialogue on the subject.
Deepika’s Upcoming Film Projects
On the professional front, Deepika Padukone remains busy with several high-profile projects.
The actress recently returned from South Africa, where she completed a major shooting schedule for King, the upcoming film featuring Shah Rukh Khan.
The film is expected to release on December 24, making it one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases on the calendar.
In addition, Deepika is also associated with Atlee’s upcoming project, Raaka, further strengthening her lineup of major productions.
Final Take
Anisha Padukone’s reflections offer insight into how Deepika Padukone’s mental health journey influenced not only public conversations but also those closest to her. Her remarks highlight the importance of awareness, education, and understanding when supporting loved ones facing mental health challenges.
As conversations around emotional well-being continue to grow, stories like these underscore the value of empathy, informed support, and ongoing efforts to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
