In a historic move, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has named Deepika Padukone as India’s very first Mental Health Ambassador. The news broke on October 10th, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. The celebrated Bollywood actress shared the momentous occasion online, accompanied by a photo with ministry representatives. Her husband, Ranveer Singh, was quick to express his immense pride, leaving a heartfelt comment.
Padukone conveyed her deep sense of honor in undertaking this responsibility. She commended India’s commitment to placing mental health at the forefront of national health priorities, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Drawing from her personal experiences and years of dedicated work, she emphasized the transformative impact of unified efforts towards creating a mentally healthy India. She anticipates working closely with Sri JP Nadda to advance the nation’s mental health strategies.
For many years, Deepika Padukone has been a prominent voice for mental health awareness. She bravely disclosed her personal battle with depression over a decade ago, challenging the stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially within the film world. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in her own journey, including her recovery from depression after a painful period in her life.
Fans recently saw her in ‘Singham Again’. Her upcoming slate includes ‘King’ with Shah Rukh Khan and a project with Allu Arjun. Balancing her professional commitments with her new role as a mother, Padukone continues to inspire.