Friend's death pushed Deepika to do more for mental health: Father Prakash Padukone
Former Badminton player Prakash Padukone said his actor, daughter Deepika started The Live Love Laugh Foundation after a friend's death. He said her family supported her going public on depression to widen mental health awareness.
When Deepika Padukone opened up about her battle with depression in 2015, it sparked a national conversation around mental health. But according to her father, Prakash Padukone, it was the death of a close friend shortly afterwards that inspired her to take her efforts beyond sharing her story and work towards creating greater awareness.
Appearing on The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas, Prakash Padukone recalled that he and his wife, Ujjala Padukone, fully supported Deepika when she chose to speak publicly about her mental health struggles.
In 2015, Deepika became one of the first major Bollywood stars to openly discuss her experience with depression. She later went on to establish The Live Love Laugh Foundation, an organisation focused on creating awareness around mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
Reflecting on that period, Prakash said the family had no reservations about Deepika sharing her story if it could help others.
"We had no objection at all to her going public if it was helping others, because she was in a position where she could help people. I think she realised that, so she came out and spoke about it," he said.
He added that a friend's death shortly afterwards became a turning point.
"Then, a few months later, one of her friends died, and that was when she decided that something should be done so that more and more people become aware. That's when she started thinking about the foundation," he said.
According to Prakash, Deepika later discussed the idea with her parents, explaining that while many public figures champion causes such as women's empowerment or education, she wanted to focus on mental health.
He recalled encouraging her to pursue the initiative.
"I told her, 'Please go ahead and do whatever you want. It's your choice. We'll be more than happy to support it, and I think it's a good thing,'" he said.
Prakash Padukone on the stigma around mental health
Prakash also spoke about the importance of addressing mental health without shame or hesitation. He noted that stigma often prevents people from seeking help despite mental health conditions being treatable.
The former badminton champion said the foundation, which has now completed nearly a decade, has contributed significantly to increasing awareness. He explained that its core message is simple: people should seek professional help for mental health concerns just as they would for a physical illness.
"If somebody is feeling anxious, depressed or mentally unwell, they should consult a psychiatrist or another professional. There is no reason to feel shy, afraid or ashamed," he said, adding that early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for medication and allow people to benefit from counselling or therapy instead.
Deepika Padukone on launching Live Love Laugh
Last year, Deepika reflected on the early days of the foundation during a conversation with CNBC-TV18. She recalled the scepticism surrounding her decision to speak openly about mental illness and the questions raised about her motives.
"There was a lot of scepticism when we started. Was it a publicity stunt? Was she being paid by a pharmaceutical company? We had to deal with all of that," she said.
Deepika added that despite the criticism, the team remained focused on its goal of normalising conversations around mental health.
"My dream for mental health in India is what gully cricket is to India," she said.
Work-wise, Deepika Padukone was last seen in Nag Ashwin's Telugu sci-fi drama Kalki: 2898 AD. She will be next seen in Siddharth Anand's King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan. She also has Atlee's next with Allu Arjun.
When Deepika Padukone opened up about her battle with depression in 2015, it sparked a national conversation around mental health. But according to her father, Prakash Padukone, it was the death of a close friend shortly afterwards that inspired her to take her efforts beyond sharing her story and work towards creating greater awareness.
Appearing on The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas, Prakash Padukone recalled that he and his wife, Ujjala Padukone, fully supported Deepika when she chose to speak publicly about her mental health struggles.
In 2015, Deepika became one of the first major Bollywood stars to openly discuss her experience with depression. She later went on to establish The Live Love Laugh Foundation, an organisation focused on creating awareness around mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
Reflecting on that period, Prakash said the family had no reservations about Deepika sharing her story if it could help others.
"We had no objection at all to her going public if it was helping others, because she was in a position where she could help people. I think she realised that, so she came out and spoke about it," he said.
He added that a friend's death shortly afterwards became a turning point.
"Then, a few months later, one of her friends died, and that was when she decided that something should be done so that more and more people become aware. That's when she started thinking about the foundation," he said.
According to Prakash, Deepika later discussed the idea with her parents, explaining that while many public figures champion causes such as women's empowerment or education, she wanted to focus on mental health.
He recalled encouraging her to pursue the initiative.
"I told her, 'Please go ahead and do whatever you want. It's your choice. We'll be more than happy to support it, and I think it's a good thing,'" he said.
Prakash Padukone on the stigma around mental health
Prakash also spoke about the importance of addressing mental health without shame or hesitation. He noted that stigma often prevents people from seeking help despite mental health conditions being treatable.
The former badminton champion said the foundation, which has now completed nearly a decade, has contributed significantly to increasing awareness. He explained that its core message is simple: people should seek professional help for mental health concerns just as they would for a physical illness.
"If somebody is feeling anxious, depressed or mentally unwell, they should consult a psychiatrist or another professional. There is no reason to feel shy, afraid or ashamed," he said, adding that early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for medication and allow people to benefit from counselling or therapy instead.
Deepika Padukone on launching Live Love Laugh
Last year, Deepika reflected on the early days of the foundation during a conversation with CNBC-TV18. She recalled the scepticism surrounding her decision to speak openly about mental illness and the questions raised about her motives.
"There was a lot of scepticism when we started. Was it a publicity stunt? Was she being paid by a pharmaceutical company? We had to deal with all of that," she said.
Deepika added that despite the criticism, the team remained focused on its goal of normalising conversations around mental health.
"My dream for mental health in India is what gully cricket is to India," she said.
Work-wise, Deepika Padukone was last seen in Nag Ashwin's Telugu sci-fi drama Kalki: 2898 AD. She will be next seen in Siddharth Anand's King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan. She also has Atlee's next with Allu Arjun.
