Deepika Padukone has always been a warrior when it comes to mental health advocacy. But the story behind her foundation, The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation, is more personal than most of us ever knew. Her father, badminton legend Prakash Padukone, recently opened up about the heartbreaking event that pushed the actress to take action.
The Tragic Loss That Sparked a Mission
Speaking on ‘The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas’, Prakash Padukone revealed that Deepika decided to launch her mental health foundation after losing a close friend. The loss hit her hard, and she knew she had to do something to help others who might be struggling in silence.
“She told us, ‘I want to do something in the field of mental health’,” Prakash shared. The family had no hesitation in supporting her. “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.” He stressed that mental health is a serious illness that still carries stigma, and Deepika wanted to break that barrier.
The Padukones stood firmly behind their daughter. Prakash said the family understood the gravity of the issue and backed her decision completely. For Deepika, turning her pain into purpose became a mission.
A Foundation Built on Empathy
The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation isn’t just a celebrity pet project—it’s a lifeline for many. Deepika has been open about her own battle with depression and anxiety, and she wanted to create a space where others could seek help without fear of judgment.
Through the foundation, she has worked on spreading awareness, providing resources, and normalising conversations around mental health. From school programmes to corporate workshops, the initiative has touched countless lives. Deepika has often said that her own experience made her realise how important it is to have a support system.
And speaking of support systems—yaar, who better than Ranveer Singh?
Ranveer Singh: The Anchor in the Storm
During an appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan’, Deepika had credited her husband Ranveer Singh for being her rock through her toughest days. She revealed that Ranveer created a “safe space” for her to be vulnerable and express her feelings without the fear of being judged or dismissed.
That safe space, she said, helped her navigate one of the most difficult periods of her life. Ranveer didn’t just stand by her—he actively made sure she felt heard and understood. For Deepika, that kind of support was everything.
Today, Deepika continues to champion mental health awareness, both through her foundation and her own example. And with Ranveer cheering her on, there’s no stopping this power couple from making a real difference.