Badminton icon Prakash Padukone has opened up about his superstar daughter Deepika Padukone’s decision to publicly discuss her battle with depression, revealing that the entire family was fully behind her. Speaking on a recent podcast, the legendary shuttler shared how Deepika’s courage inspired them and how her advocacy work is something they are immensely proud of.
The Family’s Full Support
Prakash revealed that when Deepika first approached her parents about sharing her mental health journey, there was no hesitation. “We were fully supportive,” he said. “She came to us and discussed it, and we had no objections at all.” According to Prakash, the family believed that if her story could help even one person, it was worth it. He also shared a poignant detail: after losing a close friend, Deepika became even more determined to create awareness. “When she discussed the idea of starting a foundation with us, we encouraged her to go ahead,” he added. The Padukones, including wife Ujjala, stood by Deepika every step of the way, proving that mental health support begins at home.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Prakash emphasized that mental health is a serious issue and there’s no shame in talking about it. “There is no reason to feel ashamed about discussing mental health. If someone is in a position to help others by sharing their experience, that should be encouraged,” he said. He believes that public conversations like Deepika’s can help people seek support earlier. The badminton legend stressed that awareness and early intervention are key. “Mental health issues are much more common than many realize, and they can affect people of all ages. The earlier someone seeks help, the easier it is to address the issue,” he noted. Deepika’s foundation has been working to reduce stigma around depression and anxiety, and Prakash feels it’s a cause that’s close to many hearts.
Lessons Learned and Legacy
Reflecting on what Deepika’s journey taught him, Prakash said mental and physical health must always come first. “You need proper rest, a healthy diet, exercise, and ways to manage stress. Everything is connected,” he shared. He urged people not to suffer in silence: “If you are struggling, talk to someone. The worst thing is to keep everything bottled up inside.” Prakash also expressed immense pride in Deepika’s work beyond acting. “As parents, my wife and I are very proud of what she has done. Very few were focusing on mental health awareness when she began,” he said. He believes Deepika will be remembered not just for her films but for her impact in mental health. “Sometimes the impact is only fully appreciated years later, but she has made a meaningful difference,” Prakash added. And honestly, a proud dad moment like this? Bade proud, we say!