Deepika Padukone has always been a trailblazer when it comes to mental health advocacy, but now her father, Prakash Padukone, is sharing the deeply personal reason why she first decided to speak up about her depression. In a candid conversation on The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas, the legendary badminton player revealed that it was the loss of a close friend that pushed the actress to start her foundation and become the voice millions needed.
The Decision to Go Public
Prakash Padukone recalled that when Deepika first told him and her mother, Ujjala, that she wanted to publicly discuss her battle with depression, they had no hesitation. “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.
It was in 2015 that Deepika first opened up about her mental health struggles, a move that was widely praised and that encouraged countless others to share their own stories. Her father emphasised that the family’s support was unconditional from the start.
A Tragic Turning Point
While Deepika had already started speaking about depression, something even more heartbreaking solidified her mission. “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,” Prakash revealed.
That tragedy became the catalyst for The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which she established to empower people to talk about mental health without guilt or shame. Her father recalled encouraging her to go ahead with 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.’ There is no need to be ashamed, no need to hesitate, if you’re trying to help somebody.”
The Live Love Laugh Foundation
Now, nearly a decade later, the foundation has made a huge impact. “I think it’s been about ten years now since she launched it, and I think it has made a huge difference in terms of awareness,” Prakash said. He explained that the foundation’s core message is simple: treat mental health like physical health. “If you have a physical ailment, you go to a doctor. Similarly, if you have a mental health issue, if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or not feeling well, you should consult a psychiatrist or a professional in that field so that the issue can be addressed.”
He stressed that mental illness is treatable and that early intervention can even prevent the need for medication. “It can happen to anybody, and it can be treated. In fact, if it is identified early, you may not even need medication. You could simply talk to a psychologist or a therapist.”
Deepika Padukone’s courage to share her story has not only inspired millions but also helped dismantle the stigma around mental health in India. And now, thanks to her father’s revelation, we know exactly what sparked her mission to make sure no one suffers in silence.