The glamorous realm of cinema often appears flawless from the outside, yet the realities behind the scenes can be emotionally demanding. Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is observed across the globe to encourage open dialogue, raise awareness, and dismantle long-standing stigmas surrounding psychological well-being. When influential figures such as Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and Varun Dhawan share their private battles with mental distress, it creates a powerful shift, reassuring ordinary individuals that experiencing emotional lows is completely human and seeking treatment is essential.
Shah Rukh Khan: Coping with Profound Grief Through Relentless Work
Widely celebrated as the king of Hindi cinema, Shah Rukh Khan has confronted deep emotional trauma in his personal journey. Losing both of his parents at a very young age left a lasting emotional void in his life. Across various media interviews, the actor has openly addressed the grief and sadness that followed these tragic losses. To prevent himself from slipping into an emotional breakdown, he consciously chose to immerse himself in non-stop professional work, using his craft as a shield against lingering distress.
Anushka Sharma: Prioritizing Mental Well-Being and Professional Support
Actor Anushka Sharma has consistently advocated for addressing anxiety disorders without shame. While she has not disclosed specific personal triggers, she strongly equates mental wellness with physical health. Sharma emphasizes that seeking medical or psychological guidance should never be stigmatized, advising that anyone dealing with anxiety must reach out for professional help without hesitating or fearing societal judgment.
Deepika Padukone: The Reality of Clinical Depression at Career Peaks
Deepika Padukone has been among the most prominent voices discussing clinical depression openly. She explained that even when her professional career was witnessing massive commercial milestones, she experienced profound internal emptiness, persistent anxiety, and hopelessness. In an earlier interview with Vogue, she described that phase as the most harrowing chapter of her life. Padukone pointed out that keeping depression from resurfacing requires continuous self-care and conscious effort, an experience that subsequently inspired her dedicated public advocacy for mental wellness.
Varun Dhawan: Emotional Toll of Dark Cinema and Responsible Terminology
Varun Dhawan encountered significant psychological strain while working on the gritty revenge drama Badlapur. Speaking to BollySpice in an interview, the actor revealed that immersing himself in such a dark character took a visible toll on his emotional state, prompting him to consult a doctor for guidance. During his interaction, Dhawan also cautioned against trivializing medical terms, pointing out that depression is a serious diagnosis that should not be used casually in everyday conversation.
Tanushree Dutta: Fallout from Workplace Allegations and Chronic Illness
In July 2025, Tanushree Dutta posted on social media detailing her ongoing struggles with both mental health and chronic fatigue syndrome, commonly known as CFS. The actor maintained that Nana Patekar attempted sexual harassment on the set of the film Horn Ok Please. According to Dutta, raising her voice against that incident resulted in sustained hostility, external pressure, and threats, which severely deteriorated her psychological well-being over the years.
Ileana D'Cruz: Embracing Flaws and Confronting Body Dysmorphia
Ileana D'Cruz has candidly shared her long encounter with depression alongside body dysmorphia. She has used her platform to encourage people to embrace self-acceptance and overcome insecurities regarding physical appearances. In her view, every individual possesses certain flaws, but learning to love oneself and recognizing those quirks as integral elements of one's identity is crucial for lasting mental peace.
