This article discusses the death of a close friend, depression, and mental health challenges. Readers who may find these topics distressing are advised to read with discretion.
Prakash Padukone reveals how personal tragedy inspired one of India’s most prominent mental health awareness movements.
Mumbai, June 5: The death of a close friend became a defining moment in actor Deepika Padukone’s journey as a mental health advocate, her father, former badminton champion Prakash Padukone, revealed in a recent interview. The tragedy, he said, strengthened her determination to create awareness about mental health and ultimately inspired the establishment of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, a leading mental health organisation in India.
The revelation offers a deeper understanding of the personal experiences that shaped Deepika’s advocacy efforts. Over the past decade, the actor has emerged as one of the country’s most influential voices on mental health, helping to challenge stigma and encourage conversations about emotional well-being.
Read More: Outgrowing My Closest Friend: A Silent Grief
A Turning Point Marked by Loss
Speaking on The Something Bigger Show with Rodrigo Canelas, Prakash Padukone reflected on the period when Deepika decided to publicly discuss her experience with depression. He recalled that both he and his wife supported her decision, believing that sharing her story could help others recognise symptoms of mental illness and seek professional support.
However, the loss of a close friend further intensified her commitment to the cause. According to Prakash Padukone, the incident deeply affected Deepika and reinforced her belief that greater awareness and open dialogue surrounding mental health were urgently needed.
The tragedy highlighted a broader issue facing Indian society: many individuals continue to struggle with mental health concerns in silence due to fear, stigma, and a lack of awareness. For Deepika, it became a catalyst for action and a motivation to create meaningful change.
Breaking the Silence on Depression
In 2015, Deepika Padukone publicly disclosed her battle with depression, becoming one of the first major Bollywood celebrities to openly discuss mental illness. At a time when conversations surrounding mental health were often avoided, her disclosure sparked nationwide discussions about depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being.
Her willingness to share her experiences challenged long-standing misconceptions and helped normalise conversations about mental health. For many individuals, particularly young people, her openness served as a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, profession, or social status.
Mental health professionals have frequently emphasised the importance of public figures speaking about their experiences, noting that such disclosures can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek timely help.
Establishing The Live Love Laugh Foundation
Motivated by her own recovery journey and the loss of her friend, Deepika Padukone founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF) in 2015. Deepika Padukone established the organisation to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to credible information and support.
Through educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and collaborations with mental health professionals, the foundation has worked to increase public understanding of mental illness and encourage early intervention. Its initiatives have focused on fostering conversations about emotional well-being while advocating for a society in which seeking psychological support is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Changing the National Conversation
Over the years, Deepika’s advocacy has extended beyond sharing her personal story. She has consistently used her public platform to promote mental health literacy, encourage help-seeking behaviour, and advocate for greater awareness across communities.
Prakash Padukone emphasised that people should treat mental illnesses with the same seriousness as physical illnesses. He noted that people should feel no shame in seeking professional help and that raising awareness remains one of the most effective ways to address mental health challenges.
While significant barriers still exist, public conversations surrounding mental health have become increasingly visible in India. Experts and advocates have credited public figures such as Deepika Padukone with helping bring these discussions into mainstream discourse.
A Legacy Beyond Cinema
Today, Deepika Padukone’s impact extends far beyond her achievements in the film industry. Through her advocacy and foundation work, she has become a symbol of resilience and a prominent voice in India’s mental health movement.
Her journey demonstrates how personal experiences can inspire broader social change. What began as a struggle with depression- and was later shaped by the grief of losing a close friend- evolved into a nationwide effort to promote awareness, understanding, and support for mental health.
Conclusion
The story behind Deepika Padukone’s mental health advocacy is ultimately one of transformation. Personal loss and lived experience became the foundation for a mission that continues to influence public attitudes toward mental health across India.
As conversations surrounding emotional well-being continue to gain momentum, her efforts serve as a reminder that awareness, empathy, and timely intervention can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “By turning grief into action, Deepika Padukone has helped create a space where people can openly discuss mental health, deepen their understanding of it, and address it without fear or stigma.
References +
- Indian Express. (2026, June 4). Deepika Padukone started a mental health foundation after a friend’s death, says dad Prakash. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/deepika-padukone-mental-health foundation-after-friend-death-prakash-padukone-10723245/
- The Live Love Laugh Foundation. (2026). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org
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