Deepika battled depression while filming 'Happy New Year' in Dubai

In a stunning turn of events, Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has publicly admitted she battled depression while filming for ‘Happy New Year’, which was largely filmed in Dubai.

The celebrity’s candid confession to an Indian daily, has drawn the support of other public figures and fans, alike.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the 29-yearold is quoted as saying: “Every morning, it was a struggle to wake up, and shoot for ‘Happy New Year’s’ climax… Most of ‘HNY’ was shot through this phase.”

Padukone reveals that after she broke down in front of her mother, she was asked by Ujjala Padukone to speak with a psychologist friend “who concluded that I was suffering from anxiety and depression.”

The actor further states she took a two-month break from filming to recover with her family by her side, who even holidayed in the Maldives last month, with Padukone’s actor alleged boyfriend, Ranveer Singh, by her side.

She is quoted further as saying: “When I returned to Mumbai, I heard about a friend committing suicide due to anxiety and depression. It was a huge blow.

“My personal experience, as well as my friend’s death urged me to take up this issue, which isn’t usually talked about. There is shame and stigma attached to talking about depression. In fact, one in every four people suffer from anxiety and depression.”

Padukone revealed last month that she wants to dedicate this year to creating more awareness about mental health issues.

The actor took to her social networking site last year to say: “I dedicate this year to supporting Mental Health Awareness.

“When you look at a person, any person, everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed their life.

“Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are not signs of weakness. They are signs of trying to remain strong for way too long. We are not alone....”

Support for the star

While the large Bollywood film fraternity at large has yet to comment on her confession, noted author and columnist Shobhaa De led the charge to support the actor, tweeting: “Bravo! Deepika Padukone, mental health is our society’s worst kept secret. Thank you for bringing depression out of the closet.”

Noted Indian comedian Tanmay Bhat tweeted: “Love Deepika Padukone for talking about her anxiety and depression and how she got help. More people need to do this.”

Casting director for Yash Raj Films, Shanoo Sharma also called Padukone ‘brave’.

Meanwhile, fans have also come out to support the ‘Finding Fanny’ star.

Divya Rajan tweeted: “Deepika Padukone speaking openly about depression is such a gutsy move considering the taboos attached to discussing mental health.”

Divyesh Mundra wrote: “Hats off to Deepika Padukone for talking about her anxiety and depression and how she got help. More people need to do this.”

Raksha Kumar said: “Depression and anxiety are real issues. Thanks Deepika Padukone for flagging them. They need attention and help.”

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