Bollywood and cricket have long been thought of as places of glamour and perfection, where achievement, accolades, and public appearances come with seeming ease. But in 2025, we’re seeing something totally different: Several Indian celebrities who were once thought of as invincible are now utilizing their public platforms to address an important and human concern: mental health.
Indian celebrities’ mental health is evolving. No longer entertaining us alone, modern stars are actively destigmatizing mental health matters by giving personal accounts, creating new foundations, and normalizing such crucial discussions in mainstream media platforms.
Increased numbers of “celebrities with mental illness” have been a powerful force for change, exhibiting a new type of strength than in previous years. Their behavior is contributing to national dialogue about mental health for everyone.
10 Indian Celebrities Who Talked About Mental Health In 2025
Deepika Padukone
“I felt a sense of emptiness. Every morning I would wake up and feel a knot in my stomach.”
Deepika Padukone was one of the first big stars to go public with her battle with clinical depression at the height of her career in 2015, initiating a national debate over mental illness. She publicly and frankly discussed them back then. Deepika has now established the Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLLF) with objectives such as raising awareness, decreasing stigma, and providing resources.
Anushka Sharma
“I’m not on medication, but I’m on a medication to treat my anxiety. And why not? It’s completely normal. It’s biological.”
Anushka Sharma has never been shy about her struggles with anxiety. She has openly talked about going on medications as part of treatment. Anushka being honest makes therapy and medication become normal and something that others should also seek help for, without embarrassment or judgment.
Ira Khan
“Depression is a little complicated. It is partly genetic, partly psychological, and social.”
Being the daughter of actor Aamir Khan, Ira Khan has used her public fame to speak out openly and candidly about her own mental health issues – specifically clinical depression and anxiety. She set up her own foundation offering mental health information; Ira’s open speech has provided hope and knowledge for a younger generation that feeling sad can be caused by genetic factors as well as emotional.
Virat Kohli
“If you’re not in a strong mental state, it’s very difficult for you to be performing to your full ability.”
Virat Kohli, considered one of the world’s greatest cricket players, appeared invincible but confessed to sometimes being “mentally down” and tired. To be mentally tough, he depended a lot on having a “pause button.” Virat’s account redefines what mental toughness is for professional sports and demonstrates that even elite performers are human and must be supported and validated by others.
Shah Rukh Khan
“The more you live, the less you fear.”
Shah Rukh Khan has frequently discussed openly the physical and psychological cost of fame on his life, relating such sensations to body injuries as well as professional pressures. In 2025, he gave introspective speeches which urged individual growth and self-respect, relating peace of mind to a productive and fulfilling life.
Sushant Singh Rajput
“For me, the opposite of happiness isn’t sadness, but boredom.”
Though Sushant Singh Rajput’s personal struggles did not reach public knowledge during his lifetime, his death in 2020 led to a national uproar. It compelled a much-needed discussion on mental health in India. His estate is a great reminder of needing to seek assistance and to be candid about what one needs.
Alia Bhatt
“I go to therapy every week… it’s a daily work in progress.”
Alia Bhatt has been quite open about the weekly therapy sessions and finds emotional management “a daily process.” She has outlined simple coping mechanisms and takes solace in reading out children’s books to her daughter, showing that mental well-being is an individual one as well as an ongoing one. Alia’s example shows that mental wellbeing is an individual journey.
Mandira Bed
“It’s okay to ask for help!”
Mandira Bedi has spoken about her success with therapy to deal with intense personal loss. Today a co-founder of a mental well-being platform, this is a transition from only speaking to actually producing solutions – her work is what helps produce systems in which others can seek assistance when in need.
Karan Johar
“I went into a state of severe anxiety and depression. I had to go to a therapist and was on medication.”
Karan Johar, also a well-respected filmaker and TV personality, has publicly admitted to his experiences with depression and anxiety. He talked freely about a time of intense stress that caused him to try therapy and drugs; such frankness was further highlighted by being from within one of society’s high-pressure sectors, like film. Additionally, it broke down myths surrounding men being open about vulnerability; he has since been an outspoken advocate for professional help services.
Ileana D’Cruz
“I was always a very self-conscious person and was picked on for my body type.”
Actress Ileana D’Cruz has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness for many years. She boldly spoke of her experience with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), depression, and anxiety – an experience that highlighted the possibility that mental health issues might be the product of self-image and outside demands; and calling for people to seek professional guidance, in addition to celebrating the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Conclusion
Indian celebrities’ mental health frank talk is changing our nation and presenting a new type of strength. They removed the stigma first, then they established actual support groups, so it is easier now to talk about anxiety, depression, and other issues. Deepika Padukone is an example of someone who has established foundations, while others have just spoken out. They all are a testament to the idea that mental health should be kept as a national priority.
This initiative to create a healthier India is indeed praiseworthy and inspiring, owing to the unwavering courage of public leaders. In case you find it hard, consult a professional if required. Subscribe to Indian Counselling Services for more such engaging blogs.
Don’t miss our previous blog, “AI Tools Every Counsellor Should Know in 2025” to know about AI tools counsellors can use in 2025.
