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In a groundbreaking move, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India has appointed Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone as the country’s first ever mental health brand ambassador. An actress especially known for her courage in openly sharing her battle with depression, Deepika brings authenticity, empathy, and her star power to a cause that has been long shrouded in stigma. This visionary step not only acknowledges the urgent need for mental health awareness, but also marks a powerful shift towards creating a more supportive and informed society for millions across the nation.
Detailed insights on Deepika Padukone’s appointment as India’s mental health brand ambassador
On October 10, 2025, which is celebrated as the World Mental Health Day, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) took a historic step by appointing Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador for mental health awareness.
Deepika, who is known to have founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation in the year 2015, has long used her platform to share her own struggles with depression and anxiety. After the news of her appointment as the mental health brand ambassador, the actress expressed that she was “deeply honored” by the same. She also said that the role gives her an opportunity to build on the foundation’s work and support the government’s growing drive to make mental health a core component of the public health care system.
Health Minister, J P Nadda emphasised that Deepika’s involvement will help amplify awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.
About the government’s mental health awareness initiative
A major part of this mental health awareness initiative involves promoting Tele-MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), which is one of the government’s flagship mental health programmes. Deepika will be working to highlight this resource, along with other government approved support systems in order to ensure that more people across the country have access to mental health assistance.
Insights on the development of Tele-MANAS app
The Tele-MANAS platform itself is being enhanced, and the app now has an added support of 10 regional languages in addition to English and Hindi. The app also boasts of features such as a chatbot called Asmi, alongside emergency response tools, and improved accessibility are also being introduced. These changes aim towards better and enhanced mental health services, which are more inclusive and reachable even in the rural and non-Hindi speaking regions of the country.
Why mental health awareness is crucial in India?
In a country as vast and diverse as ours, mental health has long remained a neglected aspect of public health. Overshadowed by stigma, myths, and the lack of access, the appointment of Deepika Padukone as brand ambassador for the cause by MoHFW is truly worth appreciating, as the conversations surrounding mental health are finally taking the center stage. Here’s why mental health awareness is not just important, but an urgent need for our country-
1. Alarming mental health statistics
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 1 in 7 Indians suffer from mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. India also accounts for about 15% of the global mental, neurological, and substance use disorder burden. Without appropriate awareness and early intervention, millions are left untreated, leading to long term consequences for individuals as well as the society at large.
2. Lack of mental health infrastructure
Despite the growing burden surrounding mental health, India continues to face a severe shortage of mental health professionals. Raising awareness can lead to an increased demand, better policy focus, and eventually an improved infrastructure.
3. Persistent stigma and social silence
Mental illness is often seen as a personal weakness, spiritual punishment, or something to be hidden. This stigma regarding mental health and disorders creates a culture of silence, wherein people are afraid to acknowledge their struggles. Awareness campaigns, when especially led by public figures like Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador will help normalise conversations around mental health, making it more acceptable.
Deepika Padukone as an icon for mental health
Deepika Padukone’s advocacy surrounding mental health awareness has roots in her struggle with clinical depression. Having been diagnosed with depression in 2014, she has spoken about her struggle publicly. Her honesty has helped many people relate, feel less alone, and begin conversations that were long buried in silence.
In 2015, she founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation to fight the stigma around mental illness. The foundation mainly works on awareness campaigns, resource sharing, community engagement, and interventions for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention.
Further, Deepika has also led several public campaigns like More Than Just Sad, #NotAshamed, and Dobara Poocho, with an aim towards educating general physicians and the public to help recognise mental health issues and seek timely help.