📌 Key Points
- Prakash Padukone shared that a friend’s passing prompted Deepika to speak about her depression.
- He emphasized that mental health is a serious issue and no one should feel ashamed to discuss it.
- Deepika founded “Live Love Laugh” in 2015 to reduce mental illness stigma.
- Prakash lauded Deepika for her mental health advocacy, seeing it as part of her legacy.
In a poignant revelation, Prakash Padukone, father of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, disclosed the heartbreaking reason behind her decision to publicly share her struggle with depression: the passing of a friend. He lauded her courage and dedication to mental health advocacy through her Live Love Laugh foundation.
Prakash Padukone on Deepika’s Mental Health Journey
Deepika Padukone has been open about her struggle with depression and has also started a foundation to raise awareness about mental health. Recently, Deepika’s father and former badminton player Prakash Padukone spoke about the actor’s battle with depression and how he and the family supported her when she decided to speak publicly about her experience.
Prakash called mental health a serious issue and pointed out that no one should “feel ashamed” to talk about it. He also shared that those who are in a position to help others by sharing their own experiences should come forward and be encouraged to do so.
The Catalyst for Deepika’s Public Revelation
Prakash lauded Deepika for her work in the mental health space and said that she will be remembered not only for her achievements in cinema but also for making a meaningful difference in the field of mental health awareness.
For the unversed, Deepika Padukone founded her organisation, Live Love Laugh, in 2015 with the aim of reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and providing access to mental health resources. She spoke openly about her own struggles while empowering others to share their stories and seek help.
Deepika’s Live Love Laugh Foundation & Legacy
On the personal front, the actor is expecting her second child. Deepika and husband Ranveer Singh are parents to daughter Dua, and they announced Deepika’s second pregnancy on April 19, 2026, through a joint social media post.
This insight from Prakash Padukone underscores the deeply personal motivation behind Deepika’s impactful mental health work. Her journey, rooted in a tragic loss, continues to inspire millions, cementing her legacy beyond cinema.
