The central government has appointed Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone as India’s first “Mental Health Ambassador,” recognizing her sustained efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues. Deepika, who publicly shared her personal battle with depression in 2015, founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL) to address mental health stigma and promote access to care across the country.
In her role as Mental Health Ambassador, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry of Health to drive national campaigns aimed at improving public understanding of mental health, dispelling misconceptions, and enhancing access to support and services. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised the collaboration, noting that her voice and influence would encourage more people to seek help and raise awareness among all sections of society.
Deepika expressed her honor in accepting the responsibility, highlighting the progress India has made in prioritizing mental health under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. She emphasized that her foundation has played a key role in transforming public discourse on mental health, encouraging open discussion, and increasing outreach to those in need.
Through the Live Love Laugh Foundation, Deepika has impacted millions of people, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and providing guidance for mental well-being. Her appointment as Mental Health Ambassador is expected to further amplify these efforts and expand their reach nationwide.