Anisha Padukone, sister of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, says she was caught unaware about the actor’s battle with anxiety and depression in 2014.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Anisha, the professional golfer, said she believed she knew enough about mental health at the time but realised she did not.

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Personally, I was not aware enough about the signs and symptoms to be able to understand what she was really going through. The fact that we didn’t live in the same city also didn’t not help, and I am really caught unaware and off guard. I felt like I knew enough about the topic but unfortunately, I didn’t,” Anisha said.

On Deepika Padukone’s journey

“Her (Deepika Padukone) journey teaches me that I do not know enough about the subject and need to read and understand more in order to support her in the way that is required. That is also when my own mental health journey begins. I start taking better care of my mental health.”

“As an athlete, I always focus on physical health to some extent, but not so much on mental health. The more I research and understand this subject, the more I realise that there are millions of people, not just in India but globally, going through similar experiences.”

Deepika Padukone stands tall as he most celebrated actor in Indian cinema, with a career defined by blockbuster success, critical acclaim, and global recognition. Over the years, she has not only dominated the box office but has also represented India on prestigious international platforms, strengthening her position as a true global icon. Her immense popularity has earned her a loyal fan base across the world, but what truly sets her apart is not just her success, but her ability to remain intensely private.