Actor Deepika Padukone was appointed as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador of India by the Health Ministry on Friday. The announcement coincided with World Mental Health Day — marking a significant step in the bid to prioritise mental well-being as a key component of public health. The Bollywood star has been vocal about her struggle with depression and anxiety over the years and currently runs The Live Love Laugh Foundation.

“On World Mental Health Day, I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador…Led by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our nation has taken meaningful steps to place mental health at the heart of public health. Through my own journey and work we’ve done at TLL Foundation over the past decade, I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India,” she wrote on Instagram.

Padukone also shared a photo with Health Minister JP Nadda and Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava alongside the caption. The actor had met with the duo as part of her appointment process on Friday afternoon. Nadda said her involvement as a national advocate would help strengthen the focus on mental health and encourage people to seek timely support through government-approved mental health resources.

“The partnership with Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalise discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health”, he said.

First Mental Health Ambassador of India

In her new role, the ‘Piku’ actor will closely work with the Ministry to advance mental health awareness, drive de-stigmatisation initiatives, encourage help-seeking and preventive practices, and promote Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) along with other government-approved mental health resources.

Deepika has always been on the frontline when it comes to spreading awareness about the importance of mental health. She started voicing her opinion on the importance of mental health through her foundation, ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation’, which was founded in June 2015. Her personal experiences with depression inspired her to establish the foundation, and she has spoken openly about her journey in public since then.

World Mental Health Day

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making conversations about mental health a mainstream part of public discourse and society, while commending professionals working to promote mental well-being across the country.

“World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being. In a fast-paced world, this day underscores the importance of reflecting and extending compassion to others..Let us also work collectively to create environments where conversations around mental health become more mainstream. My compliments to all those working in this field and helping others heal and find happiness,” he wrote on X.

World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 every year. According to the World Health Organization, it was first observed in 1992, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.