New Delhi: The 10th of September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. While many across the world have realised the importance of talking about depression, many still feel shy to open up about their emotional turmoil.
Closer home and to the film industry, we have seen many celebrities talk openly about the skeletons in their past. These celebs have proved that they are not only a pretty face and have served as an inspiration to many to address their issues.
Today, we bring you a list of 5 such celebs who fought ordeals and always shone like a bright star.
Deepika Padukone
Who would have imagined that the gal with the epic smile, which can light up anyone's day, was once seeing dark days herself? Deepika Padukone stunned everyone recently when she spoke about the stigma that surrounds depression. In one of her TV interviews, Deepika accepted that she used to take pills to fight depression. She also mentioned that in India, which is the most depressed country in the world according to the World Health Organisation, people find it easier to put on a brave face rather than talk about their mental health problems. Deepika then said that talking about it is no shame and those going through depression need support. Taking a step forward to fight anxiety, Deepika has started ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation' which aims to provide professional help to the needy.
Hrithik Roshan
We live in a world where teenagers try committing suicide for a lot of reasons, bullying being one. Being the butt of jokes or facing humiliation each day isn't easy, and you would be surprised that Bollywood's Greek God fell prey to it when he was young. Hrithik has mentioned being bullied in school owing to his stammering problem. Hrithik even took speech therapy for it and said that his experience was close to hell. If he had taken a drastic step, we would never have got the chance to see this amazing actor. Hrithik has always urged students to fight bravely against the cruel trend and not give in to it.
Kalki Koechlin
Contrary to what the masses believe, child sexual abuse is a concern which needs everyone's attention. Actress Kalki Koechlin, who is known for her powerful roles, also was a victim of the same. In one press conference, she said that the reason she didn't speak about it for a long time was because it was difficult for her. She considered her art and work as her therapeutic measures. In an era where the victims of sexual abuse are ashamed to talk about their horrendous past and resort to unethical steps like suicide, Kalki has surely set the right example for everyone to follow.
Javed Akhtar
The source of knowledge which can enlighten millions was once an alcoholic. On Aamir Khan's show ‘Satyamev Jayate', lyricist Javed Akhtar spoke about his wasted years in alcohol and how a fun activity turned into an addiction which wasted around 26-27 years of his life. Javed Akhtar asked the youth of the nation not to see drinking as a glamorous habit but as a filthy one which doesn't allow you to think straight. With a huge proportion of youth being prone to alcohol and its pitfalls later, Akhtar serves as an inspiration.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Probably one of the biggest reasons for suicide is failure. And who else but actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui can teach you how to see light at the end of the tunnel if you just keep walking. He might be one of the most sought after actors today but Nawazuddin struggled for 12 years before he could taste success. The only roles he got went unnoticed by the audiences but he didn't lose hope. With ‘Black Friday' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur', Nawazuddin became the actor who ruled everyone's hearts.
