Even after all these years of trying to bring the concept of mental health to the forefront, it still seems like a taboo in India. Actors like Deepika Padukone opened up about it a few years ago talking about how they dealt with depression and anxiety, but we’ve still not made enough headway in this conversation. We live in a world where 300 million are suffering from depression but we still don’t know enough about it. A study reported in WHO states that at least 6.5% of the Indian population suffers from some serious mental disorder and is the most depressed country in the world.
Shaheen Bhatt, the daughter of director Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan, recently published a book where she opens up about her struggle with depression. I’ve Never Been (Un)Happier talks about her mental illness and her journey navigating and coming to terms with it. She is now an advocate of mental health, and uses her platform openly to spread the message to wider audiences.
Alia Bhatt has been known to be very protective of her sister and recently opened up about her book. In a conclave with Barkha Dutt called We The Women, she broke down and wept in front of 600 people about how she didn’t understand what her sister was going through.
The Highway actor said, “I have only believed that she is the most brilliant person in my family. To some extent, she has never believed that about her own self but that always broke my heart. I was sensitive but I feel guilty for not understanding as much as I should have.”
She even went on to say that despite living with Shaheen all through her life she truly got to know the inner turmoil her sister was going through after reading her book. She added, “I felt terrible as a sister. I didn’t put myself out there enough to understand her.”
She had earlier warned everyone that if she starts crying she wouldn’t be able to stop and that’s what happened.
Alia had also dedicated a post to Shaheen on Instagram, writing, “Here comes the sun. No better feeling than talking about your sisters first book! @shaheenb you are brilliant and I love you!”
Deepika Padukone called both the sisters cuties and mommy Soni Razdan also wrote “my gorgeous darlings” in the comments section.
More power to you, Shaheen. Conversations like these need to be had and you’re truly brave for putting your story out there.
Featured Image: Instagram
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