Deepika Padukone becomes India’s first mental health ambassador

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has taken on a new role beyond the silver screen. On World Mental Health Day, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare named her India’s inaugural Mental Health Ambassador in a special ceremony in New Delhi.

Deepika, who founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation , will work closely with the ministry to raise awareness about mental health, break stigma, and promote the Tele MANAS helpline, which has already assisted over 1.5 million people since its launch in 2022.

Health Minister J.P. Nadda lauded the collaboration, calling it a “milestone in integrating mental health into public priorities.” He also highlighted upgrades to the initiative, including multilingual support and an AI-powered chatbot, aimed at making mental health assistance more accessible.

Known for her candid advocacy on mental well-being, Deepika’s appointment reinforces her commitment to using her star power for social impact, inspiring millions of fans across the country to take mental health seriously.