‘Chhapaak’ isn’t just the most awaited film that Deepika Padukone has acted in, but is probably also the most challenging roles the actress had to work on aside ‘Veronica’ and ‘Leela’. Deepika had earlier opened up about how she had to burn the prosthetics used in the film to “heal emotionally”. We also saw how she broke down in tears during the film’s trailer launch. All this has hinted at one thing – she hasn’t completely healed from depression.
Deepika’s journey of dealing with depression has been a painful one. However, in several previous interviews, she had claimed that it got better. However, in a recent interview with film critic Rajeev Masand, Deepika opened up about how her depression resurfaced on the sets of ‘Chhapaak’, reveals News18.
Speaking to Masand, she says:
“I needed to have my counsellor on the sets of the movie with me. It came out of my nowhere and I was also caught off-guard. I started feeling it coming on and I thought maybe I am just tired or it is the long hours. But then it got really bad and I started feeling claustrophobic. It was very tough for me emotionally. To think about those days and put myself emotionally through that.”
The preparation to play the role of Malti had started before her marriage to Ranveer Singh. She revealed how she had undergone “look tests” before her wedding day and it took a serious toll on her emotionally. She said it stayed “at the back her head” throughout the wedding.
Watch her interview with Rajeev Masand here:
Since the last couple of years, the awareness and general discourse around depression have increased. More and more influential people are opening up about it and engaging in conversations with people. Social media has been a great help in spreading mental health awareness.
However, what people still need to realise is that one might not completely heal from depression and that it might keep coming back. Hence, a lot more sensitivity is required in handling people suffering from mental health issues.