Actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the country’s first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’ by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The move marks a major milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to promote mental well-being and remove stigma surrounding mental health conversations.

Padukone, who founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL) in 2015, has long been at the forefront of mental health advocacy in India. Her appointment recognises her decade-long commitment to spreading awareness and her openness about her own mental health struggles.

Announcing the partnership, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda said, “Working with Deepika Padukone will help amplify awareness about mental health issues across the nation, normalise conversations, and position mental health as a vital part of overall public health.”

Expressing gratitude, Padukone said, “It is a privilege to serve as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has made tremendous progress in prioritising mental health care. I am eager to collaborate with the Ministry to build on this momentum and create a more inclusive and accessible mental health framework.”

In her new role, Padukone will work closely with the Ministry to promote mental health education, support awareness and de-stigmatisation campaigns, and encourage individuals to seek professional help. She will also advocate for government-led initiatives such as Tele-MANAS, India’s national mental health helpline, and help develop strategies to make care more equitable.

Reflecting on her journey, Padukone said, “When I started The Live Love Laugh Foundation ten years ago, the goal was to help people understand that what they’re experiencing has a name—and that it’s okay to ask for help. When someone tells me, ‘You saved my life,’ or ‘You helped my daughter,’ that is the most meaningful recognition I could receive.”

The actor also emphasised the need to integrate science-backed therapies with traditional Indian practices such as yoga and meditation to create a holistic mental health approach. She envisions a future where mental health awareness becomes as commonplace as everyday conversations — “just like gully cricket,” she said with a smile.