The first episode of Karan Johar's Koffee With Karan Season
8, which premiered at midnight on October 26, featured the dynamic duo of
Bollywood, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. The couple, often seen as the
epitome of Bollywood royalty, brought an abundance of warmth and love to the
show, from sharing their never-before-seen wedding footage to reminiscing about
their romantic proposal.
However, amidst all the love and laughter, a significant
part of the conversation centered around mental health, particularly anxiety
and depression. Both Karan Johar and Deepika Padukone courageously discussed
their personal battles with these issues. Deepika, who openly shared her
struggles back in 2015, revealed that her journey is still ongoing, emphasizing
that dealing with anxiety is an everyday effort.
During the show, Karan Johar recalled an incident from the
past, where he saw Deepika crying during a helicopter ride from Alibaug.
Deepika clarified that this incident occurred in 2014 and was one of the
turning points that led her to open up about her own mental health struggles.
She expressed the need for change and the importance of breaking the silence
surrounding mental health.
Deepika also credited her husband, Ranveer Singh, for
creating a safe and supportive environment for her. She commended his patience
and understanding, emphasizing that he stood by her side without trying to
minimize her struggles. Ranveer, in turn, shared his perspective on Deepika's
journey, recounting a moment in 2014 when he realized the seriousness of her
mental health issues. He vividly remembered rushing to her side after she had a
blackout and fall, and he saw that something was amiss in her eyes. He
described a heart-wrenching breakfast where she was in tears, yet unable to
explain her feelings.
The moment left Ranveer feeling helpless, and he reached out
to Deepika's parents for support. It was a pivotal experience that illustrated
the gravity of the situation and the importance of seeking help when dealing
with mental health challenges.
Karan Johar also shared his own struggle with anxiety,
revealing a "legit attack" he experienced at the launch of the Nita
Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) earlier in the year. He described a
moment where he felt overwhelmed, sweating profusely, and his hands shaking.
The concern of his friend, Varun Dhawan, led him to an empty room, and at that
point, he was unsure of the cause. He initially feared it was a cardiac issue
but eventually realized it was an anxiety attack. The experience deeply
affected him, leading him to leave the event and return home, where he found
solace in tears.
This candid conversation on Koffee With Karan Season 8 sheds
light on the importance of discussing mental health issues openly and seeking
support from loved ones and professionals. It is a reminder that even those in
the spotlight face these challenges and that vulnerability and understanding
can help in the journey to recovery and well-being.