Bollywood celebs who took a break after mental health issues

Anushka Sharma has spoken publicly about her experiences with anxiety, calling for greater awareness and acceptance. She revealed that she was getting treatment for anxiety and emphasised the importance of not seeing mental illness as a taboo. Her decision to be transparent not only helped break the stigma but also empowered fans to seek help themselves.

Deepika Padukone’s battle with depression in 2014 was a turning point—not just for her, but for mental health advocacy in India. After experiencing prolonged episodes of sadness, helplessness, and lack of motivation, she sought professional help and took a break from work commitments. In 2015, she founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation, aiming to destigmatise mental illness and raise awareness. Deepika continues to speak openly about her journey, becoming a beacon of hope for millions.

Famed director and talk show host Karan Johar once admitted to battling intense anxiety and even experiencing panic attacks. He credited therapy and support from friends as vital in getting through that dark phase. Karan's vulnerability was a bold move in a space where male celebrities rarely speak about their emotions.

In 2016, Nargis Fakhri surprised fans when she took a sudden break and moved back to the US. The actress later revealed that the decision stemmed from mental and emotional exhaustion. She felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the industry and needed time to reconnect with herself. Her honesty about feeling burnt out struck a chord with many young professionals in high-pressure fields.

Shraddha Kapoor once opened up about dealing with anxiety for years without fully understanding it. She started experiencing physical symptoms around the time of her hit Aashiqui 2, which led to a series of medical tests—all of which came back normal. It was only later that she realised her body was reacting to unresolved mental health struggles. Her openness added to the growing chorus of Bollywood stars speaking their truth.