Mumbai: Actress and activist Somi Ali recently opened up to Deepika Padukone about the challenges she faced while battling depression.

Ali reflected on the harsh criticism and ridicule that Deepika Padukone faced from the public when the actress bravely spoke about her mental health struggles. Sharing her thoughts on celebrities opening up about undergoing therapy, she mentioned the time when Deepika had confessed about her battle with depression.

Somi said, “I have been advocating for years that anyone with any platform should openly discuss mental health. When Deepika Padukone spoke about her struggles on a public platform, it was an unprecedented moment not only for the industry but for the world. However, as I predicted, some people made fun of him, labeling him as a publicity seeker and not taken seriously. Here an actress of her stature has publicly shared that she was always depressed and had suicidal thoughts, and yet, instead of sympathy, she faced ridicule. I can’t say I was shocked. When I share something true without exaggerating, I experience the same reaction.”

“Regardless of the reaction, Deepika should be celebrated,” he said. They should be held in high esteem, given awards and shown the utmost respect – not only for speaking out but also for building a mental health foundation. I bow my head in respect, especially because my own mother suffered from mental health problems throughout her life and was physically punished for it by her family and spouse. I thank Deepika for taking a stand – a stand that no actor of her generation had the courage to take. If someone had done this years ago, perhaps Parveen Babi would still be alive and taking medication for paranoid schizophrenia.

Somi also talked about Aamir Khan taking joint therapy sessions with her daughter Ira Khan.

Somi Ali said, “This is progress at its best. This is why I have always considered Aamir Khan to be one of the most intellectually gifted celebrities in the industry along with Shahrukh Khan and a few others.

He further added, “Personally, as someone who has studied psychology, earned a master’s degree in the subject, and worked in a mental health clinic, I believe that every person You should have therapy sessions at least once a week – whether it’s alone, with your children, or as a family.”