Deepika Padukone was among the first few Bollywood celebrities to have opened up about depression. Back in 2015, the actresses poured her heart out and revealed how she struggled to overcome depression. She also started the Live Laugh Love Foundation for those seeking comfort in times of distress. While actress has always been very vocal about depression and everything that it brought with it, there is someone in Bollywood who took a dig at her and at all those who have claimed to suffer from depression. We are referring to Salman Khan here. Of course he refrained from naming anyone but he made a blanket statement for all those going through something as stressful and disturbing as depression.
In an interview recently, the Tiger Zinda Hai star said, "I can't afford that luxury of being depressed or sad or emotional." Salman added, "No matter what I am going through, it works against me."
Now, we understand that Salman was being candid and honest, but someone should let him know that depression isn't a luxury. It's a very serious mental health issue that has different levels of intensity. People, from Bollywood and out of Bollywood, are crippled by it. Some, may find it difficult to get off their bed, others may not have combed their hair in weeks, and a few more, may act like everything's normal, but within, they're screaming out for help, for someone to notice, to ask them if they're okay. It's about It's not about "having all the time in the world", it's about realising that when people are going through depression, they have no semblance of time, space or themselves. Nobody calls for it. Nobody invites it. Nobody asks for it.
Reacting to Salman's take, Deepika responded to the actor's statement saying, "People confuse it with being a bit sad. A male star said recently that he didn’t have the luxury to be depressed. As if depression is a choice!" There you go! She said it. Its time Salman shuts up because like he said, whatever he says or does, works against him. Well, so has this insensitive statement, Salman.
There already is enough tension between Salman and DP - they have been refusing to work in movies together, despite the audience rooting for them. And now, this is only going to widen the distance between them. We think Salman should definitely if not apologize, or at least clarify his stance on the "luxury" of being depressed. Don't you guys think so too? Do comment below and tell us what you think of it.
And remember, sometimes, all each of us need to do is just be there for one another. We may not have the right words, or be able to do anything, but just being there is more than enough. Sometimes, that's all another person needs.