Deepika Padukone Named First Mental Health Ambassador by India’s Health Ministry
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, a move signaling increased national focus on mental well-being.
The announcement was made today, October 10, 2025, on World Mental Health Day. Padukone, who founded The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating on Instagram, “On World Mental Health Day, I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador.” She highlighted India’s progress in prioritizing mental health under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting, “Through my own journey and work we’ve done at @tlllfoundation over the past decade, I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India.”
Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized that Padukone’s involvement will strengthen the focus on mental health and encourage people to seek support through government resources. “The partnership with Ms Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalise discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health,” Nadda said. Padukone will collaborate with the Ministry to advance awareness, de-stigmatization, and promote initiatives like Tele MANAS, a national tele-mental health program. India faces a significant mental health burden, with estimates suggesting a large percentage of the population experiences some form of mental health condition.
Prime Minister Modi earlier today called for normalizing conversations about mental health, adding, “World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being.” Officials stated Padukone will work under the guidance of Minister Nadda and the Ministry to further strengthen India’s mental health framework.
