Deepika Padukone Named India’s First Mental Health Ambassador by MoHFW

October 12, 2025 — Bollywood actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has been officially appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). This landmark initiative aims to strengthen mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and promote a more robust support system across the country.

A Role Rooted in Advocacy

Padukone, who founded the Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation in 2015, has been a vocal advocate for mental health issues in India. Her foundation has worked to educate the public, provide resources for those struggling, and foster open conversations around mental well-being. Her appointment to this official role signals the government’s commitment to integrating mental health into broader public health initiatives.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized the significance of this partnership, saying, “Collaborating with Deepika Padukone will help amplify awareness of mental health, normalise discussions, and highlight its importance as an integral part of public health.”

Padukone, in her statement, said, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the first Mental Health Ambassador for MoHFW. India has made notable progress in prioritising mental health care under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. I look forward to working with the Ministry to build on this momentum and strengthen our nation’s mental health ecosystem.”

Key Responsibilities and Initiatives

In her new role, Padukone will help educate the public about mental health, champion de-stigmatisation efforts, and encourage individuals to seek timely support. She will also promote government initiatives such as Tele MANAS, a tele-mental health program, and contribute to policies ensuring equitable access to mental health care across the country.

Reflecting on her decade-long journey with LLL, Padukone said, “Ten years ago, our goal was simply to help people realise that what they are feeling has a name and that it’s okay to seek help. Hearing from people that we’ve helped save lives or supported families is an indescribable feeling.”

She also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional Indian wellness practices such as yoga and meditation with modern mental health strategies, aiming to make conversations about mental well-being as commonplace as everyday activities like gully cricket.

Broader Implications

Experts see Padukone’s appointment as a step toward destigmatising mental health issues in India, where millions still face barriers in seeking care. By leveraging her visibility and influence, the government hopes to reach younger audiences, urban populations, and communities where mental health remains a taboo subject.

Dr. Rhea Mehta, a Mumbai-based clinical psychologist, noted, “Having a high-profile figure like Deepika champion mental health can accelerate awareness campaigns and encourage more Indians to proactively address their mental well-being.”