Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor delivered a powerful and deeply personal address at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai, opening up about his long-standing battles with obesity, profound personal loss, and the emotional toll of sudden fame.
A Candid Confession on Mental Health
The actor revealed that it was during the Covid-19 lockdown that he found the clarity and courage to seek professional help. He shared that this period of isolation provided him with the necessary space for introspection, leading to the pivotal realization that he needed to begin therapy.
Arjun spoke at length about the immense emotional pain he endured, particularly following the loss of his mother in 2012. He connected this grief to his struggles with body image and his public journey with obesity, topics he has been transparent about for years.
Vulnerability as a Strength
In a key moment of his speech, the 'Ishaqzaade' star emphatically stated that 'Vulnerability is not weakness'. He framed the act of accepting one's emotions and actively seeking help not as a source of shame, but as a 'badge of strength'.
His message was a direct appeal, especially to the young leaders in the audience, to normalize conversations around mental wellness. He emphasized that confronting emotional struggles head-on is a sign of immense courage and self-awareness.
A New Perspective on Fame and Pain
Kapoor also touched upon the unique challenges that came with his sudden rise to fame. He described how navigating the film industry's pressures, while simultaneously dealing with personal turmoil, created a complex web of emotional challenges.
By sharing his own story of starting therapy, Arjun Kapoor has joined a growing list of Indian celebrities who are using their platform to destigmatize mental health issues. His honest account at the summit serves as an important reminder that seeking support is a proactive and brave step toward healing.
