Deepika Padukone Appointed As India’s First-Ever Mental Health Ambassador By Union Health Ministry

Deepika Padukone, acclaimed actor and Founder of The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation has been appointed as the first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’ by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

The announcement followed her visit to Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh, on World Mental Health Day, where she shared a video highlighting the importance of mental well-being.

This landmark initiative by the Ministry aims to foster a more supportive mental health ecosystem across India and represents a significant step toward destigmatising mental health conversations.

Speaking on the occasion, J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, said,“Our partnership with Deepika Padukone will help spread greater awareness about mental health issues in India, normalise conversations around them, and emphasise mental health as a vital part of public health.”

Marking the 10th anniversary of her foundation, Padukone reflected on her journey, sharing how The Live Love Laugh Foundation has worked tirelessly to spread awareness and inspire change, even in the face of scepticism surrounding her own mental health struggles.

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Expressing gratitude, she said, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous progress in prioritising mental health care. I look forward to collaborating with the Ministry to build on this momentum and further strengthen our nation’s mental health framework.”

In her new role, Padukone will work closely with the Ministry to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviour. She will also promote Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) and other government-endorsed mental health resources. Additionally, she will support the Ministry in developing strategic interventions to ensure equitable access to mental health care across the country.

Over the past decade, Live Love Laugh has positively impacted more than 21,900 persons with mental illness (PWMIs) and their caregivers through its Rural Community Mental Health Program, spanning 15 districts across eight states. The foundation has also led several pioneering initiatives, including “Dobara Poocho,” “#NotAshamed,” “You Are Not Alone” (for adolescents), and the “Doctors Program” for general practitioners. Most recently, it launched a corporate mental health and well-being program, expanding its mission to create a mentally healthier India.