Arjun Kapoor recently opened up to the world about battling self-doubt, depression, and an autoimmune disease. Work wise, he is receiving appreciation for his acting in ‘Singham Again’, which is directed by Rohit Shetty. This is recognition following a string of less successful films, like ‘Kuttey’, ‘The Lady Killer’, and ‘Ek Villain Returns’, which did affect his mental health. Adding to his troubles, Kapoor was recently through a breakup with Malaika Arora, leaving him broken-hearted. Speaking in an interview with ‘The Hollywood Reporter India’, the actor discussed experiences with mild depression and the steps he’s taking to heal.
Reflecting on his journey, Kapoor shared: “You will have moments of self-doubt in any profession and you fight through it. When films don’t pan out, those moments become days, then months and then years. You start doubting yourself, the negative always sounds louder.” He continued ” being a fat kid creates a lot of mental trauma for years and you don’t realise that. Your equation with food and taking care of yourself.”
In an attempt to regain control over his mental health, Kapoor started going to therapy, which he initiated about a year ago. “So, when I went through this phase, I started seeking therapy. I have been somebody who has taken responsibility, I don’t go and talk to people about it. I tried to deal with it the best way I could. The depression and therapy part started happening last year. This last one year was more personal than professional. I just knew something wasn’t working. I had even stopped enjoying watching films. My life was films and suddenly I started watching other people’s work and thought to myself, “Will I be able to or will I get a chance?”, he said.
Arjun elaborated “I have never been a bitter or negative person, but it started festering inside me in a very off way. I started watching YouTube shorts to put myself to sleep. I started therapy and went to a couple of therapists who didn’t work out. I then found someone who really allowed me to speak. She did diagnose me with mild depression at that point of time which is very circumstantial.”
He spoke of the problem he has been facing because of Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid. “I haven’t always opened up about it, but I also have Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland), which is an extension of thyroid. It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes in distress. That happened to be when I was 30 and I defied it. My mom used to have it and my sister (Anshula Kapoor) also has it. I could see me and my body changing through the course of my films” Kapoor claimed that the condition has affected him even personally, making some very observable changes to his body over the years.
