Actor Arjun Kapoor, known for his roles in films like Gunday, 2 States, and Singham Again, has always been a prominent figure in Bollywood. However, the actor recently opened up about some personal battles he's faced, including struggles with mental health and a chronic physical condition. In an honest and candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Arjun revealed how these challenges have shaped his life and career.
Over the past few years, Arjun Kapoor’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After a series of disappointing films such as Kuttey, The Lady Killer, and Ek Villain Returns, Kapoor made a strong comeback with a stellar performance in Singham Again. However, his personal struggles were much more than what was seen on screen. The actor disclosed that he had been grappling with mild depression and was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Struggling with Depression: A Journey of Self-Doubt
During the interview, Arjun opened up about how he coped with depression while dealing with the pressures of his career. He explained, "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."
As the failure of several films weighed on him, Kapoor explained how it began to affect his mental well-being. He revealed, "Moreover, being a fat kid creates a lot of mental trauma for years and you don’t realize that. Your equation with food and taking care of yourself." This lingering self-doubt compounded over time, especially as his identity became closely tied to his success in the film industry. The actor admitted that during this period, he struggled with his sense of purpose and direction. "I just knew something wasn’t working," he shared, expressing how disconnected he felt from his passion for films. "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?’"
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As the emotional burden grew heavier, Arjun turned to therapy as a way to navigate through the darkness. "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." His journey with therapy began a year ago, marking a period where he chose to focus on his personal well-being rather than his professional life. He mentioned how the depression was circumstantial, and that he had to confront deeper issues within himself. "I have never been a bitter or negative person, but it started festering inside me in a very off way," he explained.
Arjun’s path to healing was not immediate. He shared that he initially saw several therapists, but it was only when he found the right fit that he began to feel comfortable enough to fully open up. "She did diagnose me with mild depression at that point of time which is very circumstantial," he recalled, explaining how it was linked to his struggles in the industry. Therapy, he says, helped him process his emotions, and gave him the tools to manage his mental health in a more balanced way.
Physical Health Challenges: Living with Hashimoto’s Disease
In addition to his mental health struggles, Arjun also revealed that he had been living with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The condition leads to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining normal metabolic function. For Kapoor, the diagnosis came at a time when his body began to undergo noticeable changes.
"I haven’t always opened up about it, but I also have Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland)," he shared. "It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes in distress." Arjun explained how his body’s response to stress, both physical and emotional, was particularly challenging. "That happened to be when I was 30 and I defied it," he added. The condition, which runs in his family—his mother and sister also have it—complicated his relationship with his body and self-image.
Kapoor candidly acknowledged how the condition has affected his appearance and health, particularly during the course of his film career. "I could see me and my body changing through the course of my films," he noted, reflecting on the physical transformation he experienced. While he admitted to feeling frustrated with the changes, he has learned to accept them as part of his journey.
A Path to Recovery and Self-Acceptance
Despite these challenges, Arjun Kapoor has made great strides toward self-acceptance and healing. Therapy has been a key part of his mental health journey, and his openness about his struggles has resonated with many. His decision to speak up is an important step in normalizing discussions around mental health and chronic illness in the entertainment industry.
"At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own well-being," he reflected, acknowledging that while the path to recovery is ongoing, he is in a much better place today.
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