Deepika Padukone recalls her childhood: I had trouble with Math, still do

Deepika Padukone at Pariksha Pe Charcha

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently participated in the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 event, where she took a moment to share her personal experiences with students, giving them valuable advice on managing stress and staying positive during exams.

The event, which is hosted annually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides a platform for students to interact with the PM and discuss topics like exam pressure, mental well-being, and how to approach studies in a healthy way.

In her discussion, Deepika opened up about her own struggles as a student, particularly with math. "Stress is something we all experience. I had a maths issue at school—and still do!" she revealed. This candid confession from the actress was not only relatable but also a source of encouragement for students facing similar challenges. Deepika's openness about still grappling with math, despite her success in Bollywood, serves as a reminder that academic struggles are normal and part of growing up.

The actress reminisced about her childhood, saying, "I was a very naughty kid—I used to climb and jump on sofas and chairs." Her playful description of herself as a mischievous child highlighted that not all students are naturally academic-focused. It was a moment of lightheartedness that also served to remind students that childhood is a time for exploration and fun, and it’s okay if things don’t always go perfectly in school.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a snippet of the interview on his official social media accounts, where he highlighted Deepika’s valuable advice. In the video, the actress spoke about the importance of managing stress, especially during the high-pressure period of exams. "Feeling stressed is normal; it’s part of life. What’s important is how we react to it," Deepika explained. She emphasized that stress is a natural part of life, but what truly matters is how we choose to handle it. Her words were a great reminder for students that while stress is inevitable, they have the power to control their responses.

She also stressed the importance of patience when dealing with exams and results. "Patience is the answer in the case of exams and results," she said. Deepika’s message was clear: rather than worrying about outcomes beyond our control, we should focus on what we can influence in the present moment. This includes taking care of our health, getting enough sleep, drinking water, and staying active through exercise. She also encouraged students to practice mindfulness and meditation, tools that can help manage stress and promote mental well-being.

Deepika has been an advocate for mental health since her personal battle with depression, which she first shared publicly in 2014. Her experiences with mental health were reflected in the advice she offered to students. "Journaling is one good way to process and express your feelings," she said, referencing Prime Minister Modi’s book, which encourages individuals to express their emotions. She emphasized that it is essential to vent and not bottle up feelings, as this can have a significant impact on mental well-being.

During Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, Deepika's message to students was not just about academic success but also about maintaining a healthy balance between studies and self-care. She urged them to take a more holistic approach to life, focusing on their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. By taking care of themselves, students can better cope with the pressures of exams and other challenges that come their way.