Babil Khan emotional video: Here’s what it says about mental health, why it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes

When actor Babil Khan recently broke down on Instagram, calling Bollywood the fakest industry, the video soon went viral and the internet was full of speculation. Soon after, his family released a statement saying the video had been misunderstood, Babil was simply having a tough day. To think, who hasn’t? It must have been a moment that felt deeply relatable.

You are often expected to hold it together all the time, but mental health doesn’t work like that, says Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO and senior psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, Gurugram. “Some days you are strong; other days, just getting out of bed can feel insurmountable. No one can have it all figured out. It’s not weakness, it’s being human,” says Dr Gupta.

He shares reasons why bad days happen and why they’re more normal and also manageable:

Also read | Babil Khan returns to Instagram after his emotional breakdown, says, "extremely misinterpreted"

• Emotions don’t need to be filtered: Social media trains us to show only the highlight reel, the vacations, the wins, the polished smiles. But real life includes messy moments too. Frustration, burnout, loneliness, they’re not signs of weakness, just part of being human.

• Mental health isn’t always visible: Just because someone looks fine doesn't mean they are. Many people struggle internally while appearing composed on the outside. That’s why checking in, with yourself and others, matters. A bad day can be a result of  many things like grief, stress, pressure, or even just exhaustion. It doesn't always need a grand explanation.

• One tough day doesn’t define you: It's easy to panic during a low moment and feel like things are falling apart. But one bad day is not your whole story. Feelings are temporary. You won’t always feel the way you do today.

• Speaking up helps, even if it’s messy: Sometimes venting in the moment, like Babil did, is part of processing pain. While the internet isn’t always the safest space to be vulnerable, sharing feelings with someone — a friend, therapist, or support group — helps lighten the load. What’s important is creating space where people don’t feel judged for feeling overwhelmed.

• Rest and support: Taking a break, switching off, asking for help, these are acts of strength. Society often glorifies constant hustle, but rest is crucial for mental health. Whether it’s through therapy, spending time with loved ones, or just staying offline for a bit, recovery from a hard day is real and possible.