Arjun Kapoor has always been vocal about his long-standing struggles with weight and mental health, including being diagnosed with mild depression and Hashimoto’s disease. The 40-year-old actor has also been open about dealing with grief after his mother Mona Kapoor’s death in 2012.
Arjun is now speaking up about the need to normalise therapy, mental health journey, and the pressures of fame.
During a recent event, the actor spoke about losing 50 kilos for his first film “Ishaqzaade” (2012). He went on to credit his late mother for the transformation.
"Losing 50 kg took me four years. I was lucky to have my mother's support. But most people don't have that kind of emotional or financial backing," he said.
Talking about his mother's death, he added, "When you lose your backbone at 25, what can the world do to you? I've faced enough to know I can take on anything."
Arjun's mother, film producer Mona Shourie Kapoor, died due to multiple organ failure in 2012. She was battling cancer and was 48 at the time of death.
Encouraging the youth to overcome the stigma associated with therapy, Arjun emphasised the importance of prioritising mental health.
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"There's nothing wrong with being vulnerable. The strongest people are those who can acknowledge their emotions. When you talk openly, you realise how smart and sensible you are. You just need an outlet, and therapy gives you that."
Last year, Arjun had opened up about being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that can slow down metabolism and cause weight gain.
"That (Hashimoto's disease) happened to be when I was 30, and I defied it and I said, 'No, this can't be'. My mom (Mona Shourie Kapoor) used to have it, and my sister (Anshula Kapoor) also has it... If I look back today, I can see myself and my body changing through the course of my films. Now that is 2015-16, that's seven-eight years of me holding that physical trauma and then my films not panning out at the same time," he added.
On the work front, Arjun was last seen in “Mere Husband Ki Biwi” with Rakul Preet Singh and Bhumi Pednekar. He will next be seen in “No Entry 2”.
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