Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been named India’s first Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen mental health awareness and accessibility. The announcement came alongside the launch of upgraded features for the Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) platform, which aims to make digital mental health services more inclusive and user-friendly.
Unveiled on World Mental Health Day 2025, the updated Tele-MANAS app was launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. The new version includes several accessibility features such as support for 10 additional regional languages, bringing the total to 12, along with an integrated AI-based chatbot named “Asmi”, assistive options for visually impaired users and an emergency support module for those in crisis. These enhancements are designed to ensure that mental health assistance reaches every part of India, breaking language and accessibility barriers.
Minister Nadda said Deepika Padukone’s appointment would help amplify conversations around mental health, reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help early. Since its launch, Tele-MANAS has reportedly handled over 28 lakh calls, averaging about 4,000 daily and currently offers counselling in more than 20 languages across states and union territories.
The upgraded Tele-MANAS platform, developed jointly by NIMHANS and IIIT-Bangalore, is part of the National Tele Mental Health Programme. Health experts have welcomed the expansion, noting that the inclusion of regional languages and accessibility tools will make the platform more inclusive, especially for individuals in remote areas or with disabilities.
Deepika Padukone’s Reflections on Mental Health
“Every second was a struggle.”
As per media reports in 2019, Deepika said that her experience with depression wasn’t something minor: “Every second was a struggle. I felt exhausted the whole time.” She described how people often confuse depression with sadness and that depression is not a choice.
In her statement, Deepika expressed that she was “deeply honoured” to take on the role and emphasized her continued commitment to advocating for mental well-being. Her involvement, according to ministry officials, is expected to increase public engagement with mental health initiatives and drive awareness about the importance of early intervention and emotional support.
The government’s collaboration with a high-profile advocate like Deepika Padukone marks a new chapter in India’s mental health journey. By combining technology with visibility, the initiative aims to move beyond crisis care building a more empathetic, inclusive and accessible mental health ecosystem for all.
