Renowned actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, known for his recent role in Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah, opened up about his views on depression while promoting his upcoming film Jogira Sa Ra Ra alongside Neha Sharma. Siddiqui highlighted the contrasting perspectives on depression between urban and rural areas during his candid discussion.
In an interview with Mashable India, Siddiqui shared that if he had ever mentioned being depressed to his father, who came from a rural background, he would have received a tight slap. He explained that in his village, depression was not acknowledged, and everyone was presumed to be happy.
However, upon moving to the city, Siddiqui became exposed to terms like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. He noticed that urban areas have a different perception of depression, often “glorifying” even the smallest of emotions. Siddiqui expressed his opinion, stating that this is an urban concept where people tend to glorify their emotions.
These remarks from the actor shed light on the differing realities faced by individuals in urban and rural communities. While urban areas offer a more accessible understanding and recognition of mental health issues, Siddiqui believes that villages maintain a culture where happiness prevails, and concepts like depression are not prevalent.
It is important to note, however, that depression is a common mental health disorder globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. It extends beyond occasional sadness and significantly impacts a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s insights on the perspectives of depression provide valuable context to the broader discussion on mental health, highlighting the need for awareness, understanding, and support across different communities.