Bollywood star Deepika Padukone recently joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2025, offering invaluable advice to students on managing exam stress, prioritizing mental well-being, and fostering self-improvement. In a candid and insightful conversation, Padukone drew from her personal experiences to connect with students, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to life and learning.
Confronting the Stigma of Mental Health
Padukone openly addressed the stigma surrounding mental health in India, sharing her own battles with depression. She recalled a particularly challenging period in 2014 when she felt “utterly helpless and hopeless.” It was only after confiding in her mother that she sought professional help from a psychologist.
Her willingness to share her story is a significant step toward raising awareness about mental health, which she described as an “invisible struggle” that can affect anyone. Padukone stressed the importance of expressing emotions rather than suppressing them, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s message in his book, Exam Warriors: “Express, never suppress.”
“When preparing for exams, you begin to feel lighter,” she remarked. “This paves the way for a happier, healthier existence.” She further emphasized that mental health issues are universal, stating, “Depression, anxiety, and stress can strike anyone, at any moment.”
Practical Tips for Exam Stress Management
Padukone offered students practical guidance on managing stress, particularly during exams. She underscored the value of a healthy lifestyle in supporting mental wellness, highlighting the importance of:
- Sleep: “Sleep is crucial. It’s a free superpower at your disposal.”
- Sunlight and Fresh Air: “Make sure you get enough sunlight and fresh air.”
- Seeking Help: “Always seek help when needed.”
- Patience: “Being patient — whether it’s about your exams, results, or preparations — is essential.”
- Hydration, Exercise, and Meditation: “Prioritize sleep, stay hydrated, exercise, and meditate.”
- Taking Breaks: Reminding students to take breaks.
She also advised students to focus on what they can control, such as their preparation level. When feeling stressed, she suggested talking to parents or teachers to identify the cause and find healthy coping mechanisms like meditation or exercise.
Marks Aren’t Everything: Focus on Self-Growth
Padukone reminded students that “marks aren’t everything in life,” urging them to focus on self-growth, mental well-being, and their strengths. She stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced routine during exam season, including sleep, hydration, exercise, meditation, and self-expression.
“It is natural to feel pressure, but what matters is how we handle it,” she said. She also pointed out that academic performance should not define a student’s future, as success comes in various forms beyond the classroom.
Drawing from Personal Experience
Sharing her own experiences as a student, Padukone admitted to being “weak in maths” and feeling stressed before exams. In such situations, she advised taking a short break to relax the mind before tackling the subject again. She also emphasized the importance of patience, whether it’s with exam preparations or results.
“It is natural to feel anxious when you don’t understand a particular chapter, and also sad when a question comes from that particular chapter that you haven’t prepared for well,” she said. In such moments, she stressed the importance of remaining patient and focusing on what is within one’s control.
The Power of Expression and Inner Strength
Padukone emphasized the power of expressing oneself, particularly when feeling lost or depressed. She highlighted the importance of finding one’s inner strength, stating that feeling stressed during exam preparations is normal, but what matters is how one handles it.
Padukone’s Success Mantra
The actress shared her personal success mantra with the students, emphasizing the importance of:
- Clarity: Having clarity on what you want to do in life.
- Conviction: Believing in your capabilities.
- Acceptance of Failure: Acknowledging that failures and mistakes are inevitable.
- Fun: Most importantly, having fun along the way.
She also recalled her early school days, sharing her enthusiasm for extracurricular activities and sports. She expressed gratitude that her parents didn’t pressure her for good marks and encouraged parents to recognize their child’s potential.
Deepika’s Mental Health Advocacy
Padukone, who revealed her depression diagnosis in 2015, highlighted that discussions around mental health were not always encouraged in India. In 2014, she founded the LiveLoveLaugh Foundation to create awareness about mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and provide mental health resources.
Experts Weigh In
Importance of Holistic Well-being
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a leading psychologist, emphasizes the importance of integrating mental and physical well-being: “Exam stress is a significant issue among students, and Deepika Padukone’s emphasis on sleep, exercise, and meditation is crucial. These practices not only reduce stress but also improve cognitive function, leading to better academic performance.”
Parental Support and Recognition
Education consultant, Priya Sharma, highlights the role of parents in fostering a supportive environment: “Deepika’s encouragement to parents to recognize their child’s potential beyond academics is essential. Parents should focus on nurturing their child’s strengths and interests, rather than solely fixating on grades.”
The Impact of Open Dialogue
Social activist, Rohan Verma, underscores the significance of open conversations about mental health: “Deepika Padukone’s openness about her own struggles with depression is incredibly powerful. It helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages others to seek help.”
Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Deepika Padukone’s participation in Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 provided students with valuable insights and practical tips for managing exam stress and prioritizing mental well-being. Her personal anecdotes and empowering message resonated deeply, reminding students that they are not alone in their struggles and that success is defined by more than just academic achievements. By sharing her experiences and advocating for mental health awareness, Padukone has inspired countless students to embrace a holistic approach to life and learning.
