Karan Johar, the renowned filmmaker who shot to fame with his directorial debut, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” starring Shah Rukh Khan, recently shared his personal struggles with mental health during this year’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) event. He also revealed how Varun Dhawan played a pivotal role in helping him cope with anxiety through breathing exercises.

Karan Johar’s trajectory in the world of cinema has been undeniably extraordinary.. From directing hit movies to hosting the popular talk show “Koffee With Karan,” his career has been on an upward trajectory. The eighth season of his much-anticipated show recently began streaming, with its first episode featuring Bollywood’s power couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. During this episode, Karan Johar candidly opened up about a depressive episode he experienced at the launch of NMACC earlier in the year, shedding light on the crucial support he received from Varun Dhawan.

Karan Johar’s Revelation on Battling Depression

During the eighth season of “Koffee With Karan,” Deepika Padukone addressed the topic of depression, prompting Karan Johar to share his own experiences. He recollected an incident from 2017 when he found himself seated alongside Padukone and actor Farhan Akhtar in a helicopter on their way back from Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday party. During the journey, Padukone broke down and cried, a moment that deeply affected Johar.

Reflecting on the incident, Johar revealed that he held Padukone’s hand throughout the journey but realized he couldn’t fully grasp her emotional turmoil. However, he would soon confront his own battle with mental health issues. He admitted, “I went through a period of three difficult years amid the pandemic, contending not just with the burden of online harassment but also with my inadvertent efforts to project strength while suppressing my personal challenges.”

The NMACC Event and Varun Dhawan’s Support

Johar delved into the incident that took place at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, describing it as a “legit attack.” It was during this event that Varun Dhawan came to his rescue. Johar recounted how he started sweating and began to experience trembling hands. Dhawan promptly intervened, holding his hand and checking on him. Concerned for his well-being, Dhawan guided Johar to a private room and led him through a series of breathing exercises, fearing that he might be having a heart attack.

Johar confessed, “Within half an hour, I removed my intricate jacket and retreated to my bed, tears streaming down my face without any clear reason.” Following this depressive episode, Karan Johar sought professional help by consulting a psychologist. He reassured his audience that he is now in a better place.

A Message of Support

In conclusion, Johar’s revelation about his struggle with anxiety and depression serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts or anxiety, it is crucial to seek immediate help from a medical professional, mental health expert, or a reputable NGO. Numerous helplines are available to provide assistance and support during difficult times.