Nawazuddin Siddiqui Faces Backlash for His Statements on Depression

The renowned Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has come under fire for his recent comments on depression. In an interview, the actor labelled depression as an “urban concept” and claimed that people in rural areas like his hometown in Uttar Pradesh do not suffer from the mental health condition. He also suggested that the urban population “glorifies” their emotions.

The comments have drawn criticism from the public, mental health advocates, and experts who have called them “harmful”, “insensitive” and “misleading”. Here are some of the reactions:

• A Twitter user wrote, “Such generalisations are dangerous, invalidating and misleading.”
• Another tweet read, “If something is an urban concept, do we just ignore it because it’s urban?”
• Yet another user commented, “Bro villages have much greater issues with this regard… There are so many such issues that go unnoticed, thinking depression is the only mental health issue and that it’s all for the cities!!”

The controversy has put Siddiqui’s upcoming film promotions in jeopardy. He has several films lined up for release, including ‘Jogira Sara Ra Ra’, ‘Haddi’, ‘Adbhut’, ‘Tiku Weds Sheru’, and ‘Bole Chudiyan’.

The incident also highlights the need to spread awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional help when needed. Depression affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and seeking treatment can save lives.

It is essential to recognise that mental illnesses do not discriminate based on geographical location or socioeconomic status. Siddiqui’s statements have shed light on the lack of awareness and understanding of mental health issues that still exist in India, and it is crucial to continue the conversation and raise awareness of these issues.

In conclusion, it is essential to remember that dismissing mental health concerns based on someone’s location is not only insensitive but also harmful. Mental health conditions cannot be labelled as “urban” or “rural”, and everyone deserves access to proper resources and support.