In 2016, Mirchi RJ Ridhi got diagnosed with depression. While she was initially in denial, an individual that motivated her to emerge stronger and challenge the societal outlook towards mental health was Bollywood actress and founder of a mental well-being foundation – Deepika Padukone – Jyothi Venkatesh
Mirchi Ridhi was inspired by Deepika’s personal journey and efforts to break stereotypical notions and reached out to her in 2017 through a letter.
Through the letter, she expressed her gratitude, showing how the Bollywood stalwart has positively impacted the lives of many.
Moved and happy that she could make a difference to someone’s life, Deepika paid a surprise visit to RJ Ridhi during the shoot of a popular game show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
It was not only Deepika’s experience that struck a chord with Mirchi Ridhi but also her constant endeavor towards bringing the importance of mental health into mainstream conversations.
Deepika’s initiative to assist people through the ‘Live Laugh Love’ foundation has encouraged MirchiRidhi to do the same.
She has become an advocate for mental health awareness and today, stands in solidarity with those who go through depression,enabling them to come out strong without worrying about the social stigma attached to it.
She has also been leveraging the unmatched reach of Mirchi’s platforms to get her voice heard.
During her evening show (5PM – 9PM) on Bangalore’s Mirchi 95 FM, she has taken the initiative of interviewing psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and people who have gone through a phaseof mental health issues to spread the word and break stereotypes.
She continues to create awareness andavail the power of radio and social media to educate her listeners and followers to help raise collective consciousness around mental health.
