Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has opened up candidly about his personal struggles with grief, obesity, and mental health, emphasizing that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Speaking at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai recently, Kapoor delivered a powerful address that touched upon his decades-long journey of healing following the loss of his mother, Mona Shourie Kapoor, in 2012.
The 39-year-old actor shared deeply personal insights into how losing his mother at a crucial juncture in his life shaped his resilience and perspective. “I still miss my mom,” Kapoor admitted, reflecting on the enduring impact of her absence. His candid revelations have resonated with audiences, as he normalizes conversations around mental wellness and the importance of seeking professional help.
The Weight of Grief and Sudden Stardom
Kapoor’s journey took a dramatic turn when his mother passed away just 45 days before the release of his debut film, Ishaqzaade, in May 2012. This tragic timing meant he experienced a conflicting storm of emotions, mourning his mother while simultaneously becoming a star overnight.
“My mother passed away in March 2012, and my film was released 45 days later. I was mourning and celebrating at the same time. I became a star overnight, but I was only running away from my pain,” he confessed during his recent address. Rather than celebrating this milestone moment with his family, Kapoor found himself sitting alone at home on the day of his film’s release, a realization that shaped his understanding of success and loss.
The Four-Year Battle with Obesity
Beyond the emotional turmoil, Kapoor struggled significantly with his physical health. Speaking about his lengthy weight loss journey, he revealed that losing 50 kilograms took him four years, a battle that was as much mental as it was physical.
“Losing 50 kilos took me four years. It was as much a mental battle as a physical one,” Kapoor stated. He acknowledged that his weight struggles were deeply connected to his emotional state, particularly during the period following his mother’s death. Before launching his acting career, he had lost approximately 45-50 kg to prepare for Ishaqzaade, but the psychological toll of his loss made maintaining his health a constant challenge.
Kapoor also highlighted the privilege he had in accessing resources for his transformation. “I was lucky to have my mother’s support. But most people don’t have that kind of emotional or financial backing,” he noted, underscoring how his mother’s love sustained him through those difficult years, even as her absence left a permanent void.
Therapy and the Road to Healing
A turning point in Kapoor’s mental health journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the global lockdown forced him to pause and look inward. “COVID gave me a moment of realisation. I started therapy because I realised I hadn’t taken care of myself for ten years,” he shared, emphasizing that even accomplished individuals require professional support.
The actor actively encourages others to normalize therapy and open conversations around mental wellness. “There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable. The strongest people are those who can acknowledge their need for emotional healing,” Kapoor stated, drawing from his own transformative experience.
Finding Strength in Resilience
Despite the profound losses and challenges, Kapoor has emerged as an advocate for mental health awareness. He credits his sister Anshula Kapoor for helping him recognize the importance of emotional healing. “When you lose your backbone at 25, what can the world do to you? I’ve faced enough to know I can take on anything,” he reflected.
Through his openness about his struggles, Arjun Kapoor has become a voice for those navigating grief, body image issues, and mental health challenges, proving that healing is not linear but a continuous journey of self-compassion and acceptance.
By – Sonali