Actor Deepika Padukone, who did a special dance number in the Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer "Raabta" in 2017, has opened up about the necessity for people to "reach out" in order to fight depression, in the wake of the late actors demise on Sunday morning.

In an Instagram post she wrote on Sunday, Deepika stressed on the importance of reaching out. She reminded that it was important to talk, communicate and seek help.


"As a person who has had a lived experience with mental illness, I cannot stress enough about the importance of reaching out. Talk. Communicate. Express. Seek help. Remember, you are not alone. We are in this together. And most importantly, there is Hope," she wrote in the post.

Deepika has been working consistently to help people suffering from depression over the past few years.

The actor Sushant is best known for his titular role in Neeraj Pandey's 2016 release, ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story', the biopic of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

He made his film debut in Abhishek Kapoor's 2013 release, "Kai Po Che", and was seen in films like "Chhichhore", "Detective Byomkesh Bakshi", "Raabta", "Kedarnath" and "Shudh Desi Romance".

Before Bollywood, Sushant had a stint on television. He rose to fame with "Pavitra Rishta", which also starred his ex-girlfriend Ankita Lokhande. He worked as a backup dancer in Bollywood before getting his big break as an actor.

Sushant was currently working in Mukesh Chhabra's "Dil Bechara", but shooting of the film got stalled owing to the nationwide lockdown.

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz

What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)