Actress Shilpa Shirodkar recently shared the deeply personal story of her battle with severe depression, revealing how her husband sacrificed his thriving career to support her move back to India.
Stepping Away from the Spotlight
Shilpa Shirodkar, a familiar face in 90s Bollywood, took a significant 13-year break from acting. She spent this time raising her family in London, stepping away from the film industry entirely.
Her return to Mumbai in the early 2010s wasn’t driven by a desire to make a comeback. Instead, it was a personal necessity, a journey back to find solace and support.
A Deep Battle with Depression
Shilpa candidly revealed that she was in a very fragile mental state when she decided to move back to India. The sudden loss of both her parents, one after the other, plunged her into a deep depression.
Her primary motivation for returning was simply to be close to her sister, Namrata Shirodkar. She wasn’t seeking work or planning a return to the screen; she just needed to be near family during a difficult time.
Her Husband’s Unwavering Support
Shilpa credits her husband, Aparesh, as her pillar of strength during this period. She shared that Aparesh had a very successful career in London, and their daughter, Anushka, was well-settled in her school.
Despite their established life, Aparesh recognized Shilpa’s urgent need to be back in India. He made the profound decision to quit his job and move with her, demonstrating immense understanding and sacrifice.
“Behind every successful woman is a very, very understanding husband,” Shilpa stated, acknowledging his crucial role in her recovery journey.
The Agony of Depression
Shilpa openly described the harrowing symptoms of her depression. She experienced uncontrollable crying spells and felt like a “robot,” devoid of interest in life. She gained weight, had dark circles, and withdrew from social interaction.
At her lowest point, she felt an overwhelming urge to “hit her head on the wall.” She was receiving professional treatment, including counseling and antidepressants, but found true solace only in communicating with her sister.
An Unexpected Return to Television
After settling back in India and with her daughter enrolled in school, Shilpa and Aparesh initially considered starting a production house. However, fate had other plans for her career.
She unexpectedly received an offer for the lead role in the TV show “Ek Mutthi Aasmaan.” Without actively seeking work, she accepted the role, trusting the production house and resonating with the script.
- Shilpa Shirodkar moved back to India due to severe depression after losing her parents.
- Her main reason for returning was to be close to her sister, Namrata Shirodkar.
- Her husband quit his successful job and relocated to support her recovery.
- Despite her struggles, she unexpectedly found her way back into acting through television.
Shilpa’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the profound impact of familial support during life’s most challenging moments.
