Arjun Kapoor’s career has seen its share of highs and lows, but it was during a particularly challenging phase that the actor experienced a turning point, leading him to seek therapy. Known for his powerful performances in films like Ishaqzaade and Singham Again, Arjun recently opened up about the emotional struggles that led him to make this life-changing decision. In a candid conversation with GQ India, the actor revealed the inner turmoil he faced and how therapy helped him reconnect with his passion for cinema.
The Struggles Behind the Success
Arjun’s journey in the film industry has been far from smooth. While he made a huge comeback with his role as the sinister antagonist Danger Lanka in Singham Again, his career wasn’t always on an upward trajectory. Reflecting on a rough phase, Arjun admitted that the setbacks and challenges led to feelings of bitterness. He confessed that, when things weren’t going as expected, it created "a lot of noise" in his mind, tapping into his worst fears. This period of self-doubt left him questioning his place in the industry and whether his audience was still supporting him.
A Growing Distance from Cinema
During this turbulent time, Arjun noticed a growing detachment from the very thing he had always loved—cinema. As his struggles intensified, he found himself distancing from films altogether. "I stopped watching films, consuming cinema, stopped going to theatres," he shared. The passion that once fueled his career seemed to fade away. Additionally, he could no longer appreciate the success of others, sensing a deep-rooted bitterness growing inside him. This internal battle made him realise that he needed external help to overcome the emotional toll it was taking on him.
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The ‘Trigger’ to Seek Therapy
It was at this point that Arjun decided to seek therapy, marking a significant shift in his approach to personal struggles. The trigger, he said, came when he realised that his emotional state was keeping him from the one thing he loved most: cinema. The realisation that his disconnect from his passion was affecting his well-being led him to acknowledge the need for professional support. "I realized I needed somebody to just listen to me," he revealed.
Therapy: The Path to Healing
Once Arjun started therapy, he quickly found that his therapist’s guidance helped him uncover the root of his issues. By venting his frustrations and fears, he was able to confront them head-on. His therapist encouraged him to own his emotions, which ultimately helped Arjun gain clarity. The simple act of sharing his thoughts with someone who truly listened opened up a path to healing. Arjun recognised that his internal struggles could be translated into actionable changes in his life. He learned to stop procrastinating and took small steps to regain control, like getting out of bed every day, despite how difficult it seemed.
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Moving Beyond Fatigue and Emotional Drain
Arjun acknowledged that his emotional exhaustion wasn’t a sign of weakness, but rather the result of years of dealing with the ups and downs of his career. “Life has given me enough bad phases to know that this too shall pass," he reflected. However, even the most resilient individuals can experience burnout. Arjun admitted that the continuous emotional strain from facing failure had drained him. While he always had the strength to cope with difficult situations, this particular phase was one that required more than just endurance—it required a conscious effort to confront his feelings and seek help.
The Road Ahead
Arjun’s openness about his therapy journey sheds light on the importance of mental health in the entertainment industry, where the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. His story is a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the emotional challenges that come with their careers, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Looking ahead, Arjun Kapoor is set to star in No Entry 2, alongside Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, marking another exciting chapter in his career. With his newfound sense of clarity and emotional well-being, Arjun is ready to embrace his future with a renewed passion for the craft he loves.