On her birthday, let Deepika Padukone inspire you with her thoughts on work, life and mental wellness

Inspirational quotes by actor Deepika Padukone on how to love yourself and be yourself.

There is much to learn from Deepika Padukone, especially about mental health. She spoke about mental health when there is still so much stigma attached to it and really changed the way a lot of Indians approached it.

The actor has always been herself, done things on her own terms and doesn’t beat around the bush. One of the highest paid actors in Indian cinema and one of the reigning queens of Bollywood, Deepika recently got married at the peak of her career - something that Bollywood deems a suicidal move for leading ladies. But, well, Deepika is her own person and today on her birthday we draw inspiration from her:

“Never lose focus of what you want for yourself. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes.”

“I feel ups and downs are a part of one's career, and this totally depends on how you take it. You can either be knocked down by the negative things, or you can take it in a positive way and learn from it.”

“It's good to be slightly ambitious, but I believe one shouldn't be too calculative. It's good to be on the edge, but I have never followed my mind. I have always followed my heart. And it has yielded the right results.”

“People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering, and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn't help. One needs support and understanding. I am now working on an initiative to create awareness about anxiety and depression and help people. “

“Being sad and being depressed are two different things. Also, people going through depression don't look so, while someone sad will look sad. The most common reaction is, 'How can you be depressed? You have everything going for you. You are the supposed number one heroine and have a plush home, car, movies... What else do you want?'”

“I always think before I speak. I’m not the sort who will just say anything that comes to my mind. I’m a very emotional and sensitive person. But I’m also very strong and know my mind well.”

“I have always been focused on my job. No profession allows you the luxury of being half-focused. If you’re not into it, you’re not there.”

“I am someone who can't hold on to negativity or hold on to grudges. I might feel something at a certain point, but I get tired after that. I don't carry it with me. I forgive and forget very easily, and that's the only way to be happy and peaceful.”

Tell us which is your favourite quote by Deepika. Has she inspired you? Tell us how in the comments section below.