Shilpa Shirodkar, a popular face of 90s Bollywood cinema, recently opened up about her intense struggle with depression and how her family became her biggest pillar of strength during one of the lowest phases of her life. The actress, best known for her roles in films like Hum, Aankhen, and Khuda Gawah, stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade to focus on her family.
A life-changing break from the Industry
In the late 1990s, Shilpa moved to London after marrying banker Aparesh Ranjit. She took a conscious decision to prioritise her personal life over her film career, embracing motherhood and family responsibilities. However, the untimely loss of both her parents changed everything. Overwhelmed with grief and struggling mentally, Shilpa decided to return to India in 2010, not for work, but to be closer to her sister, actress Namrata Shirodkar.
Depression took a deep toll
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Shilpa shared how the emotional weight of losing her parents pushed her into a deep depression. “I had no interest in anything. I used to cry without any reason. Even good moments didn’t bring me joy. I felt like a machine, just going through the motions for the sake of my young daughter,” she revealed. She also recalled shutting herself off from the world, avoiding conversations, and dealing with frequent misunderstandings at home. At her worst, she confessed she felt like banging her head against the wall.
What made a world of difference was her husband Aparesh’s unwavering support. Despite being at the peak of his career in London, he left everything behind to be by her side in India. His decision to uproot his life reflected the depth of love and understanding they share.
A slow yet steady return to screen
Though Shilpa had no plans of returning to showbiz, the camera eventually found its way back to her. She re-entered the entertainment industry through television and later turned producer. Her journey from emotional darkness to personal and professional revival stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the importance of mental health awareness.
