Deepika Padukone lauds Jemimah Rodrigues for bravely opening up about anxiety: ‘Thank you for sharing your story’

Cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues was the star of India’s thrilling semi-final win against Australia at the Women’s World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Her match-winning performance not only helped India reach the final but also revealed a different kind of strength off the field.

After the game, Jemimah opened up about her personal battle with anxiety in an emotional post-match interview. Her heartfelt confession moved millions, including Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who praised her for being open and vulnerable about her mental health journey.

Deepika Padukone reacts to Jemimah’s honest confession

On Friday, the ‘Om Shanti Om’ actress took to Instagram Stories to express her admiration for Jemimah. The actor reshared a video where the cricketer spoke candidly about her struggles with anxiety and the support she received from her family and friends.

The ‘Chennai Express’ actress who has always been transparent about her own experiences with mental health, captioned the clip, “Thank you Jemimah Rodrigues.” She further added, “For your vulnerability and for sharing your story (folded hand emoji).”

Jemimah Rodrigues opens up about battling anxiety

During her post-match interview, Jemimah, who was also named Player of the Match, bravely revealed how she had been dealing with anxiety throughout the tournament. Speaking through her emotions, she said, “I’ll be very vulnerable here because I know if someone is watching this, might be going through the same thing and that’s my whole purpose of saying it because nobody likes to talk about their weakness.”

The cricketer reveals her emotional breakdowns

Jemimah further explained how her anxiety affected her before and during matches. She continued, “I was going through a lot of anxiety at the start of the tournament and it was a lot before few games also I used to call my mum and cry, cry the entire time, let it all out, because when you’re going through anxiety, you just feel numb. You don’t know what to do. You’re trying to be yourself. And also in this time, my mum and my dad, they supported me a lot.”

Deepika Padukone is India’s mental health ambassador

The ‘Bajirao Mastani’ actress’s public appreciation for Jemimah came as no surprise, given her own journey with mental health. The actor has always encouraged people to seek help and has often spoken about dealing with anxiety and depression herself.

Recently, the ‘Piku’ actress was appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador. Sharing the news on Instagram last month, she wrote, “On World Mental Health Day, I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador.

Deepika Padukone on the work front

Alongside her mental health advocacy, the ‘Pathaan’ actress continues to shine on the professional front. She is currently working on Shah Rukh Khan’s much-awaited film ‘King’, which also stars Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. She will also be seen next in director Atlee’s upcoming action drama opposite Allu Arjun.

DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.