
‘Wanted to hit my head on the wall': Shilpa Shirodkar on returning to India due to depression, be close to sister Namrata; emotional cost of buried grief
Having taken a 13-year hiatus from acting to raise her family in London, Shilpa eventually returned to India, not to reclaim her career, but to be closer to her sister, Namrata Shirodkar, following the devastating loss of both her parents.
'I didn't get films and I didn't try also. I didn't even try for television also. In fact, when I came back to India, I wasn't in a great mental state. I had lost my parents, and I was in really bad depression. And I actually came back to India to be next to my sister (Namrata Shirodkar). I had nothing on my mind about work,' she shared in a conversation with Pinkvilla.
Her husband, Aparesh, made a profound personal sacrifice to support her decision: 'In 2010, when I decided to come back, Aparesh's career was at its peak, but he realised that I needed to come back, and he left everything and came back.'
Despite having no intentions of returning to the screen, Shilpa eventually found herself acting again and even producing for television. But behind that professional re-emergence was a painful period marked by overwhelming emotional distress: 'I used to cry a lot, I had no control over my tears. Even when anything good happened, still I couldn't stop crying. I had become a robot, and wasn't interested in anything. I had put on so much weight, I had dark circles, I had no interest in life. I used to not go out, don't do anything, was just doing things because I had a young child, dropping her and picking her up from school. Wasn't talking to anyone at home. If I talked, there was misunderstanding. In fact, I just wanted to hit my head on the wall.'
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, 'Unresolved grief-related depression often hides in plain sight. The person might be going about their daily life, showing up at work, and making small talk, but inside, they feel emotionally shut down.'
A post shared by Shilpa Shirodkar Ranjit (@shilpashirodkar73)
He adds that situational sadness usually has a clear cause, like a breakup or disappointment, and tends to ease with support or time. 'Burnout comes from prolonged stress, often work-related, and while it's exhausting, it usually improves with rest or lifestyle changes. But unresolved grief is different. It comes from a loss that was never fully processed. The grief was either ignored, dismissed, or pushed away, and it settled into the body like a weight,' notes Raj.
In Indian families, he says, people are often told to be strong, to move on quickly, or to avoid talking about pain. Over time, these unspoken emotions build up. They don't disappear. They show up as fatigue, irritability, emotional numbness, or chronic sadness.
Spousal support can be a lifeline when someone is going through depression, says Raj, adding, 'It's not about having the answers or fixing things. It's about being emotionally present when the person feels most lost. When someone is depressed, their inner world can feel dark, empty, and disconnected. In that space, a partner's steady presence becomes a quiet but powerful reminder that they're not alone.'
That said, he mentions that supporting someone through depression is hard. It can feel confusing and draining. 'Partners often don't know what to say or do. They might fear saying the wrong thing or feel helpless watching someone they love struggle. That's why partners need support too. They need space to express their own emotions, understand what depression really is, and learn what helps and what doesn't,' he stresses.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fashion Value Chain
28 minutes ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Vinsmera Jewels ad redefines fashion; Jewellery is Beautiful for Everyone
Dr Vidhu Sekhar P (Assistant Professor, Department of Fashion Management Studies, National Institute of Fashion Technology-NIFT, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India) The recent viral advertisement of Vinsmera Jewels, owned by Kambrath Brothers from Kannur, Kerala, has remarkably shown the boldness in breaking the traditional gender norms and its creative storytelling, which has captivated attention on new media platforms for both critics and audiences across the country. In the last two days (18th July), they received 1.9 million views and 62 K likes for their YouTube advertisement. This advertisement was broadcast in connection with the upcoming opening of a new showroom in Calicut, Kerala, scheduled for next month. The concept and the storyline of the ad showcase the behind-the-scenes of a jewellery photoshoot and the discussion. The storyline goes like this: Veteran Malayalam movie actor Mohanlal arrives on the set, and the Director briefs the context and introduces the female model, who is wearing the brand's diamond jewellery. The story narration twists when the jewellery disappears after the model leaves the location. The film crew desperately searches for the missing pieces. The film director and crew decided to break the news to Mohanlal, and the suspense was unveiled when they found Mohanlal in the vanity van, facing the mirror while wearing the ornaments. It was followed by a pin drop silence and the expressive performance of Mohanlal. Lal was wearing his everyday shirt and trousers paired with the necklace, bracelet, and ring, He was seen performing a classical dance with expressive hand gestures(mudras) that infused with intentionally feminine movements, an expression of self. The ad stands out for avoiding dialogue. Mohanlal's performance depends entirely on body language, facial expressions, and dance to convey joy and embody a gender-fluid persona. The ad ends with the director catching Mohanlal in the middle of his dance. Instead of tension, both burst into laughter, keeping the tone light and celebratory. Mohanlal, a highly respected actor in India known for his versatility and traditionally masculine on-screen persona, chose to elegantly wear women's jewellery without irony, caricature, or mockery. This challenged conventional norms in jewellery advertising and notions of gender roles in Indian media. The performance is earning acclaim for being bold and impactful. Fans and critics alike note that Mohanlal 'pushes boundaries in jewellery advertising' and 'seamlessly merges masculine and feminine elements,' earning praise for the actor's artistry, poise, and willingness to explore new expressions. Social media responded swiftly, filled with admiration for Mohanlal's bold move. Comments span from 'Absolutely brilliant' to 'No other actor blends femininity and masculinity so elegantly,' showing respect even from viewers who found the scene surprising or unconventional. The ad is seen as a pivotal moment for jewellery advertising in India, sparking discussions on representation and inclusivity in the country's luxury market. Krishnan Kambrath, Dinesh Kambrath, Anil Kambrath, and Manoj Kambrath make up the management team for Vinsmera with corporate offices in Dubai and India. They belong to Mozhara, a small village in Kerala's Kannur district. In Dubai, they established Al Mawsim Gold and Jewellery Factory LLC in 2008. In 2016, they launched Win Gold, their wholesale division. Initially, they focused on manufacturing and production. All team members have experience in retail, production, and wholesale. Starting as a small factory, they expanded to Dubai and Sharjah. They operate manufacturing and wholesale in Kannur and Trichur. They have a distinguished name in the jewellery industry, carrying forward the legacy of craftsmanship, precision, and incomparable expertise to redefine the essence of luxury. They are supported by a team of over 1,000 skilled artisans and advanced manufacturing units in India and the UAE. Their network spans over 12 countries, with imminent expansions into Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA. The company management aims to revolutionize the jewellery industry by blending artistry, innovation, and precision to create unique pieces. Their focus is on crafting timeless creations that tell a story, honour individuality, and stand the test of time. They aspire to become a globally recognised jewellery house, celebrated for their unmatched value, exceptional craftsmanship, and steadfast commitment to ethical sourcing. By sourcing top-quality materials from Italy, Singapore, Turkey, India, and Malaysia, they ensure their customers experience the finest jewellery.


News18
35 minutes ago
- News18
Crafted For The World Stage: Isha Jajodia On Couture And Dressing Shalini Passi In RoseRoom
As Indian couture takes the global stage, designer Isha Jajodia reflects on the artistry behind Shalini's Cannes debut and the quiet power of intentional fashion. 2025 has been a phenomenal moment for Indian couture on the global stage. From Cannes to fashion weeks, Indian couture is the talk of the season. Amidst this global reach is designer Isha Jajodia, who has been crafting delicate poetry with textiles at RoseRoom. One of the most defining moments for RoseRoom was when Shalini Passi wore the brand's creation to Cannes Film Festival 2025. Currently, Isha Jajodia is all set to unveil her latest collection at the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. Ahead of this, we talked to the designer about her Cannes moment, the ethos of Roseroom, and the craftsmanship behind the garments. Q. Let's start with Cannes! What was the first emotion you felt when you saw Shalini Passi in your creation on that global stage? The first emotion I felt was a deep sense of responsibility and pride. Cannes is a global stage where every gesture, every detail, is seen and remembered. Seeing Shalini, someone who has been such a constant muse for RoseRoom, step out in something we created was incredibly meaningful. It wasn't just about a beautiful outfit; it was about representing Indian craftsmanship and our design philosophy with intention. In that moment, I felt we had created something that spoke not just of style, but of strength, identity, and presence. Q. Could you walk us through the making of the garments – fabric choices, silhouettes, techniques – that were used for Shalini's look? Both the ivory lace gown and the two-piece began with an in-depth conversation about Shalini's vision, which was clear from the start: something feminine, soft, yet strikingly present. We chose delicate French-inspired lace, layered with soft frills to create movement and structure. The two-piece featured a sculpted lace top paired with a sheer flowing skirt, all hand-finished in micro-detail. Our atelier focused on artisanal techniques like fine needlework and subtle embroidery to highlight femininity with strength. Q. How did the Cannes collaboration come about? How was the experience of working with Shalini and seeing her embody your creation? Shalini has been a RoseRoom muse for a while now. Over time, we've built a strong understanding, creative trust and friendship. When Cannes came up, her clarity about visualising a soft yet powerful presence made the collaboration effortless. Watching her wear the garments so gracefully, with her energy and confidence, was deeply rewarding. It felt like a seamless creative partnership, one that affirmed our belief in building emotional connections with our muses. Q. RoseRoom's designs always carry a certain poetic drama, a feminine allure, and a certain softness of its kind. How was this design language reflected in Shalini's Cannes looks? Those elements were at the very heart of what we created. The ivory gown was soft and romantic yet held an inherent strength in its structure and movement. The two pieces echoed that softness in the skirt, while the top brought a subtle edge. Both look balanced romance and restraint, softness and strength: qualities I see in Shalini, and that define RoseRoom's narrative. Q. Do you feel moments like these (Cannes appearances) are changing the way international platforms view Indian fashion? Yes, absolutely. When Shalini steps out in Indian couture that's crafted with finesse and intention, it shifts perceptions from 'heritage heavy" to 'globally resonant." It positions Indian fashion as thoughtful, nuanced and contemporary. Platforms like Cannes are slowly recognising that Indian design isn't just about embellishment or bridal, it can speak to elegance, emotion and artistry on an international stage. Q. How do you think Indian fashion can evolve on the international stage beyond embellishment and bridal couture? I believe it's about telling deeper stories through fabric, technique and emotion. Moving away from just ornate surface details to textures, silhouettes and craftsmanship that tell a narrative. Collaborating with artisans to innovate traditional techniques, and creating ready-to-wear pieces with couture soul, these are the directions where Indian fashion can truly shine globally. top videos View all Q. What's the one fashion trend you think is on its way out – and what's the next big shift the industry isn't ready for yet? Overly maximal embellishment is starting to fade; there's a desire for restraint, emotional resonance, and craft. The next shift? I see a move towards quiet couture, pieces that feel personal, handcrafted, and soulful, but worn with intention and ease. Fashion that's less about showiness and more about subtle presence, quiet confidence, and meaning. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fashion lifestyle view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 18:50 IST News lifestyle Crafted For The World Stage: Isha Jajodia On Couture And Dressing Shalini Passi In RoseRoom Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


News18
an hour ago
- News18
When Harbhajan Singh Scolded Sehwag For Poor Fielding And The Reply Left Him Speechless
Last Updated: Harbhajan shared the story with T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, showcasing Sehwag's bold spirit and unshakable confidence in his unique, fearless style of play Indian legend Virender Sehwag, known as one of the most carefree batsmen in cricket, earned a reputation for playing by his own rules, no matter the situation. Known for his fearless strokeplay, Sehwag often turned a deaf ear to advice, even from icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who once urged him to tone down his aggressive batting. Sehwag's autonomy extended beyond the pitch, as illustrated by an incident shared by former spinner Harbhajan Singh. During a test match, Sehwag's lapse in fielding led to two runs being scored, prompting a scolding from Harbhajan. 'Lala, just dive, the ball went past you," Harbhajan had urged. Sehwag's nonchalant reply was, 'Only two runs are lost, right? Come on, I will score two more runs." Harbhajan was left speechless by this response. The story was recounted by Harbhajan Singh to Indian T20 team captain Suryakumar Yadav on his show, highlighting Sehwag's indomitable spirit and unwavering self-assuredness in his style of play. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.