Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 10, 2019)

Comedy king Kapil Sharma is waiting for December when he is due to become a daddy. He has put his tryst with depression two years ago behind him, and is glad that he is back to doing what he knows best — making people laugh.

“We’re happy and excited,” says Kapil, who is married to Ginni Chatrath. “Everyone around me feels good my phase (of depression) has passed,” he adds.

A series of events pushed Kapil into the dark abyss of depression. And he says it was only with a strong support system of family and friends that he could overcome it and bounce back. “In that phase, you need your family and friends the most. I am happy that I’m out of that phase, and there are so many learnings once you fight it,” he says.

The issue with depression, Kapil shares, is that one doesn’t even realise there is a problem. “You feel everything in your life is negative, so you also become negative. Family and friends must take care if there’s someone who does not behave normally, doesn’t feel like stepping out for office, wants to constantly remain in the house, that too confined in a room,” he suggests.

The actor-comedian, who hails from Amritsar, feels this is especially rampant in metros like Delhi and Mumbai where life is fast-paced.

Kapil prays for those going through depression, and has some words of wisdom to share. “Everyone’s circumstances are different... Sometimes, a change of environment can help. Stay as positive as you can. Fight it, meet your friends...don’t leave your circle. Don’t isolate yourself because it can turn worse,” he adds.