Did Neha Dhupia Shine a Light on Mental Health in Pankaj Tripathi’s ‘Perfect Family’?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Neha Dhupia emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health.
- The film explores both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Open communication about therapy is vital.
- Societal perceptions of therapy need to evolve.
- 'Perfect Family' aims to inspire viewers to seek help.
Mumbai, Nov 26 (NationPress) Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia, who takes on the role of therapist Madhu in the film “Perfect Family,” shared her thoughts on her character and the critical need to discuss mental health issues.
The ‘Chup Chup Ke’ star provided valuable insights into how the movie tackles delicate topics, aiming to foster significant discussions among viewers. When discussing the fundamental concept of coping mechanisms, Neha stated, “There are two kinds of coping mechanisms, the positive and the negative. Positive ones can vary—like how Girija finds solace in music and singing, while I prefer going for a run.”
“In the trailer, however, you notice Niti and Vishnu resorting to unhealthy coping strategies, which is precisely the message: before relying on harmful coping mechanisms, why not reach out for help? It’s essential to have that one person who isn’t family or a friend, who can objectively say, ‘This isn’t beneficial for you; let’s intervene before you get to that point.”
Reflecting on why the script resonated with her, she added, “When the script arrived, it coincided perfectly with my life and the societal issues at hand. It felt vital for someone to explore this subject through film. Some narratives serve as a springboard, paving the way for deeper discussions. Therapy is like jumping into the unknown; the first step is acknowledging you need help, but the tougher part is suggesting to someone else that they might need it too.”
On the societal perception of therapy, Neha remarked, “We still have a long journey ahead, and I’m uncertain when that gap will close. If a daughter admits she needs therapy, she faces judgment—even from her parents, who might say, ‘What’s wrong with you? You’re okay.’ But “Perfect Family” reveals that it’s a universal issue, affecting all of us.”
“We all experience feelings of suppression; we often hold back from expressing ourselves due to societal conditioning. I hope “Perfect Family” encourages individuals to embrace therapy, open communication, and coexistence, while dismantling those barriers with love, space, happiness, and respect.”
“Perfect Family,” directed by Sachin Pathak, also features Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Girija Oak, and Gulshan Devaiah. It is slated for release on November 27 on the Jar Series YouTube channel, produced by Ajay Rai of Jhaar Pictures, with Mohit Chhabra and Pankaj Tripathi as debut producers.