In an exclusive interview with Zoom, television actress Rashami Desai has revealed that she battled depression for eight years, grappling with emotional burdens during that period. The actress, known for her roles in "Uttaran" and appearances in reality shows like "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi," "Nach Baliye," and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa," shared her experiences managing this challenging phase of her life.
Desai described the long process of overcoming her depression, stating, "There was a period when I struggled with depression for eight years; it took considerable time. I had a lot of baggage that I was holding onto. It took me years to let go of everything and start anew, and now I am back". She emphasized the importance of self-determination in navigating life's ups and downs, adding, "Toh mujhe aisa lagta hai ki aap khud apne highs aur lows tay karte ho (So I believe that you determine your own highs and lows). Your journey is not dictated by anyone else".
Desai also found solace and "tranquility" in her work, viewing it as an "escape world". She highlighted the importance of balancing her personal and professional life.
Earlier, in 2020, Desai spoke about battling "deep depression" for nearly four years and how her work ethic was key to navigating that dark phase. She told Pinkvilla that she "really wanted to leave life" and "did not want to see anybody's face". She also told hindustantimes.com that she restricted herself. Desai said in 2020 that she took counseling after three to four years and "realised that if I could create something, I could also undo something".
In the 2020 interview, Desai mentioned experiencing low self-esteem and confidence, moodiness, sadness, and altered choices. Despite these personal struggles, she remained dedicated to her work, which ultimately empowered her and provided a reality check. She has previously stated that she never allowed her personal struggles to affect her work.
Desai has emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people who encourage personal growth and highlighted the need to learn from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. She advises people to "always move ahead and never give up".
Desai, a prominent figure in Indian television, gained recognition for her role in "Uttaran" and her participation in reality shows. In a past interview with Bollywood Hungama, Desai revealed a disturbing encounter with the casting couch at age 16 when a man tried to make her lose consciousness during an audition.
