Comedian VIP recalls battling depression during COVID, credits daughter for pulling him out of it
Mumbai, July 3
Veteran comedian and actor VIP opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his life during the lockdown phase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He revealed that he has slipped into depression during the pandemic after losing work.
The comedian credited his daughter, Dhwani Pawar, for helping him overcome the phase by encouraging him to embrace virtual performances.
Appearing on 'Tum Ho Naa - Ghar Ki Superstar', hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, VIP became emotional while talking about his daughter's unwavering support.
Sharing the incident, he said, "Uska bohot yogdaan hai. Kai baar aisa hota hai ki main kahin phas jaata hoon, atak jaata hoon toh woh mujhe nikaalti hai. Aur ek kissa main batana chahunga aaj iss rangmanch par."
"Mahamari thi COVID ke samay pe, aap sabhi jaante hain sabse last number kalakaaron ka aaya tha. Kalakaaron ki dukaan jo thi sabse last mein khuli thi. Shaadiyan 50 logon mein ho rahi thi. Uss samay meri beti devdoot bankar aayi. Unko pata hai, Papa saal bhar kaam nahi kiye, matlab depression mein chale gaye. Toh unhone internet pe bola virtual show karo aur mujhe aata nahi tha. Technology mein main thoda kamzor hoon. Toh isne mere jitne organizers hain unse jaake baatein ki, ki hum ek kaam karte hain, ek show karte hain. Mere daddy 45 minutes karenge, 45 minutes ki main karungi, main anchoring bhi karungi, singing bhi karungi. Toh client ko accha laga aur woh show hit ho gaya. Uss samay issne jo meri madad ki hai sir, pressure itna tha. COVID mein jitne kalakaar the sab ghar mein baithe the."
(She has contributed immensely to my life. There have been many times when I've found myself stuck, unable to move forward, and she's the one who has helped me find a way out. I'd like to share an incident on this stage today. During the COVID pandemic, as you all know, artists were among the last to return to work. Our industry was the last to reopen. Weddings were being held with just 50 guests.
That was when my daughter came into my life like an angel. She knew her father hadn't worked for an entire year and had slipped into depression. She suggested that we start doing virtual shows, but I didn't know how. I'm not very comfortable with technology. So she reached out to all my event organizers and proposed an idea. She said, 'Let's do one show. My father will perform for 45 minutes, and I'll perform for 45 minutes. I'll anchor the show as well as sing.' The client loved the idea, and the show turned out to be a huge success. The way she stood by me and helped me during that time was incredible, sir. The pressure during COVID was immense, and artists everywhere were sitting at home without work.)
Dhwani who also appeared on the show, credited her father for everything and said, "Maine kuch nahi kiya hai. Ek father ka contribution zindagi mein itna hota hai, toh uske muqable maine kuch bhi nahi kiya hai."
(I haven't really done anything. A father's contribution to his child's life is so immense that, compared to everything he has done for me, what I've done is nothing)
Talking about VIP, the star comedian has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. He rose to prominence through television comedy shows such as 'Comedy Circus', 'Comedy Nights Bachao', 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' and many other stage performances. Apart from television, he has also appeared in Hindi films.
— IANS
Reader Comments
So touching! It's easy to forget that even someone as successful and funny as VIP can go through such dark times. Depression doesn't discriminate. His daughter Dhwani sounds like an amazing soul, and the way she organized everything—anchoring, singing, handling tech—shows incredible initiative. Proud of both of them.
I remember watching VIP's comedy shows as a kid, they were pure gold. But this interview shows a side of him we never see on stage. It's a reminder that behind every smile there can be a struggle. Technology can be daunting for the older generation, and his daughter bridging that gap is beautiful. Respect to Dhwani for being her father's anchor during the storm.
As an expat living in India for work, I find these stories so inspiring. The way Indian families rally around each other during tough times is unlike anything I've seen back home. VIP and Dhwani are proof that love and creativity can turn despair into hope. Virtual shows were a lifesaver for so many performers.
Such a raw and real confession. I'm glad he spoke about this openly, it helps break the stigma around mental health in our society. However, I wish the industry had better safety nets for artists when events dry up. No one should have to wait a full year to put food on the table. Kudos to Dhwani for being a rockstar!
Yeh toh sach hai ki COVID ne sabse zyada entertainers ko maara. VIP ji ne itne saalon mein itna laugh karaya hai, unke liye yeh
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.