Prasoon Joshi addresses growing depression in film industry amid Babil Khan's emotional breakdown

IANS May 6, 2025 438 views

Prasoon Joshi has openly discussed the rising mental health challenges in the entertainment industry. His comments come in the wake of Babil Khan's emotional video that went viral on social media. Joshi argues that society's narrow definition of success is fundamentally flawed and contributes to widespread depression. He calls for a more holistic understanding of human worth beyond monetary achievements and social media validation.

"Success cannot only mean money or fame" - Prasoon Joshi
Prasoon Joshi addresses growing depression in film industry amid Babil Khan's emotional breakdown
Mumbai, May 6: Lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi has raised concerns about the growing issue of depression in the entertainment industry, especially in light of Babil Khan's recent emotional breakdown.

Key Points

1

Bollywood's narrow success metrics contribute to mental health challenges

2

Depression impacts entertainment industry beyond fame

3

Value system needs fundamental reimagining

4

Social approval creates psychological pressure

In a candid conversation, Joshi highlighted that the focus on money, success, and fame is leading to a society that is not fundamentally happy. He stressed that depression is not confined to the film industry but is a widespread issue, urging for a shift toward genuine happiness and well-being.

When asked about Babil Khan's recent emotional breakdown, Prasoon Joshi, the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), told IANS, "The question is raised on the basic value system of our society. What is the parameter of success we are following today? What would you call successful? Is it only money? Is it only fame? Is it only clicks? I don't know how many people are watching this. Many of you have followed a series called "Black Mirror," in which they have dealt with a lot of these issues of futuristic, this whole too much dependence on social approval and stuff."

"And also, I think the narrow definition of success, which does not celebrate how good a brother you are, how good a mother you are, how good a friend you are, or how good a person who gives love to other people. I think success only meaning can't be so narrow. And if we narrowly define success, I think our society will see depression. Because not everybody would be able to match up to those parameters. And I think we need to celebrate a larger human. And for that we'll have to go back to our value system. I think we need to celebrate a larger human, he added.

Prasoon Joshi went on to mention, "In the entertainment industry, more and more people are falling victim to depression. However, it's not just in this industry, depression is affecting people everywhere. When we focus solely on money, success, and fame, where will we find true happiness? This means we are creating a society that is not fundamentally happy."

For the unversed, Babil Khan, son of the late actor Irrfan Khan, recently became the subject of a social media storm following the viral spread of an emotional video. In the clip, Babil was seen breaking down as he candidly spoke about his personal battles and labeled Bollywood as "the most fake industry." He also named several well-known personalities, such as Shanaya Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Adarsh Gourav, and singer Arijit Singh.

Subsequently, Babil's team issued a statement, explaining that the video had been misinterpreted and taken out of context.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul S.
Prasoon Joshi makes excellent points! In our Indian society, we've started measuring success only by material gains. Our grandparents' generation found happiness in simple things - family, festivals, and community. Maybe we need to go back to those roots. 🙏
P
Priya M.
The pressure in Bollywood must be insane! Constant comparisons, box office numbers, social media trolling... no wonder young actors like Babil are struggling. We need more empathy. Just because they're celebrities doesn't mean they're not human.
A
Arjun K.
While I agree with Joshi's concerns, I wish he'd suggest concrete solutions as CBFC chairman. Can't the film certification body introduce mental health awareness programs for industry professionals? Actions speak louder than words.
S
Shweta R.
Babil's breakdown was heartbreaking to watch. He's still grieving his father's loss, and the industry can be cruel. We Indians need to stop putting celebrities on pedestals and then tearing them down. Mental health matters for everyone, famous or not.
V
Vikram J.
The problem is our education system too! From childhood we're taught to chase marks, then jobs, then promotions. Where's the lesson about finding inner peace? Maybe we need yoga and meditation in schools, not just competitive exams.
N
Neha P.
Social media has made everything worse! People post perfect lives 24/7, making others feel inadequate. In our Indian culture, we never used to compare ourselves so much. Time to log off sometimes and enjoy real connections. ❤️

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