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MUMBAI: Udaariyaan has been on the top stalls of Colors, the show has indeed created a place in everyone's heart. We have seen many twists and turns in the show. Well, now with Angad's character a new track is all set to begin in the show.
We had recently seen how Angad realises that there is something wrong with his behaviour and his obsession with Tejo, this hinted a serious issue with him. Although we had earlier seen how Riya's Nani had called him crazy, she didn't realise that this could be a harmful issue to his mental health. Talking about mental health, we have seen in recent times how people have come out and spoken about it but still, the concept is still misunderstood.
Mental Health has always been around in the edicts of history if we are to believe the retrospective analysis. Conversely, the patriarchal and rudimental ideologies have also been an evident practice since the beginning. The ideologies have only been a hurdle for the people to actually evolve from the beliefs and practices. We got in conversation with Angad Maan aka Karan V Grover to analyse where are we heading in terms of acquiring education and understanding towards mental health in consideration of the present scenario.
As the show proceeds to a new chapter for Angad, we already saw a hint of Angad struggling with mental health. The concept of addressing Mental Health as common as fever or flu has still not reached many places, where do you think the problem lies?
Angad most definitely needs some counselling and therapy sessions as he is a victim of childhood trauma and loneliness. He has an obsessive behaviour towards Tejo as she completes his empty life ..he is a classic case of people who are well to do and happy on the surface but can’t sleep the night without alcohol or maybe even cry to bed every night .. he just can’t stay alone, he has to be busy with something or the other.
And in my experience, Mental health issues are less addressed because I feel a certain societal stigma or embarrassment is attached to seeking mental health support, but i also see that it is gradually changing.
There have been many approaches taken into action to educate people about it but don't you feel the education is still limited to certain sectors of the society and not all?
Actually, counselling has always been around, but somehow majorly only for trauma cases. I think we should establish and encourage more common therapy sessions to tackle life and relationships on a day to day basis.
It took 70 years for the Indian masses to at least realise that the LGBTQ community is not a taboo or a disease, in such a rigid society do you think there is scope to implement the first step of acceptance towards mental illnesses just as other health issues?
As a society we are constantly evolving, we are open and slowly accepting ideas that were never taught to us. As compared to the western part of the world We are a fairly conservative set of people so our growth will be at our own pace. That said these are 2 different issues, and both need to have educated and well informed professional guidance right from schooling days.
We have often come across people approaching babas and tantriks for life-threatening diseases, in such a rudimental mentality would they really accept to approach the psychologist or psychiatrist for depression, other disorders?
I think that when a lot of people follow some Tantriks or pandits then some merit has to exist in their procedures. I don’t believe in it personally but that doesn’t mean i would doubt something just because I don’t understand it. That said psychologists or psychiatrists have always been around, people have consulted them but somehow never encouraged it, assuming that most people can manage and understand their own minds, their own demons and insecurities which is clearly not the case of modern society today, so i feel their openness and access shud be taboo-free, it should rather be encouraged to consult them especially in the individualistic and voyeuristic times today.
What would be the best approach according to you for making the Indian parents accept that Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders or Anxiety is equally harmful as physical illnesses?
The parents themselves need to be educated about these disorders. They need to maybe experience a session or 2 of therapy to tackle and address their own feelings. More precise and compassionate storytelling like “Taare Zameen Par” in movies TV web need to be made. Schools/colleges need to have counselling sessions on a regular basis. I am sure a lot of teenagers find themselves in a situation where they do not have trustworthy rational and neutral people to discuss their issues with.
Have you ever experienced mental health problems too, if yes then how challenging had it been to come through?
So far i have not. But if I ever do I would be the first one to speak to my trusted people and seek therapy
'It is considered an excuse to procrastinate and avoid things, people don’t believe each other easily. It’s not visible but it’s there in such a case educating the older generation turns extremely challenging.. would your character's track become a step to educate them too? What would be your message to the viewers?
Well educating elders about anything new is always challenging, but yes mediums such as TV and movies can most definitely attempt that. As for The track on Udaariyaan, I suggest the best people ask would be the makers...
My message would be that one should not overlook repetitive extreme or disturbing behaviour in people that interact with us on a regular basis, we must have a patient compassionate approach in getting them the medical/professional help they may need. We have to be a lot more accommodating of this process of getting mentally sound and balanced as we are about getting physically fit and beautiful.
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