Arjun Kapoor opens up on battling obesity, losing his mother before debut and healing through therapy, 'I was only running away from my pain'

Arjun Kapoor recently delivered a powerful and deeply personal address at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai, speaking candidly about his struggles with obesity, the emotional aftermath of losing his mother, and how therapy helped him rebuild his sense of self.During his talk, the actor emphasised the importance of mental health conversations and urged young people to see vulnerability as a strength rather than a flaw.

‘COVID gave me a moment of realisation’

Reflecting on his journey, Arjun said the pandemic gave him the space to pause and look inward.“COVID gave me a moment of realisation. I started therapy because I realised I hadn’t taken care of myself for ten years,” he shared. “You think the sorted person doesn’t need help.

But even the strongest ones are sometimes messed up in their heads.”

‘I was mourning and celebrating at the same time’

The actor revisited the emotional conflict he faced during his debut film Ishaqzaade in 2012. His mother, Mona Shourie Kapoor, passed away just 45 days before the film’s release.“My mother passed away in March 2012, and my film released 45 days later. I was mourning and celebrating at the same time. I became a star overnight, but I was only running away from my pain,” he admitted.

‘Losing 50 kilos took me four years’

Speaking about his long struggle with obesity, Arjun said the journey was more mental than physical. “Losing 50 kilos took me four years. I was lucky to have my mother’s support. But most people don’t have that kind of emotional or financial backing,” he said.He added that his resilience was forged during this phase of his life. “When you lose your backbone at 25, what can the world do to you? I’ve faced enough to know I can take on anything,” Arjun said, crediting his sister Anshula Kapoor for helping him acknowledge his need for emotional healing.

‘Therapy gives you an outlet’

Arjun urged the audience to normalise therapy and open conversations around mental wellness.“There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable. The strongest people are those who can acknowledge their emotions,” he said. “When you talk openly, you realise how smart and sensible you are. You just need an outlet — and therapy gives you that.”

‘You can be emotional and still be powerful’

Calling himself an advocate for mental wellness, Arjun highlighted how essential it is to create safe spaces for such discussions.

“I want people to feel safe talking about it. There’s a lot of toxicity and energy-draining situations around us. But you have to own who you are. Don’t let the world make you feel weak for feeling,” he said.He concluded on an empowering note, urging people to wear their emotions proudly.“It’s not about being detached or distant,” Arjun said. “You can be emotional and still be powerful. You can heal, rebuild, and grow — as long as you give yourself that one hour to talk, to feel, and to just be.”