Actress Hansa Singh, known for her powerful screen presence in films like Hunterrr, Page 3, Criminal Justice, Goodbye, Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, Flip, Tom Dick and Harry, and Despatch, shares her thoughts on the importance of mental health on the occasion of World Mental Health Day (October 10).
For Hansa, mental health forms the very foundation of life and balance. “Mental health is everything, as all begins there. What you think, you become. That’s why we must think positive always and avoid using negative words, even for ourselves. For me, it’s my sanity that prevails all the time. The mind is everything and its health is paramount—come what may. Excess of anything is bad. Balance is my prerogative, and I do it mindfully,” she says.
Speaking about prioritizing mental well-being in an industry as unpredictable as showbiz, Hansa shares a valuable perspective. “One has to learn first what’s the priority to prioritise anything in life. That comes from a secure zone, as insecurity will take you all over with meaningless anxiety and associations. Trusting your craft is your responsibility. Not seeking validation every time is the mantra,” she says, adding, “Sometimes actors don’t even trust the director, so they say, ‘One more take.’ What are you trying to achieve? On set, every person has a defined purpose. You can try another take, but how many times? When is your final take? The same applies to life—if you don’t trust yourself, be ready to be tossed around and taken advantage of.”
When it comes to breaking the stigma around mental health, especially in India, Hansa is vocal about the need for normalization. “In our country, anything to do with psychiatrists is sadly a taboo. Why can’t it be treated like any other medical procedure? Not all treatments lead to hospitals—sometimes all a person needs is a non-judgmental ear to listen. Abroad, people openly talk about being in psychic care to deal with stress, but we shy away from that one basic sense of self. When people with certain distinction voice it, it becomes valid, yet sadly often seen as a fad. Why can’t we normalise it?” she questions.
On the subject of social media pressures, Hansa admits that she has moved beyond being affected by it. “Nah, it doesn’t anymore. I’ve passed that phase, I guess! But yes, I do see so many people judging themselves through what’s happening on social media, and that’s a sad way to live. In today’s time, it’s important to be mindful in a mindless world. The war to be seen, to be heard, to be acknowledged, to be known and famous—it’s exhausting,” she says.
As a life coach in addition to being an actor, Hansa reveals that her work itself demands deep emotional awareness. “Trust me, my work takes most of my time. Being a life coach is an everyday process—hours of conversation, listening to clients, understanding their chaos, and uplifting them. It’s a daunting task. So yes, I do need my me time to rejuvenate and reconstruct my mind. Nothing is built in chaos. A calm mind is the oasis of a smiling face,” she reflects.
When asked about whether celebrities should share their struggles openly, she responds with honesty and clarity. “To each his own. Sometimes it’s done as a PR exercise too, and in current times, it’s more about that. But sometimes it’s actually a necessity—to scream your lungs out and make others realize that, guys, we are humans too.”
