Singer-rapper Badshah recently opened up about his personal battle with anxiety and depression, sharing a particularly challenging moment triggered by the film Lootera (2014). Badshah shared how watching the movie led to a severe anxiety attack, forcing him to take an extra dose of his prescribed medication.
When Badshah got an anxiety attack watching Lootera
Recalling the incident, the rapper told Lallantop, "I watched Lootera and immediately felt overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. I ended up taking a double dose of my medicines. When I woke up, I called my doctor and told him, 'I watched Lootera and it caused a lot of trouble. I took a double dose of everything.' My doctor humorously advised me, 'Bhai, whatever you do, don’t watch Raanjhanaa (Brother, stay away from Raanjhanaa),'" referring to another emotional movie based on heartbreak.
While the experience was unsettling, Badshah assured that this was the only time he took medication without consulting his doctor. "Barring that one time, I never self-medicate. I always consult my doctor,” he said.
Badshah recalls his first panic attack
Badshah also recounted his first panic attack, which took place during a visit to London. "I was about to fall asleep when I started feeling palpitations. I thought I was having a heart attack, so I rushed outside and began running on the street. I took two sleeping pills and eventually managed to sleep. The next morning, I realised it was a panic attack."
The anxiety followed him on his flight back to India. "I was sweating and feeling incredibly anxious on the plane. My co-passenger started getting suspicious of my behavior. To calm myself, I began writing a song, and that helped me settle down," he recalled.
Badshah turned to his sister for help
Upon his return to India, Badshah's anxiety worsened, and he struggled with sleepless nights. He turned to his sister for help, pleading, "Mujhe bachaa le, mujhe kuch ho raha hai" (Please save me, something is wrong with me). This led him to seek medical advice, and he was diagnosed with anxiety, depression. His recovery process, which included medication, took six months.
Even though Badshah has recovered, he still carries anxiety medication with him, having learned that maintaining his happiness is vital. He shared an important lesson, saying, "The most important thing in life is to be happy, and sometimes, being selfish for your own happiness is necessary. Many people don’t prioritize their happiness, and that’s why they remain sad."