When Janhvi Kapoor debuted in Bollywood with Dhadak in 2018, the film turned into a commercial success. But behind the box-office numbers, the actor says she was struggling privately. In a recent podcast appearance, Janhvi revealed that she slipped into depression after the film’s release, convinced that audiences disliked her.
Janhvi Kapoor Reflects on Depression After Dhadak
Speaking on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Janhvi revisited the emotionally complicated period following her first film. Despite Dhadak receiving decent box-office numbers, the actor says her personal memory of the film is far from celebratory.
She admitted that after the release, she believed her career might already be over.
“You know, every time anyone talks about my first film, they say they loved it,” she said. “But my memory of Dhadak was very different. I was depressed after it. I thought, ho gaya, pack-up ho gaya. People hate me.”
It was a stark contrast to the public narrative surrounding the film.
Why Losing Sridevi Changed Her Perspective
For Janhvi, the emotional pressure around her debut was deeply tied to the loss of her mother, legendary actor Sridevi, who passed away months before the film released.
She explained that much of her self-confidence growing up came from her mother’s validation. When that support disappeared, she unconsciously looked to the audience for the same reassurance.
“I got all my validation from my mom,” Janhvi said. “When she went away, I shifted that to the audience.”
But expecting universal approval turned out to be unrealistic. Instead, she focused only on negative feedback — something many young actors quietly struggle with.
One harsh comment can echo louder than a hundred compliments. Especially in Bollywood.
The Success of Dhadak vs Janhvi’s Self-Doubt
Ironically, Dhadak — directed by Shashank Khaitan and backed by Karan Johar — was commercially successful. The film, which also starred Ishaan Khatter, reportedly earned around ₹110 crore worldwide.
At the time, it was among the most successful debut films featuring newcomers.
Yet Janhvi says she barely registered the numbers.
“I didn’t even acknowledge that it was a hit,” she recalled. “I just knew that I sucked and people hated me.”
That disconnect between public success and private perception is not uncommon in the entertainment industry. For young actors — particularly those entering Bollywood under intense scrutiny — the pressure can be overwhelming.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Journey After Her Debut
Since then, Janhvi has gradually built a varied filmography. She has appeared in films such as Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Good Luck Jerry and the horror comedy Roohi.
Her recent film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, directed by Shashank Khaitan and co-starring Varun Dhawan, also performed reasonably well at the box office.
The actor is now preparing for a major regional crossover. She will next appear in the Telugu film Peddi opposite Ram Charan.
The project is expected to release later this year.
Years after her debut, Janhvi Kapoor is still unpacking the emotional weight of that moment. The numbers may have said success, but her memories tell a more complex story — one about grief, pressure, and learning to separate public opinion from self-worth.
