When asked by Hashmi about her noticeable absence from showbiz over the past year or two, he jokingly suggested she had “gone underground in hiding.” Shah responded with honesty and grace, revealing that she had been unwell and spent the time healing. “I had been going through some things and hadn’t been feeling well for some time,” she shared, adding that she had used the time to recover.
The good news? The Deewar-e-Shab star is now “absolutely 100% ready to get back to work.”
In a powerful and moving conversation, Shah spoke about how her depression had begun to impact her daily life and basic functioning. “I could not eat, sleep or process things around me. I felt a strange fear, it was very dark. It is a miracle I got out of it.”
She went on to explain how the illness left her numb to her surroundings and unable to experience or process emotions as she normally would. But more than just sharing her own experience, Shah used the opportunity to educate viewers on recognising the early signs of depression.
Listing the standard range of emotions a person typically feels, such as happiness, sadness and excitement, she encouraged those watching to be alert to significant changes. “If you are struggling to function on a daily basis and know you are experiencing inexplicable emotions out of the ordinary, that is when you must seek help from a doctor.”
Additionally, she stressed the importance of turning to professionals instead of relying on self-treatment, cautioning that the latter can often do more harm than good. “It may be counterproductive and only escalate matters,” she said.
This is not the first time Nausheen Shah has spoken publicly about her mental health journey. In 2019, she bravely opened up about her seven-year battle with depression and anxiety.
At the time, she credited fellow actor Shahroze Sabzwari for saving her life by referring her to a doctor who offered real help—unlike others she had previously seen who prescribed only addictive anti-anxiety medication.
As she steps back into the spotlight, we can’t wait to see the gifted actor light up our screens once again!