Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has taken a big stride beyond the silver screen by joining forces with Meta as the new English voice of Meta AI. She announced on Instagram that people in India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand can now talk to Meta AI in her voice. "Go ahead and give it a try and let me know what you think!" she wrote, signing off with a smiling "Chat soon!"
The collaboration places Deepika in a rare league of international celebrities lending their voices to Meta's chatbot, a bold move for both her global career and Meta's push to personalise digital communication. Her familiar, friendly voice adds a human element to the AI experience, Glamsham noted, and speaks to her growing reach as a cultural icon spanning entertainment, wellness and technology.
A milestone for mental health, days earlier
Just days before the partnership was revealed, Deepika achieved another significant milestone: on 12 October she was named the Government of India's first-ever Mental Health Ambassador. A long-time advocate for mental wellness, she has openly shared her own battle with depression and worked to break the stigma around mental health through her foundation.
Reflecting on the honour, she said, "My own experience taught me that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, but a sign of strength."
Why experts welcomed the appointment
Experts such as Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabam's Hospitals, welcomed the decision, Glamsham reported, pointing to the need to differentiate between normal sadness and clinical depression to pave the way for better mental health awareness in India. Normal sadness is temporary and tied to specific events, while depression persists for weeks or months and affects sleep, appetite, energy and motivation, signs that should never be ignored.
Support at Cadabam's Hospitals
Deepika's appointment is a reminder that seeking help is strength, not weakness. If low mood, hopelessness or anxiety have lasted more than two weeks and are affecting daily life, Cadabam's Hospitals offers confidential assessment and evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety. Our team is here to help.