Arjun Kapoor has shared a deeply personal account of his battle with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition he was diagnosed with at the age of 30. The actor, known for his roles in films like Tevar, Ki and Ka, Half Girlfriend, and Mubarakan, opened up about the challenges he faced while juggling his health issues and a demanding film career. In an honest conversation with Hollywood Reporter India, Arjun revealed the physical and emotional toll of dealing with the condition while filming back-to-back projects during 2014 and 2015.
For Arjun, the diagnosis was both a shock and a moment of realization. He explained that Hashimoto’s disease is an extension of thyroid issues, but it goes a step further, with the body’s antibodies attacking the thyroid. This leads to symptoms that make it difficult to maintain a stable weight, despite consistent effort. “It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress,” Arjun shared, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of the disease. The constant battle with his body’s response to the condition was an ongoing source of frustration.
The actor candidly admitted that despite his hard work and dedication to fitness, his body would often betray him. “If I look back, I was trying…but my body kept changing,” Arjun reflected. The physical changes he underwent during this period weren’t just about fluctuating weight but also about how his body reacted to the stress of his career, which led to periods of self-doubt. “You will have moments of self-doubt in any profession. You fight through it. You look for validation,” he said, illustrating the emotional strain that accompanied his health struggles.
In addition to the physical challenges, Arjun also revealed that he was diagnosed with mild depression, which he attributed to circumstantial factors. The combination of an autoimmune disorder and the mental health impact of his hectic schedule was overwhelming. He acknowledged that his diagnosis, which seemed out of his control, affected both his personal life and his career. This was especially difficult in an industry where physical appearance often plays a significant role in an actor’s success. Despite the setbacks, Arjun remained determined to overcome his health challenges and continue pursuing his goals in Bollywood.
Arjun’s family history with Hashimoto’s disease added another layer of complexity to his experience. He shared that both his mother, Mona Kapoor, and his sister, Anshula Kapoor, had been diagnosed with the same condition. “The more relaxed I am, the better I look, which is ironic because in this profession, you are not really relaxed,” he remarked, highlighting the tension between the pressures of his career and the need for self-care in managing the condition. He admitted that when he was diagnosed at 30, he was initially dismissive of the potential impact of the disease, believing that, like his mother, he could manage it. “I said, no, it can’t be because my mom used to have it. I used to be nonchalant because I became fit; I lost 50 kgs. I said, it is not going to bother me,” he said.
However, the reality of managing Hashimoto’s disease set in during the filming of multiple films in a short period, when his health began to visibly decline. Arjun recalled that during the shoots for Tevar, Ki and Ka, Half Girlfriend, and Mubarakan, his condition started to affect his physical appearance and well-being, despite his best efforts to stay fit. The relentless pace of back-to-back shooting schedules left him with little time to focus on his health, and his body began to show the effects of stress and exhaustion.
Looking back at that time, Arjun now recognizes the long-lasting impact that the disease had on his physical and mental health. “That’s 2014-15, and that’s 7-8 years of holding that physical trauma,” he said. Over time, he learned to accept that while he could manage the condition, it was always a part of his life, requiring constant attention and care. His journey through this experience has been one of growth, not just in terms of his health but also in his understanding of the importance of self-compassion and the need for a balanced approach to life.
Arjun’s openness about his struggles with Hashimoto’s disease has been both eye-opening and inspiring for many. His story serves as a reminder that even those in the public eye face personal challenges that are often invisible to the outside world. Through his honesty, Arjun has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and his willingness to speak about his health journey continues to inspire others who may be dealing with similar struggles.
Arjun Kapoor’s vulnerability in discussing his health challenges also underscores the broader conversation about mental health and physical well-being, especially within the film industry. Often, celebrities are expected to maintain an idealized appearance and energy level, a pressure that can exacerbate underlying health conditions. Arjun’s story highlights how external expectations can clash with internal struggles, making it difficult for many to open up about their health issues. By sharing his experience with Hashimoto’s disease, Arjun is breaking down the stigma surrounding autoimmune disorders and mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed and prioritize self-care.
Moreover, Arjun’s candidness about his fluctuating weight and the toll it took on his self-esteem is a crucial reminder that health isn’t always about appearance or body size. For many, dealing with chronic conditions like Hashimoto’s disease can make it difficult to maintain a consistent physical form, regardless of how hard they work. Arjun’s emphasis on his body’s resistance to change, despite his best efforts, speaks to the challenges that many face when dealing with autoimmune disorders that are beyond their control. His words are a testament to the reality that health is a multifaceted issue, and external changes don’t always reflect a person’s effort or commitment.
In addition to his public revelations, Arjun has also spoken about how his approach to health has evolved over the years. Rather than focusing solely on appearance, he has shifted his attention to overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional balance. His journey has led him to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly healthy—beyond weight loss or physical fitness. “I had to learn to be kinder to myself and embrace my body as it is, rather than constantly battling it,” Arjun shared in a later interview, reflecting on his journey toward self-acceptance.
While the journey with Hashimoto’s disease has been challenging for Arjun, it has also allowed him to discover new perspectives on life. His health journey has made him more conscious of the need for balance, both in his career and personal life. In a fast-paced industry that often encourages overwork and perfectionism, Arjun now recognizes the importance of slowing down, taking breaks, and giving his body the time it needs to heal. He advocates for a more mindful approach to life and work, something that resonates with many who find themselves caught in the pressures of modern life.
Looking forward, Arjun is hopeful about the future and the ways in which his experience with Hashimoto’s disease will continue to shape his perspective. While the journey hasn’t been easy, he now uses his platform to raise awareness about autoimmune conditions and mental health, hoping to inspire others who are silently battling similar challenges. His openness has already created a ripple effect, with fans and followers sharing their own stories of resilience and strength.
Arjun’s journey is a powerful reminder that every person’s health story is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing physical and mental well-being. His willingness to be honest and vulnerable not only humanizes him as a celebrity but also serves as an example for others to embrace their own challenges with compassion and understanding. Through his story, Arjun Kapoor has proven that true strength lies not in hiding one’s struggles, but in facing them with courage and vulnerability, ultimately encouraging a more open, supportive dialogue about health in all its forms.