Deepika's conversation on mental health with WHO chief put on hold

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has announced that her conversation with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on mental health during the coronavirus pandemic has been called off for the moment. The actor was set to discuss mental health issues amidst the coronavirus pandemic with the UN health agency chief on Thursday.

In a statement on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Deepika said the chat has been "put on hold" due to "highly unavoidable circumstances". "I regret to inform you that due to unforeseen and highly unavoidable circumstances the conversation, 'prioritizing mental health during the pandemic and beyond' between Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO and I, scheduled for April 23rd, 2020 has been put on hold until further notice," the actor said.

"Having said that, mental health is a very real and valid aspect of this pandemic; one that I hope we prioritize and nurture through these unusual times and beyond," she added. The "Chhapaak" star, who was diagnosed with depression in 2014, had announced on April 19 that she will engage in a discussion with Dr. Tedros with the aim to prioritize mental health during the pandemic.