“Nobody gets depressed in the village, everybody is happy. I learnt about anxiety, depression, bipolar after coming to the city – all this happens in the city. Everyone here glorifies their emotions. When it rains, a labourer or pavement dweller dances – they don’t know anything about depression. As you earn more money, you get these sort of illnesses as well.”
With this comment, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has sparked off a Twitterstorm with some hailing him to be right, while others calling him ill-informed. Speaking first to Mashable India and then to NDTV, the Sacred Games actor termed depression as an ‘urban issue’ and said that “he could be wrong but it was his experience.”
Actor Gulshan Devaiah took to Twitter to express his disappointment with his senior colleague. “Dritharashtra & Gandhari syndrome. I immensely respect the man for his craft but I’d not take him seriously on this issue. If you even just look at alcoholism or addictions, they exist in rural communities and that’s mental illness. No addict indulges in addiction because they love it. The addiction is a symptom, the real problem is the trauma they can’t heal,” he wrote.
Dritharashtra & Gandhari syndrome. I immensely respect the man for his craft but I’d not take him seriously on this issue.
If you even just look at alcoholism or addictions, they exist in rural communities and that’s mental illness. No addict indulges in addiction because they… https://t.co/msnc9FJW2oRelated Articles
Nawazuddin Siddiqui says no one gets depressed in villages, Gulshan Devaiah retorts, 'I'd not take him seriously'Put that Mobile Down: How using smartphones as kids can cause mental health issues(Video) new interview Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Anxiety and Depression WhatsApp status motivational story— “SuperGullu” (@gulshandevaiah) May 24, 2023
But is there any truth to what Nawazuddin Siddiqui said? Does living in a city contribute to poor mental health? Can urban living increase the chances of depression? Here’s what we found out.
Urban life and mental health
In 2019, it was said that over half of the world’s population – 4.2 billion people – live in cities. This number has only been rising since then and by 2050, it is estimated that 68 per cent of the population will live in urban areas.
Several studies carried out in the past have highlighted that residents of cities suffer from detrimental effects such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. The risk of having cancer is also higher in cities; living under stressful conditions damages your health. When unhealthy fast food is cheap and healthy food is nowhere to be found, obesity rates rise. And obesity is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
But studies have also shown that urban living can have adverse effects on mental health. The risk of developing depression – the most prevalent mental disorder in the world, characterised by low mood and feeling helpless – is 20 per cent higher in urban dwellers than those who live outside the city.
Also read: Love French fries, think again. How they could leave you feeling anxious and depressed
The risk of developing psychosis, a severe psychiatric disorder associated with hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and disorganised thought, is 77 per cent higher in urban than rural dwellers. The risk of developing generalised anxiety disorder, a state of mind characterised by feeling anxious and a sense of impending danger or panic, is also 21 per cent higher in urban than rural dwellers.
A 2017 analysis also revealed that the rate of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anger management was higher among those living in urban areas.
Depression-driving factors in cities
But what is it about cities or urban living that could increase the risk of depression. Mental health experts state there’s a variety of reasons why people in urban setups suffer more from depression than those in the village or in the countryside.
According to psychiatrists, urban living gives the brain a workout, which alters how we cope with stress. They note that the constant stimulation – large crowds, small spaces – can push the body into a state known as fight-or-flight response. This form makes us more vulnerable to mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and even substance abuse.
Experts state that constant stimulation can also chip away at a person’s psychological system, which can be dangerous for those who have a predisposition to depression.
Living in the city can also get lonely, which can accelerate depression. Venkatesh Babu GM, consultant psychiatrist, department of mental health and neurosciences, Fortis Hospitals told Hindu Business Line, “Loneliness can be seen as both a cause for and consequence of various mental disorders, especially depression. Social isolation is a potent but little understood risk factor for morbidity and mortality.”
He explains that in rural areas people nurture their social networks with the people around them. However, the fast-paced life in the city keeps people from forging meaningful social relationships. The pressures of work and the need to succeed also leave people with no time or inclination for nurturing social relationships.
Experts also state that diminished access to nature and reduced leisure time add to the woes of the urban dweller, making him or her more prone to depression. The large crowds and overpopulation in cities can also lead to noise pollution, keeping people up at night. This can also spell trouble for a person’s mental health.
Also read: Couples that sleep apart stay together? Sleep divorce, the new social media trend, explained
All is not well in villages either
But this is not to say that Nawazuddin Siddiqui is right about rural dwellers not having mental health issues. A 2023 study by the University of Houston indicated that Americans who live in more rural areas tend to be more anxious and depressed, as well as less open-minded and more neurotic.
In India, the National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) 2015-16 states that 4.48 per cent of people in rural India had experienced depressive disorders in their lifetime.
Psychiatrists state that owing to the lack of educational facilities, people find it difficult to understand or even have awareness about mental health issues. They often equate mental illness as some form of karmic punishment or black magic. This often leads to stigmatisation of the disease, and people are often shunned from society.
Further isolation is not just a phenomenon in urban areas. Limited internet access and phone service heightens isolation in rural areas. Living in a rural area can mean constantly fearing an emergency and being unable to get help. Like their city-dwelling counterparts, rural residents can be at risk for depression.
In fact, another study by the University of Chicago found that people who live in big cities like Chicago and New York City are less likely to experience depression than those living in rural areas.
As experts state urban living is complex and contradictory. It offers great mental health benefits through increased opportunities in education and employment. It’s the first step towards realising a person’s full potential.
While Nawazuddin has romanticised rustic life, his comments oversimplify a grave problem in not only the country, but also the world. After all, depression, as per data from the World Health Organization in 2022, affects about 280 million people worldwide, including about five per cent of all adults.
With inputs from agencies
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
FAQs
How many brothers did Nawazuddin Siddiqui have? ›
He has 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Reportedly, Nawazuddin's first girlfriend was Sunita Rajwar, an Indian film and theatre actress, who was his classmate at the NSD. He dated actress Niharika Singh for a while.
When did Nawazuddin Siddiqui started acting? ›Nawazuddin made his Bollywood debut in 1999, with a small role in Sarfarosh starring Aamir Khan. After moving to Mumbai he tried to get work in television, but did not achieve much success. After his debut, he appeared in short roles, where he remained unnoticed, despite his strong performances.
What is the age of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? › What happened between Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his brother? ›As per DNA, Shamaas directed Nawazuddin in his debut film Bole Chudiyan. However, the two brothers had a tiff during the film's production. As per the report, Nawazuddin didn't promote the film well with Shamaas even accusing him of sabotaging the film.
Which car does Nawazuddin Siddiqui have? ›Apart from his beautiful mansion, Nawaz also has some of the swankiest cars standing in his garage. The Badlapur actor owns a Mercedez Ben, BMW and Audi. Nawaz also owns a Ford Endeavor that csts around Rs 36.26 lakh and Mercedes GLS that estimadely costs around Rs 1.14 crore.
Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui highest paid actor? ›Nawazuddin Siddiqui also known as “Nawaz” by his fans. Nawazuddin is a trained actor and is a man of great courage; he is now one of the most appreciated actors in the world of cinema across the globe. He is also known as the hit machine of Bollywood cinema and is among one the highest-paid actors across the globe.
Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui religious? ›Early life. Siddiqui was born on 19 May 1974 in Budhana, a small town in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a zamindari Muslim family of Lambardars.
What was the turning point of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›He became the poster boy for independent and small budget and classy movies. But the turning point in his acting career definitely was Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur.
Was Nawazuddin Siddiqui a watchman? ›Before Nawazuddin Siddiqui became one of the most sought after actors in the Hindi film industry, he worked odd jobs. From working as a watchman to selling coriander, the actor did it all to make ends meet while still chasing his dreams and giving auditions.
Does Nawazuddin Siddiqui have a child? ›Who is Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife? ›
What are the allegations on Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has finally broken his silence and responded to the allegations against him made by his estranged wife, Aaliya Siddiqui. She has accused him of using his power to take custody of her children and of raping her.
What are the allegations against Nawazuddin? ›Story outline. The 'Sacred Games' actor has filed a Rs 100 cr defamation suit against his estranged wife Aaliya. He has also accused his brother Shamasuddin Siddiqui, of misappropriating his funds. His brother had bought several properties using his funds.
What are the lesser known facts about Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Nawazuddin intended to study chemistry and microbiology so that he could become a pathologist. In fact, he also enrolled at the Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar and worked as a chief chemist in SCME Petrochemicals in Baroda for almost 3 years.
Which car Salman Khan owns? ›Salman Khan – Bulletproof Nissan Patrol
Salman's Nissan Patrol is finished in white and is powered by a 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine, which produces a maximum power output of 400 PS and a peak torque output of 560 Nm.
In addition to the newly purchased Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, SRK also owns other swanky wheels such as BMW i8, Phantom Drophead Coupe, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, BMW 6-series, Bugatti Veyron, Bentley Continental GT and more.
What car does Salman Khan own? ›The Porsche Cayenne Turbo owned by Salman Khan costs a whopping INR 1.5 crores, according to several reports. A powerful and compact SUV, the car is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 petrol engine, that's coupled with 8-speed automatic gearbox that churns out the max power of 550 bhp and a peak torque of 770 nm.
Who is highest paid Indian actors? ›Aamir Khan
His net worth as of 2022 was calculated to be around Rs 95 crores. His monthly salary exceeds 15 crores.
It is also reported that Shah Rukh Khan charges a sum of 35-40 crores per film along with profit sharing.
Who is the world richest actor? ›Who is the number one richest actor in the world? Currently, Jami Gertz is the richest actor in the world with a net worth of $3 billion.
What is Shahrukh Khan religion? ›
Khan was born on 2 November 1965 into a Muslim family in New Delhi. He spent the first five years of his life in Mangalore, where his maternal grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed, served as the chief engineer of the port in the 1960s.
Did Kareena Kapoor convert religion? ›For the unversed, Kareena followed the footsteps of her mother-in-law and legendary actress Sharmila Tagore and didn't convert into a Muslim to marry the love of her life.
What is the fees of Nawazuddin Siddiqui for sacred games? ›One of the most-asked questions about Nawazuddin Siddiqui is how much he charges for a movie, and the answer to this question is quite staggering. The Sacred Games actor reportedly charges Rs. 6-7 crores for a single film.
What was the turning point of SRK? ›His first acting jobs were in television serials such as Fauji (1988; in the role of a commando) and Circus (1989), which won him instant recognition. His breakthrough movie was Deewana (1992; “Crazy”), and it marked the turning point in his acting career.
Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui method actor? ›Highlights. Siddiqui says that he won't use method acting while doing commercial movies.
Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui in red notice? ›Nawazuddin Siddiqui appears as a gangster, meeting Gal Gadot, Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson from Red Notice.
Where is bungalow of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Nawazuddin Siddiqui house address is Nawaz, Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Who started the watchman? ›Publication history
Watchmen, created by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons, first appeared in the 1985 issue of DC Spotlight, the 50th anniversary special. It was eventually published as a 12-issue maxiseries from DC Comics, cover-dated September 1986 to October 1987.
They are adored by fans thanks to their quick one liners and honest reactions but while we know the men of the family well, not much is known about the Siddiqui's mum, Nasreen.
Where does Nawazuddin Siddiqui's daughter live? ›In 2021, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife Aaliya, kids Shora and Yani had moved to Dubai.
Why did Nawaz divorce? ›
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Aaliya got married in 2011. The two have two kids--daughter Shora and son Yaani. Aaliya Siddiqui, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife, recently said that she will be heading for divorce with the actor after they got mired in a property dispute.
Who manages Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Anup Pandey - Celebrity Manager - Nawazuddin Siddiqui | LinkedIn.
Who is the father of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Nawabuddin Siddiqui, father of Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui, has passed away of brain hemorrhage. He was 72.
Who is Nawazuddin brother? ›Nawazuddin Siddiqui's brother Shamaas Siddiqui says that the actor beats his staff - See inside. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been into major controversies lately.
What is the family background of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Siddiqui was born on 19 May 1974 in Budhana, a small town in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a zamindari Muslim family of Lambardars. He is the eldest of eight siblings.
Who is the first wife of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his estranged wife Aaliya have been embroiled in a series of controversies after the two hit a rough patch. Aaliya had even filed a complaint against the actor and accused him of rape.
Who is the wife of Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's wife Anjana Pandey (Aaliya) on Tuesday said the duo is finally heading towards a divorce.
What is the net worth of Siddiqui? ›| Net Worth: | $13 Million |
|---|---|
| Net Worth In Indian Rupees: | 96 Crore INR |
| Salary: | 12 Crore + |
| Monthly Income: | 1 Crore + |
| Date of Birth: | May 19, 1974 |
The Muslim Kayastha (Urdu: مسلمان کائستھ), also known as Siddiqui, are a community of Muslims, are related to the Kayastha of northern India, mainly modern Uttar Pradesh, who converted to Islam during the rule of the Islamic empires in India.
Is Nawaz Siddiqui married? ›Who is the son of Nawazuddin Siddiqui? ›
In which film did Nawazuddin Siddiqui did a cameo? ›'Holy Cow' also has a cameo by Aaliya's estranged husband, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. In a chat with News18, she thanked him for making time for her film. “To play the part of a cop, we needed Nawaz and he knew that. He gave us his time and that's how we cast him in the film,” she said.