I wish I could talk to Sushant Singh Rajput: Mohammed Shami

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide left the entire nation in a state of shock. He was a brilliant actor and was closely connected to cricket thanks to his movies, Kai Po Che and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Soon after the news broke on June 14, the cricketing fraternity expressed condolences towards the actor’s family while also stating that mental health is a serious problem now.

India pacer Mohammed Shami has opened up on Sushant’s passing away now and has mentioned that he was a good friend. Shami himself has gone through mental health problems and suicidal thoughts earlier and he rues he couldn’t talk to Sushant during his tough times. However, the pace bowler also went on to say that he would’ve chatted with the actor had he known about his mental condition.

“Depression is a problem that needs attention. It was unfortunate to see such a brilliant actor like Sushant Singh Rajput lose his life. He was a friend and I wish I could talk to him had I known about his mental condition,” he said while speaking to Hindustan Times.

Mohammed Shami throws light on his own mental issues

Mohammed Shami also recalled the time when he was suffering from mental health issues. He credited his family for helping him to recover and also admitted that thoughts of suicide crossed his mind as well. “In my case, my family pulled me out of that low phase. They took care of me and made me realise that I needed to fight back.

“There were times I felt suicidal but my family ensured I was never alone. Someone or the other would always be around, talking to me. Spirituality also helps you seek answers. Talking to your close ones or counselling is the best way out,” Shami added. The 29-year-old also deems himself to have a captain like Virat Kohli by his side. Shami was going through a really tough time when his wife Hasin Jahan made some serious allegations.

However, he says that he got the captain and team’s support and is thankful that the tough phase is over now. “Mental pressure definitely interferes in your physical wellbeing. At the same time, if you seek help from others and talk about it, you can get rid of such issues off the field. I was lucky to have the team’s support staff along with Virat Kohli and other players backing me.

“We are like a family. My teammates always insisted I vent my anger and frustration out on the field. I am happy that phase is over,” Mohammed Shami concluded.