About the Foundation


"LiveLoveLaugh aims to give hope to every person experiencing stress, anxiety and depression."

At its core, LiveLoveLaugh is an idea, a movement, and a metaphor for hope. Arising from her personal journey with anxiety and depression, LiveLoveLaugh (LLL) was founded in 2015 by actor Deepika Padukone. The Foundation combines knowledge and domain expertise to create awareness about mental health, reduce stigma associated with mental illness, and provide credible mental health resources.

LLL’s programs and outreach are conducted and implemented through partnerships and collaborations.

Founder


"On 15th February 2014, I vividly remember waking up with a hollow feeling in my stomach. I felt empty and directionless. I had become irritable and would cry endlessly. For someone who loves to multitask, making decisions suddenly felt like a burden. Waking up every morning had become a struggle. I was exhausted and often thought of giving up.

"My mother who recognized that something was amiss, insisted I seek professional help, and I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

“The love and support of my family, counselor, and psychiatrist encouraged me through those dark days.

“Through my journey to recovery, as I began to understand the stigma and lack of awareness associated with mental illness, I felt a deep need to save at least one life. It was this very need that motivated me to go public with my illness and set up The Live Love Laugh Foundation.

“Mental illness has presented us all with a very tough challenge. Now more than ever before, we need to prioritize the needs of every individual including those affected by mental illness.

“My love-hate relationship with the illness has taught me so much. To be patient for one, that you are not alone, but most importantly, that there is Hope.”

Board of Trustees

Dr Shyam Bhat


Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Dr. Shyam Bhat is the Chairperson of Live Love Laugh, and a Psychiatrist and Integrative Medicine specialist. Dr. Bhat is among fewer than 600 medical professionals worldwide, with postgraduate training and American Board certifications in Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) and Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine).

In addition, he is also board certified in Psychosomatic Medicine (ABPN subspecialty), which is the study of conditions at the interface of body and mind. Dr Bhat combines these qualifications with a deep study and understanding of Eastern philosophy and healing practices. He developed the evidence-based psychotherapy “Integral Self Therapy” which integrates insights from eastern meditative practices with contemporary therapeutic techniques, to facilitate self-realization.

Dr. Bhat is regarded as a pioneer of holistic psychiatry in India. After a 12 -year stint in the UK and the US encompassing medical training and practice, Dr. Bhat returned to India in 2009 with the vision of practicing a holistic form of psychiatry and medicine that integrates the best of India’s ancient therapies of mind and body, along with the latest evidence-based treatments from western medicine and psychiatry.

Dr Bhat is a consultant on leadership development and stress management for some of the world's leading organizations.

Anna Chandy


Trustee

Anna Chandy has been involved in the mental health domain in India for nearly three decades. Her body of work includes counselling individuals and family systems, psychoeducation, training and mentoring counsellors, and other community-level interventions. Anna has pioneered changes in the counselling profession in India, advocating international standards of practice and an ethical and relational approach to counselling.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw


Trustee

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the Executive Chairperson at Biocon. She is a pioneering biotech entrepreneur and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2005) and the Padma Shri (1989). She is committed to providing affordable access to healthcare with several global recognitions to her credit. She is the second Indian to sign the ‘Giving Pledge’ of the Gates Foundation.

Dr Murali Doraiswamy


Trustee

Dr Doraiswamy is a professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University School of Medicine (USA), and also a member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.  He has been an advisor to leading government agencies, businesses, advocacy groups and served as the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Mental Health.  He is a leading advocate for increasing funding for brain and behavioural research to help address great looming challenges in society posed by modern developments in the 21st century.

Ananth Narayanan


Trustee

Ananth Narayanan is an investor and an entrepreneur in the consumer internet space in India. He is the founder of Mensa Brands that looks to invest into and work with founders of digital-first brands and scale them globally. Most recently he was the Co-Founder and CEO of Medlife, one of the largest e-health companies in India that merged with Pharmeasy creating a billion plus dollar business. Prior to this he served as the CEO of Myntra & Jabong, the country’s largest platform for fashion and lifestyle products. Prior to joining Myntra, Ananth was a Director at McKinsey & Company for 15 years.

Meet The Team

Anisha Padukone


CEO

At LiveLoveLaugh, Anisha provides strategic leadership across program development, fundraising, policy outreach and other areas. During her tenure as the CEO, LLL has emerged as a leading voice in India’s mental health sector delivering impactful change in championing marginalised communities.

Anisha has a degree in Psychology, Sociology and Economics, and has completed a program in Strategic Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School and Ashoka University.

She is a former member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for Mental Health, and has played golf professionally, representing India at international tournaments.

Brian Carvalho


Head of Communications & PR

Brian crafts communications strategy and manages media outreach at the foundation. He has a master's degree in mass communication and is a big believer in the power of collaboration and in being a ‘student for life.’ He enjoys working closely with founders, leaders and high-performance teams to deliver great results. When he is not working, Brian loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys long-distance running and music, and has used both these passions to support fundraising efforts for a variety of causes over two decades.

Lekha Gondhkar


Head of Digital

Lekha leverages her expertise in technology and management to lead the Foundation's digital vertical at The Live Love Laugh Foundation. Furthermore, she contributes to program, policy and communications initiatives in a supporting capacity.

Previously, she has played senior roles in leading multinational product development organizations to deliver high quality software products in global markets. Her experience in liaising with various stakeholders, including executive leadership teams, has been instrumental in driving substantial value and achieving success.

Lekha's passion for social causes and belief in the importance of impactful initiatives make her an advocate for positive change. Her zest for life, commitment-driven approach and positive attitude have been enablers in work and life.

Lekha holds a postgraduate degree in General Management from UCLA; and a certification in Leadership for Mental Health.

Matangi Jayaram


Head of Programs

Matangi drives the design and implementation of programs at LiveLoveLaugh. With over two and a half decades of experience in both the corporate and development sectors, her interests lie at the intersection of health, program design and building partnerships with government and communities to amplify impact. In her earlier stints, she worked as Head of Partnerships at the Center for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS) and as Senior Program Officer with Avahan, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s flagship HIV prevention program in India.

She is a keen follower of all forms of art with deep appreciation for Indian classical music and dance forms, enjoys the outdoors and is discovering the joys of poetry.

She holds a Masters in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

Merin Philip


Head - Donor Relations

Merin holds a Masters in Economics from Mahatma Gandhi University & a PG Diploma in Public Relations from Cochin University of Management Studies. She has taught Economics & English and her passion for eliciting the best out of people steered her into a long stint in Human Resources and ultimately into the social development sector. She has established CSR partnerships with several corporations, organized and engaged corporate volunteers in hands-on experiences with program beneficiaries and raised funds for large programs. She believes that people of all ages and from all walks of life deserve good mental health and works in the belief that good mental health is the key to comprehensive well-being. She keeps in good spirits with love and laughter from her family, friends, and a fitness routine.

Venkata Gopalakrishna


Head of Finance
Venkat holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Social Work from Andhra University and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Berhampur University. He comes with over 23 years of experience in the development sector with National & International organisations like the Catholic Health Association of India, ChildFund International and Azim Premji Foundation. His expertise lies in Accounts and Finance. Venkat enjoys playing badminton, watching cricket and loves to mingle with the surrounding community.

Sufia Sehr Ghori


Senior Manager - Digital

Sufia holds a MBA in Communication Management from Symbiosis International University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Mount Carmel College. Having worked extensively towards the Digital and Social Media Marketing efforts of brands across industries like Retail, FMCG, Luxury, Auto, Corporate and Employer Branding charters for over 5 years, she has a strong understanding of the digital ecosystem. A firm believer in the transformative power of prioritizing one's mental health, she hopes that one day, seeking help for mental health becomes as normal as working out or going to the gym to keep your physical health in check. To unwind, Sufia loves cooking, travelling, trying new restaurants, spending time with her family and discovering thrilling shows to binge watch.

Pritha Banerjee


Manager - Corporate Program

Pritha has completed her Masters in Development Studies from Azim Premji University, Bangalore and her Bachelors in Sociology and Psychology from Sophia College, Mumbai. She has been working in the development sector for the last 7 years in programmatic roles as well as partnerships and donor management roles. She has worked with organizations like Tata Trusts, Akshaya Patra Foundation, NASSCOM Foundation, Sattva Consulting, etc.

She believes that mental health is one of the most important needs for every individual without which one's journey to understanding self would not be holistic. Pritha has been trying to drive awareness and inclusion of mental health as a need in her personal as well as professional spaces. She also does theatre and has been learning a form of martial arts called Ninjitsu & strives to maximize her experiences as a key goal of her life. 

Ankita Mathews


Manager - Rural Program

Ankita holds a Master's degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Stella Maris College, Chennai. While she was specializing in Public Health during her master's, she developed a keen interest in pursuing a career in the area of Public Health, one of the key areas of interest being Mental Health. She is a strong advocate of mental wellness and hopes for a society where people suffering with mental illness will be treated with love and acceptance. Before joining LLL, she worked with Ernst and Young LLP as a Project Coordinator in the area of Urban Sanitation. She loves her family, dogs and a great workout routine.

Shirsha Chandra


Digital Marketing Executive

With a triple major in Communication and Media, Psychology, and English from Christ University, Shirsha is creative and passionate. Combining a passion for mental health advocacy with expertise in digital marketing, she strives to create a meaningful impact in everything she does. She finds solace in the world of art, using it as her creative outlet and escape.

ANNEBELLE G. CORREA


Senior Executive Assistant

Annebelle plays the role of EA to the Director of the Foundation. She has over 15 years of experience working in Admin departments of various organizations. She holds a degree in theology & secretarial diploma. Having previously worked in the capacity of team lead and senior secretary, she brings strong planning, execution and organizing skills while managing the admin and other functional activities of the foundation. Annebelle is a team player, has an encouraging attitude and is always willing to help. Besides work, she spends her time with her family and pursues other hobbies.

Arul


Admin Manager

Arul has an ITI background with an education in the mechanical field. He has previously worked with the Indian Army for over 18 years and has played the role of an administrator in various capacities during his tenure. Arul has also worked with Bat Wings Learning Centre in Bangalore, managing admin and event related activities. Arul’s participation in various sports has played an important role in his life. Owing to his background with the Army, Arul is committed, disciplined and dedicated to the goals and activities of the foundation. Arul currently works as an Admin Manager at the Foundation.

Raja


Office Assistant

Raja comes with 7 years of experience in admin related activities with retail organizations like Health & Glow and Geetanjali Diamonds. He is dedicated, hard working and always ready to help anyone out with a smile. He supports Arul with day-to-day administrative tasks at the office. Raja is a foodie at heart, who also enjoys listening to music, playing on the playstation and traveling to new places.

Kala


Housekeeping in-charge

 Kala has been a part of the LiveLoveLaugh family since inception. She is a dedicated, hard working and efficient person who always ensures everyone has their steaming cup of filter coffee to kick start the day.

Donors & Volunteers

Donors
FY 2023-2024
FCRA Donors
FY 2023-2024
Sponsorships
FY 2020-2021
Volunteer

Testimonials

We have been partners with TLLLF since 2017 and through the You Are Not Alone Program, we have reached out to 5000+ students and 300+ teachers so far. Through the YANA program, the larger shift that I see is that there is a lot more receptiveness to mental health awareness, not just with school children and teachers, but also the larger school ecosystem, which includes parents and the administration. This is something that I think is a huge takeaway from the YANA program.

I think the most memorable moments for me have been when we end the session and children walk out of the class, they come back and say thank you for talking about anxiety, thank you for talking about depression, thank you for talking about body shaming and bullying. Basically, we have given them a “word” for the experience that they have already been going through and that really helps them. It was very liberating for them to have sat in the sessions. Those faces of those children are what I take away from this experience.”

Connecting Trust, Pune

The association with LLL has been very precious because through them, we are able to approach the schools and cover so many students. It has given us a platform to meet schools, students, principals and teachers and deliver sessions. This partnership has been fabulous till date.

The curiosity level is very high when we approach the schools. Schools agree that this is a topic that needs awareness, sometimes they are happy to allow us, sometimes they are apprehensive since this is a sensitive topic where they wish to discuss internally and get back to us.

Overall, when we take sessions, they usually know about the terms “depression” and “anxiety”, but they do not know what it actually means. They are usually confused and believe that sadness and depression are one and the same thing. After the session, many students come up to us to say that they are able to associate with whatever has been delivered here, because they can identify some of these symptoms in themselves or their loved ones. This is a very fruitful awareness that we have created. This is why we are attached to this program – to create that level of awareness.

Manthan, Ahmedabad

With ‘Mental Health’ heading towards becoming the next pandemic, the contribution of TLLLF stands out in terms of its wide reach. It is gratifying to know that organizations like TLLLF are working towards breaking the mental health stigma and being there for the people who are struggling with these issues.

TLLLF has been spearheading the cause of creating social awareness and has helped directing the calls from the distressed to our helpline using the details published on TLLLF’s website. Your dynamic and compassionate founder and committed team go out of their way to promote awareness about mental health.

Mitram Foundation is privileged to be a part of this worthy cause and we are extremely thankful to TLLLF for their consistent support.

In gratitude.

Vanita Naval & Dr. Nitesh Dave

Managing Trustees, Mitram Foundation

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