Hema Opens Up on Depression Amid Drug Case
Veteran actress Hema, a familiar face in Telugu cinema known for her versatile character roles and comic timing, made an emotional revelation about one of the darkest phases of her life. Speaking at a “Meet the Press” event organized by the Film Critics Association at the Telugu Film Chamber in Hyderabad, the actress opened up about the mental trauma she endured during the recent drug case controversy.
Having spent decades building a strong presence in Tollywood, Hema has earned a reputation not just for her performances but also for her bold and outspoken nature. However, behind that strong exterior, she revealed a deeply painful experience that shook her personally and professionally.
“I Was Mentally Broken”
Addressing the media, Hema admitted that the allegations had a devastating impact on her mental health.
“At that time, I felt like dying. I was that depressed,” she said, visibly emotional.
She firmly maintained that she had done nothing wrong and emphasized that she has now been proven innocent. According to her, the way certain sections of the media handled the issue caused irreparable damage to her reputation and peace of mind.
“My Family Suffered the Most”
Hema highlighted that the controversy didn’t just affect her—it deeply hurt her family as well.
“My family suffered a lot. It was an extremely difficult phase for all of us,” she shared.
She explained that the constant scrutiny, rumors, and negative coverage created an unbearable environment at home, leaving her loved ones distressed.
Media Responsibility Under Lens
While expressing disappointment over what she described as “baseless allegations” and “mud-slinging” by some media outlets, Hema clarified that she does not hold the entire media fraternity responsible.
She expressed hope that responsible and ethical journalism would prevail moving forward.
“I believe honest media will stand by the truth and do justice,” she said.
Film Critics Association Voices Support
Members of the Film Critics Association also shared their perspectives during the event, extending support to the actress.
Battula Prasad Rao (President) stated that Hema is currently going through emotional distress due to how she was portrayed in the media.
“We organized this Meet the Press to give her a platform to express herself. Even journalists sometimes face unfair situations, just like she mentioned,” he noted.
Prabhu (Honorary President) pointed out the growing issue of misinformation.
“The film industry and media have always shared a healthy relationship. But today, social media is spreading unchecked false news. Hema has proven her innocence in court, yet the same attention was not given when she was cleared,” he said.
Suresh Kondeti (General Secretary) praised Hema’s resilience and contributions to the industry.
“Hema garu has always stood up for others, especially women in the industry. It is painful to see such a courageous person go through this. We are glad she has come out strong and is sharing her truth today,” he added.
A Voice Beyond Controversy
The event saw the presence of several journalists and association members, turning into a platform not just for clarification but also for reflection on media ethics and responsibility.
Through her candid revelations, Hema not only addressed the controversy but also highlighted the emotional toll of misinformation—sending a strong message about truth, resilience, and accountability.
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