Mumbai: Actor Kubbra Sait has sparked an important conversation around mental health and neurodiversity by candidly speaking about her experience of living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a heartfelt and humorous video shared on social media, the actor reflected on growing up being labelled as “dramatic” and “distracted” before eventually understanding that she had ADHD.
Known for her openness on personal issues, Kubbra’s latest revelation has resonated with many people online, particularly those who have experienced similar challenges in recognising and understanding neurodivergence.
Growing up with labels
In the video, Kubbra recalled how she often found herself lost in her imagination during childhood, even while sitting in classrooms.
“Growing up I was told three things, Kubbra, you’re dramatic, you’re distracted, can you please pay attention?” she said.
The actor described how, while her classmates were focused on solving mathematical problems, her mind would wander into elaborate imaginary scenarios.
“While everyone else was in Maths class solving problems, I was plotting a murder mystery, rehearsing my Filmfare speech, imagining my future husband fighting with my mother, and rescuing three stray cats in my head before lunch,” she said.
Her candid description struck a chord with many social media users, who praised her for normalising conversations around ADHD and mental health.
Discovering ADHD as an adult
Kubbra revealed that she only learned about her ADHD as an adult, a discovery that helped her understand many aspects of her personality and behaviour.
According to the actor, the diagnosis suddenly made sense of several experiences that had puzzled her for years.
She spoke about unfinished projects, episodes of hyperfocus and constantly shifting attention, all of which she now recognises as part of her neurodivergent experience.
“The unfinished projects, the hyperfocus, the 57 open tabs, the fact that I can forget why I entered a room but remember a compliment, an insult, and what somebody wore in 2009,” she said.
Kubbra added that the same mind that often loses its keys is also capable of immense creativity and imagination.
“It’s the same brain that probably lost its keys, but will build worlds, create stories, start businesses, write comedy, and occasionally buy things online at 2 a.m. because they felt spiritually necessary,” she said.
‘Exhausting, chaotic and a superpower’
Describing her relationship with ADHD, Kubbra acknowledged that the condition comes with its own set of challenges.
“It is exhausting, it’s chaotic, it’s expensive, but it’s also a SUPERPOWER,” she said.
The actor ended the video with her trademark humour, joking that she had initially picked up her phone to reply to a message but somehow ended up creating an entire reel instead.
“I just realised I picked up my phone to reply to one message, and I somehow ended up making this reel instead. But what good content!” she said.
Her candid remarks have been widely appreciated for bringing visibility to the realities of living with ADHD and encouraging a more compassionate understanding of neurodiversity.
Raising awareness about neurodiversity
Mental health advocates and social media users have praised Kubbra for speaking openly about her experiences and helping reduce the stigma surrounding ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control and executive functioning. However, many individuals with ADHD also describe experiencing heightened creativity, curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Experts often emphasise that early understanding and support can help individuals with ADHD navigate challenges while harnessing their strengths.
By sharing her story, Kubbra has once again highlighted the importance of conversations around mental health and neurodiversity, reminding people that behaviours often dismissed as being “dramatic” or “distracted” may have deeper explanations.
Her message also serves as an encouragement for people to seek understanding, embrace their differences and recognise that neurodivergence can be both challenging and empowering.