Mountaineer to scale Mount Everest for Deepika Padukone

Famed mountaineer David Liano, who is the first man to double summit Mount Everest from both the Nepal and Tibet sides, is all set to scale the mountain again, this time for Deepika Padukone. The climber has teamed up with the actress’ Live Love Laugh Foundation, to spread awareness about mental health.

Deepika took to her social networking handle this morning to confirm the news and make the formal announcement. Her tweets were as follows.

David, who has reportedly climbed Mount Everest five times so far, will scale the mount for again with Deepika’s foundation’s banner. During his two-month long climb to the summit the tallest mountain the world, he will keep fans and followers updated with photos and videos.

David had only kind words to say about Deepika’s foundation. He released a small note that read: Climbing Mount Everest is a huge challenge, but it doesn’t compare with the tough times that people going through depression and mental illness can go through. I know first hand how difficult it can be for them. If you or somebody you know is suffering from depression, anxiety or stress please visit the foundation’s website for more information.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure and please share this message. Remember #YouAreNotAlone

Mountaineer David Liano poses with Deepika Padukone's Live Love Laugh Foundation banner.

Deepika Padukone, who faced depression in the past, launched 'The Live Love Laugh' Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the issue of mental health in India. Deepika had first spoken about her plans to set up the foundation in an interview with a news channel. She talked about how she had experienced depression and took professional help to overcome it.

The actress then decided to start a not-for-profit organisation that would focus on increasing awareness about mental health as an issue, reduce the stigma around it and enable support to people affected by mental health issues.