He said while outsiders may see it as a disorder, ADHD is his best quality and proved beneficial in his career.
Published Aug 06, 2024 | 5:01 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 06, 2024 | 5:02 PM
Shine Tom Chacko on being diagnosed with ADHD. (X)
Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko recently disclosed his ADHD diagnosis, calling it his best quality and “very beneficial” rather than a disorder.
This follows fellow actor Fahadh Faasil’s revelation about his own ADHD, highlighting a condition often overlooked in public discussions.
In an interview with Manorama Online, Shine Tom Chacko discussed living with ADHD, saying, “I have ADHD. It’s a diagnosed condition. People with ADHD seek attention, which is why they often become actors. Otherwise, they’d just stay in a closed room. Everyone has a bit of this; that’s why we dress up and go out—to be noticed.”
Shine Tom Chacko’s insights reveal how ADHD shapes his behaviour and career choices.
ADHD, marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often poses challenges in social, educational, and professional contexts. However, Shine Tom Chacko’s experience presents a different perspective, showing how these traits can also be assets that contribute to his success as an actor.
The Malayalam actor described how ADHD benefits his career. “In people with ADHD, these traits are more pronounced, leading to it being labelled a disorder. Someone with ADHD always wants to stand out and seeks audience attention through their performance. Outsiders may see it as a disorder, but for me, ADHD is my best quality. Like the saying ‘a stain is good,’ ADHD has been very beneficial to me.”
By embracing his condition and its positive aspects, Shine Tom Chacko highlights how neurodiversity can enhance creativity and performance in the arts. His openness encourages others to see their differences as strengths.
The actor’s confession of ADHD diagnosis also sheds light on mental health and the need for greater awareness and acceptance.
By discussing this in public, he helps reduce the stigma associated with ADHD and other mental health conditions, demonstrating the potential for individuals with ADHD to excel with the right support.
Like Shine Tom Chacko, Fahadh Faasil’s disclosure emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing mental health issues in a field often associated with intense scrutiny and pressure.
Shine Tom Chacko forayed into acting with Kamal Haasan’s 2011 survival drama Khaddama and made his Tamil debut with Beast (2022). The Malayalam actor’s Telugu debut was Nani’s Dasara (2023).
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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