| Name | Deepika Padukone |
| DOB | January 5, 1986 |
| Age | 37 Yrs |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 55 Kgs or 121 Lbs |
| Nationality | Indian |
Who is Deepika Padukone?
Deepika Padukone, born on January 5, 1986, is a popular Indian actress known for her work in Hindi movies. She has received three Filmfare Awards and is among the highest-earning actresses in India. She is widely recognized and is listed as one of the country’s favorite celebrities. In 2018, Time magazine included her in their list of the world’s 100 most powerful individuals. Additionally, she was honored with the TIME100 Impact Award in 2022.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Deepika Padukone was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 5, 1986. Her parents spoke Konkani. Her dad, Prakash Padukone, used to play professional badminton, and her mom, Ujjala, worked as a travel agent. She has a younger sister named Anisha, who is a golfer. Her grandfather on her dad’s side, Ramesh, held a position at the Mysore Badminton Association. When Deepika was just one year old, her family moved to Bangalore, India. She attended Sophia High School in Bangalore for her education and later went to Mount Carmel College for her pre-university studies. She started studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at the Indira Gandhi National Open University, but she had to leave because her modeling career’s schedule clashed with her studies.
When Deepika Padukone was a child, she mentioned feeling shy and not having many friends. Her main passion during that time was badminton, which she played competitively starting from a young age. In a 2012 interview, she described her daily routine. She said, “I would wake up at five in the morning, go for physical training, go to school, again go for playing badminton, finish my homework, and go to sleep.” Throughout her school years, she continued to focus on badminton and even participated in national-level championships. She also tried her hand at baseball and took part in a few state-level tournaments. Even though she was dedicated to her studies and sports, Deepika also worked as a child model. She appeared in a couple of advertising campaigns when she was just eight years old. However, in the tenth grade, she decided to shift her focus and pursue a career in fashion modeling. She had a realization that she had been playing badminton primarily because it was a family tradition. When she discussed her desire to quit the sport with her father, he supported her decision. In 2004, she officially embarked on a full-time modeling career under the guidance of Prasad Bidapa.
At the beginning of her career, Deepika Padukone became well-known. It was by starring in a TV advertisement for Liril soap and by working as a model for various other brands and products. In 2005, she took her first steps. It was onto the fashion runway during the Lakme Fashion Week. There she showcased designs by Suneet Varma. She was even honored with the title of Model of the Year at the Kingfisher Fashion Awards. Deepika’s popularity grew even more after she appeared in a widely recognized advertisement for the 2006 Kingfisher Calendar. A well-known designer named Wendell Rodricks praised her beauty and freshness, comparing her to Aishwarya Rai, a famous actress. Wendell Rodricks discovered her during a jewelry class he was teaching for Ganjam and decided to represent her through the Matrix talent agency. When she was 21 years old, Deepika Padukone moved to Mumbai and stayed with her aunt. During that year, she gained more attention by starring in the music video for Himesh Reshammiya’s song “Naam Hai Tera.”
Offers for acting roles began to come in for Padukone. However, feeling that she lacked experience in acting, she took a step to improve her skills. She joined a course at Anupam Kher’s film academy to learn more about acting. Amid much talk and speculation in the media, the director Farah Khan, who had noticed Deepika in Reshammiya’s music video, decided to cast her in her upcoming movie. It was titled “Happy New Year” at that time. This decision was also influenced by Wendell Rodricks, who played a role in helping her secure the opportunity. Farah Khan was on the lookout for a model to star in her film, and she got in touch with Malaika Arora, a well-known personality. Since Deepika had been working as a model for Rodricks for about two years, he suggested her to Malaika Arora, who was a close friend of his. Malaika, in turn, recommended Deepika to Farah Khan for the role.
Personal Life
Deepika Padukone has a strong connection with her family. She often goes to visit them in her hometown of Bangalore. She resides in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi neighborhood, and she has openly talked about how much she misses having her parents around there. Being a practicing Hindu, she places great significance on her religion and includes it as a vital part of her life. She frequently goes to temples and other religious places to offer her prayers.
While filming “Bachna Ae Haseeno” in 2008, Deepika Padukone and her co-star Ranbir Kapoor started a romantic relationship. She was candid about this relationship and even had his initials tattooed on the back of her neck. Deepika has shared that this relationship had a significant impact on her life. It helped her become more self-assured and outgoing. However, their relationship came to an end after about a year. Deepika openly expressed her feelings of hurt and betrayal following the breakup. In a 2010 interview, she accused Ranbir Kapoor of being unfaithful, which he later admitted to. Despite the difficulties, they managed to repair their friendship. It was while collaborating on the movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.”
Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor began dating in 2007. In the past, Deepika revealed that she had discovered Ranbir Kapoor was cheating on her. An older interview of Deepika discussing her former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor has resurfaced in light of the plot of her recent film “Gehraiyaan”. It revolves around infidelity. This interview was originally featured in Verve magazine. It sheds light on Deepika’s perspective. It was regarding her past relationship with Ranbir. It was how the issue of infidelity significantly contributed to the end of their relationship. During a 2010 interview with Verve Magazine, Deepika Padukone openly discussed her breakup with Ranbir Kapoor and disclosed that he had been unfaithful in their relationship. She shared, “For me, sex is not just about physicality; there are emotions involved. I have never cheated or strayed when I’m in a relationship. If I’m going to be fooling around, why would I be in a relationship? It’s better to be single and have fun. But not everyone thinks like that. Maybe that’s why I’ve been hurt in the past. The first time he cheated on me, I thought there was something wrong with the relationship, or me. But when someone makes a habit of it, you know the problem lies with him.” This interview brought to light Deepika’s feelings about the situation and her perspective on the challenges they faced in their relationship due to infidelity. Deepika shared that she had personally witnessed her ex-boyfriend’s unfaithfulness. She explained, “Yet, I was foolish enough to give him a second chance because he begged and pleaded, even though everyone around me said he was still being unfaithful. I suppose I desperately wanted to believe in his sincerity. Then, I actually caught him in the act. It took me some time, but I managed to move on from that situation. However, once I made that decision, there’s no way I would consider going back. That chapter of my life is closed.”
In 2015, while promoting the movie “Tamasha,” Ranbir Kapoor disclosed something. He said that Deepika Padukone had a flirtatious nature. He mentioned in an interview with ETimes. He said that Deepika was not comfortable with being labeled a flirt. Ranbir further shared that he advised her to balance her work-life dynamics, expressing concern that she was putting in excessive effort and might exhaust herself. He suggested that she should take more breaks and vacations to avoid burning out, which he noticed she had begun to do.
Afterward, Padukone became more private about her personal life. However, in 2017, she openly talked about her romantic involvement. It was with her frequent co-star Ranveer Singh, whom she started dating in August 2012. In October 2018, the couple made a joyful announcement regarding their upcoming marriage. The next month, they celebrated their union with traditional Konkani Hindu and Sikh Anand Karaj ceremonies. It was held at Lake Como, Italy.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are undeniably one of Bollywood’s most adored couples. They openly share their affection for each other on social media, often leaving sweet comments under each other’s photos. Notably, Ranveer consistently expresses his admiration for Deepika and her impressive achievements. Their many photoshoots together also reveal their sizzling chemistry. Ranveer’s attraction to Deepika was immediate, as it was love at first sight for him. Reports suggest that he first noticed her at an awards function in 2012. Ranveer Singh was instantly captivated by her beauty. Their journey together took them to starring roles in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s successful film “Goliyon Ki Rasleela… Ram Leela.” This movie earned both critical acclaim and commercial success. It was with their on-screen chemistry receiving praise. Behind the scenes, something was also brewing. In an interview with Filmfare, Deepika, the star of “Gehraiyaan,” shared, “When Ranveer and I met in 2012, I told him, ‘I realize there’s a connection between us’.” This revelation hints at the strong bond. It eventually blossomed into their beautiful relationship.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone shared a relationship that spanned six years before they quietly got engaged. Reflecting on their journey, Deepika mentioned, “When I look back, six months into it, I was pretty much emotionally invested in us. After that, it was when do we get married. I was never unsure about him.” Throughout their six-year relationship, they experienced ups and downs like any couple but never reached a point of breaking up. Deepika revealed that their relationship went through various phases, but they persevered through it all. She mentioned, “We’ve fought; we’ve had our ups and downs. But we stuck through all of that.” In a surprising revelation, she shared that they had actually become engaged four years before she made the statement in 2018. This engagement was kept a secret, known only to their parents and sisters. Their commitment to each other remained strong and steadfast throughout the years.
Their fairy-tale love story culminated in a dreamy wedding. It was at the picturesque Lake Como in Italy. There they exchanged vows following both Konkani and Sindhi traditions. The wedding itself was a private affair, with only close family and friends receiving invitations. To extend their joy to a wider circle, Ranveer and Deepika organized grand receptions. It was in both Bengaluru and Mumbai, that they warmly welcomed their friends, colleagues, and media personnel. Reflecting on her marriage, Deepika shared, “I’m a lot more grounded. I feel secure, I feel protected. When you’re in a relationship, there’s still a lot of nerves, you’re still unsure, no matter how long you’ve been dating. I guess, the terms boyfriend and girlfriend sound frivolous. Somewhere, it does not carry the same weight as marriage. When we look at each other, there’s a sense of responsibility.” This insight from Deepika emphasizes how marriage deepened their connection and brought a heightened sense of commitment and stability to their relationship.
What does Deepika Padukone have to say about Ranveer Singh: “The way Ranveer held my hand on the day we got married on November 14 was different from the way he used to hold it earlier. Or maybe it was just a switch in my head. There’s a sense of responsibility, which I can’t explain. Now everything we do is ‘us’. It is not to say that in marriage you should forget your individuality and independence. But it’s also nice to know that today I share a home with someone. Even if he’s busy promoting his film, he comes back late at night. Even if he walks in at 4 a.m., he’s coming home. When you’re in a relationship, it’s different.” “We didn’t want to live together and then see if we wanted to marry each other or not. We’re both traditional in that sense. Of course, as boyfriend and girlfriend, you stay over, you go for holidays together, but we used to come back and go to our own homes. We were clear that we’d start living together after marriage and figure out life as we went along. Or else, where’s the beauty in the discovery? So now we’re figuring things out. Like I’m figuring out his routine. I call him in the evening to check how his day is going and what time he’s coming home, what he will have for dinner… (Smiles) All of this is great.” (From Deepika’s interview with Filmfare in 2018). “It’s beautiful living together. I’m sure cynics will say you’ve just gotten married to him, wait for 15 years or 25 years. We’ll figure it out then. For now, it’s the best feeling in the world. I looked forward to living together because I moved out of home at a young age to start working. A lot of my friends used to say we can’t wait to get out of our house. I was the opposite. I got out young. I craved for my family. When we were dating, it was about spending time with his family or going to Bangalore to be with my parents. I’d crave that quality time when I wake up in the morning and have someone to talk to while you’re having breakfast. For the last 15 years, I was alone.” (From Deepika’s interview with Filmfare in 2018).
What Ranveer Singh had to say about his wedding to Deepika Padukone: “I’ve been ready for a while. I was just waiting for Deepika to be ready. It would happen whenever she had decided. I was fully ready and raring to go.” (Filmfare, 2018).
Why Lake Como, though: “Whatever she wished, I wanted her to have it. That’s the first step in being the husband of the millennium. Whatever her vision of getting married, I wanted her to realize it. Whatever she wanted, it was done exactly in that manner. She deserves every bit of it. I too deserve happiness and my happiness comes from her happiness. It’s that simple.” (From Ranveer’s interview with Filmfare in 2018). In the same interview, Ranveer expressed how he knew Deepika was the woman for him just six months into their relationship. “She’s too good, too lovely. She’s a force of nature. I understood that almost immediately,” he had said. Ranveer has always been aware that marriage entails its own set of responsibilities. “Marriage takes some work and effort. (Smiles) I’ve not been married before. So, I don’t know what’s coming my way. I’ll figure it out along the way like I did with acting. But I believe it’s going to be a blast. We’re going to be living together officially. I’ve been wanting to shift gear into becoming a family man for a while now. Over time, my friend circle has become smaller and smaller. There are few people who I want to spend time with. From 18 to 28 I wasn’t connected with my family so much. Now, I want to spend more time with them. I want to go on family holidays, I want to come back home to my family. Deepika is also a family-oriented person. That’s another thing I love about her,” he told Filmfare in 2018.
Acting Career
Deepika Padukone made her acting debut. It was with the Kannada film “Aishwarya” in 2006, directed by Indrajit Lankesh. The movie was a romantic comedy and a remake of the Telugu film “Manmadhudu.” Deepika played the lead role opposite actor Upendra. The film turned out to be a commercial success. While her screen presence was praised, some critics noted that she needed to work on her emotional scenes. At the end of 2006, Farah Khan’s film “Happy New Year” was put on hold, and instead, Deepika was cast in the melodrama “Om Shanti Om” (2007). The movie, set against the backdrop of the Hindi film industry, narrated the story of a struggling actor reincarnated to avenge a film star’s death. Shah Rukh Khan was the lead actor, while Deepika played dual roles, portraying a star from the 1970s and later, an aspiring actress. In preparation for her role, Deepika watched films of actresses Helen and Hema Malini to study their body language. Her voice was dubbed by voice artist Mona Ghosh Shetty. Deepika’s performance in the song “Dhoom Taana,” where she used Indian classical dance and hand gestures (hasta mudras), left audiences mesmerized. “Om Shanti Om” became the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year, earning ₹1.49 billion (US$19 million) globally. Critic Taran Adarsh mentioned that Deepika had all the qualities to become a top star. Her performance in the film earned her the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. The success of “Om Shanti Om” marked a significant breakthrough in her career.
In Siddharth Anand’s romantic comedy “Bachna Ae Haseeno” (2008), Deepika Padukone played one of the love interests of the lead star. The lead star was Ranbir Kapoor. The film achieved financial success. Yet Namrata Joshi of Outlook criticized her performance as “mannequin-like and utterly lacking fire and zing.” In her first film release of 2009, she starred alongside Akshay Kumar in the kung fu comedy. It was “Chandni Chowk to China.” Here, she took on dual roles as Indian-Chinese twin sisters. This Warner Bros. production received a wide international release. It was with Deepika learning jujutsu and performing her own stunts. However, despite the buzz, “Chandni Chowk To China” turned out to be a financial disappointment. It failed to recover its ₹800 million (US$10 million) budget. Next, she appeared in the romantic drama “Love Aaj Kal” (2009) alongside Saif Ali Khan, directed by Imtiaz Ali. The film explored the evolving dynamics of relationships among the younger generation, with Deepika portraying the character Meera Pandit, a strong-willed career woman. “Love Aaj Kal” went on to gross ₹1.2 billion (US$15 million) worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2009. Aniruddha Guha of Daily News and Analysis praised Deepika’s performance, stating that she “delivers the best of her four performances so far.” This performance earned her another Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards.
In 2010, Deepika Padukone appeared in five films. In the psychological thriller “Karthik Calling Karthik,” she portrayed a nice character. It was the supportive girlfriend of a depressed man. It was played by Farhan Akhtar. Although the film was criticized for its thin plot, Deepika’s sincere and straightforward performance was highlighted by Derek Elley of Variety. Among her releases, the most commercially successful film that year was Sajid Khan’s comedy “Housefull”. It grossed ₹1.15 billion (US$14 million). In this ensemble film led by Akshay Kumar, Deepika’s performance received mixed reviews. Critic Raja Sen attributing her lackluster performance to “plasticky expressions.” In Pradeep Sarkar’s drama “Lafangey Parindey” (2010), Deepika portrayed a determined blind girl. She was aiming to win a skating competition. She prepared for the role by observing the interactions of blind individuals. She was busy rehearsing scenes while blindfolded. Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu praised her for showing considerable restraint in her performance. Her next role was in the romantic comedy “Break Ke Baad,” where she starred opposite Imran Khan. While the film received mixed reviews, CNN-IBN’s Rajeev Masand found Deepika’s performance to be a standout. Deepika’s final release in 2010 was Ashutosh Gowariker’s period film “Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey”. In this movie, she acted alongside Abhishek Bachchan. The film, based on the book “Do and Die,” recounted the events of the 1930 Chittagong armory raid. Deepika played Kalpana Dutta. She was a confidante of the revolutionary leader Surya Sen, portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan. While “Housefull” stood out as a commercial success, the other films did not fare well at the box office.
In 2011, Deepika Padukone began with an item number in the film “Dum Maaro Dum.” She described it as “the wildest song any actress has done”. Its sexual content led to controversy, including a court case for indecency. Her subsequent film was Prakash Jha’s socio-political drama “Aarakshan”. It was addressing caste-based reservations in India. Despite high expectations, the film performed poorly at the box office. The critical reception was largely negative. But some critics found Deepika Padukone to be the most refreshing element in the film. Her final appearance that year was in the comedy “Desi Boyz,” co-starring Kumar and John Abraham. Unfortunately, this role did not contribute significantly to her career progression. The consecutive underperforming films led some critics to suggest that Deepika had lost some of her shine.
Deepika Padukone has stated that her starring role in the 2012 romantic comedy “Cocktail,” directed by Homi Adajania, marked a turning point in her career. According to Raja Sen, she effectively demonstrated that she was stunning. She was also capable of acting. Set in London, “Cocktail” revolves around a man’s relationship. It was with two contrasting women. It included an impulsive party girl named Veronica (played by Padukone) and a submissive girl next door named Meera (played by Diana Penty). During the script narration, the film’s producer, Dinesh Vijan, gave Deepika the choice of which character to portray. She chose Veronica to broaden her acting skills. The role was both creatively and physically demanding for her. It was prompting her to undergo extensive exercise. She had to adhere to a strict diet to meet her character’s physical demands. While opinions on the film were mixed, critics widely praised Deepika’s performance. Devesh Sharma of Filmfare credited her as the “soul of the film”. He commended her portrayal of both the materialistic girl embracing hedonism and the jealousy-driven girl on a self-destructive path. “Cocktail” garnered Deepika Padukone Best Actress nominations at several prestigious award ceremonies. It included Filmfare, Screen, and IIFA. The film achieved commercial success at the box office.
The year 2013 was a significant one for Deepika Padukone. It was because she starred in four of the top-grossing Hindi films of the year. She joined Saif Ali Khan once again in Abbas–Mustan’s action thriller “Race 2,” a sequel to the 2008 film “Race.” Despite negative reviews, the film proved successful at the box office, grossing ₹1.62 billion (US$20 million). In Ayan Mukerji’s romantic comedy “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” Deepika was paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor. She played Naina Talwar, a shy and reserved character, which was a departure from her previous glamorous roles. Raja Sen praised her performance for its self-awareness and subtlety. He was busy stating that she acted with restraint and authenticity. The film garnered attention due to the pairing of Deepika with her former boyfriend and became a major commercial success. Her next film was Rohit Shetty’s action-comedy “Chennai Express,” where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan. In this role, she played a Tamil girl on the run from her father, a local don, and had to adopt a Tamil accent. While opinions on her accent were mixed, her overall performance received praise. Film critic Aseem Chhabra described Deepika as delightful, playful, and funny in the film. “Chennai Express” went on to earn over ₹3.95 billion (US$49 million), solidifying its position as one of the highest-grossing Indian films.
Following that, Deepika Padukone starred opposite Ranveer Singh. It was in “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film is an adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Deepika portrayed the character of Leela, a Gujarati girl inspired by Juliet. Initially it was titled “Ram-Leela.” Later the film’s name was changed. It was after a legal case was filed against Bhansali, Padukone, and Singh. It was for allegedly offending religious sentiments. It was by showcasing explicit content under a title associated with the life of Lord Rama. The film was released amid protests but received positive reviews from critics. Meena Iyer of The Times of India praised Deepika’s performance as “breathtaking”. Khalid Mohamed noted that the film primarily belonged to her. He cited her stunning appearance and impactful portrayal. Her roles in “Chennai Express” and “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” earned her multiple awards, including the Screen Award for Best Actress for both films and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the latter.
In 2014, Deepika Padukone starred alongside Rajinikanth. It was in the Tamil film “Kochadaiiyaan,” a period drama that employed motion capture technology. She was paid ₹30 million (US$380,000) for just two days of work on the project. In Homi Adajania’s satirical film “Finding Fanny,” she portrayed a young widow on a road trip with her eccentric friends. The film was showcased at the 19th Busan International Film Festival. Critics praised Padukone for shedding Bollywood’s usual glamour and delivering a refreshing performance free from baggage. Later that year, she teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan for the third time in Farah Khan’s film “Happy New Year.” In the movie, she played a bar dancer who trains a group of underachievers for a dance competition. Despite her glamorous role being of minor importance, the film became a major success. It earned over ₹3.4 billion (US$43 million) globally. Padukone revealed that filming was challenging due to her battles with depression and anxiety during that time. Padukone also took part in Homi Adajania’s online video on feminism titled “My Choice.” She then appeared as a strong-willed Bengali girl in Shoojit Sircar’s comedy-drama “Piku” (2015). She was caring for her hypochondriac father played by Amitabh Bachchan. She was drawn to the realistic depiction of a father-daughter relationship. She believed was uncommon in Hindi cinema. Critics lauded her performance. It was for showcasing her versatility beyond just looking pretty and dancing at parties. “Piku” was a box office hit, grossing over ₹1.40 billion (US$18 million) worldwide, and earned Padukone numerous awards, including Best Actress accolades at Filmfare and Screen.
It was in the latter part of 2015. Deepika Padukone took on the role of a vulnerable young woman. She falls in love with a psychologically troubled man. It was portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, in Imtiaz Ali’s romantic drama “Tamasha.” Her performance was highly praised, with Sukanya Verma naming it the best by an actress that year. Verma wrote that Padukone’s portrayal was so powerful. It seemed like her heartbeat could be felt through the screen. Despite the film not performing well at the box office, Padukone emphasized that she does not judge success solely based on box office numbers. She reunited with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-star Ranveer Singh in “Bajirao Mastani.” It was a historical drama centered around a tragic extramarital affair. In the film, Ranveer Singh played the Maratha general Bajirao I. While Priyanka Chopra and Padukone portrayed his first and second wives, respectively. To bring the character of warrior-princess Mastani to life, Padukone dedicated herself to learning sword-fighting, horse-riding, and the martial art of kalaripayattu. “Bajirao Mastani” became the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year. It was successful in generating revenue of over ₹3.5 billion (US$44 million). Some critics, like Anupama Chopra, found Padukone’s performance in “Bajirao Mastani” riveting. Others such as Subhash K. Jha, believed that she could have displayed a greater level of strength in her portrayal. At the 61st Filmfare Awards, “Bajirao Mastani” was recognized as the Best Film. Deepika Padukone received her second Best Actress nomination for her role in the film.
In 2017, Deepika Padukone made her Hollywood debut. It was in the action film “XXX: Return of Xander Cage,” starring opposite Vin Diesel. Some critics, like Tirdad Derakhshani of The Philadelphia Inquirer, criticized the film as “abysmal” and believed her talent was underutilized. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter thought she practically stole the show. Despite mixed reviews, the movie earned over $345 million globally. It was done with a significant portion coming from the Chinese box office. Her performance earned her three nominations at the Teen Choice Awards. In 2018, Padukone portrayed the character of Rani Padmavati. It was in the period drama “Padmaavat.” It was directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Ranveer Singh. The film marked their third collaboration. In the movie, she depicted the Rajput queen. She chose self-immolation to protect herself from the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji. This role presented a unique challenge. She needed to convey her character’s courage through silence. Padukone delved into history books. She researched various portrayals of Padmavati to prepare for the role. “Padmaavat” faced significant controversy. It was due to speculations of a romantic connection between Padmavati and Khilji. It led to violent protests by right-wing Hindu groups and threats against Padukone and Bhansali. After modifications and delays, the film was eventually released. Some critics criticized the film’s portrayal of Jauhar (self-immolation). Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost commended Padukone’s ability to make something substantial out of the script’s stereotypes. Despite the controversies, “Padmaavat” became one of Indian cinema’s highest-grossing films. It was successful in earning ₹5.45 billion (US$68 million) with a record budget of ₹2 billion (US$25 million). For her performance in the film, Deepika Padukone received another Best Actress nomination. It was at the Filmfare Awards.
After her role in “Padmaavat,” Deepika Padukone decided to take a break. It was to prioritize her personal life and spend time with her family. In 2018, she established her very own production company, named Ka Productions. The inaugural project undertaken by the company was “Chhapaak” (2020). It was a film directed by Meghna Gulzar. In this film, Padukone portrayed the character of an acid attack survivor. The movie drew inspiration from the real-life experiences of Laxmi Agarwal. The role demanded physical endurance as she had to endure prosthetic makeup under extreme heat. Padukone’s performance was acclaimed for its profound emotional depth and sensitivity. Her portrayal of an acid attack survivor led to her earning another nomination for Best Actress. It was at the prestigious Filmfare Awards. Nevertheless, the film encountered obstacles in terms of commercial success. It was due to controversies stemming from Padukone’s stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act protests.
The year 2021 saw Padukone as both a producer and lead actress. It was in the sports drama “83,” a movie that chronicles India’s triumph at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. In the film, she assumed the role of Romi, the spouse of Kapil Dev (played by Ranveer Singh). The movie was highly regarded for its depiction of this historical event. It received positive feedback for Padukone’s performance in her character. Moving on to 2022, she headlined the drama “Gehraiyaan,” which was released on Amazon Prime Video. The narrative delved into themes of infidelity. Padukone’s portrayal of a troubled woman engaged in an affair was widely regarded as one of the most intricately crafted performances of her illustrious career. Furthermore, Deepika Padukone’s involvement and influence within the film industry extended beyond acting. She took on the role of a jury member at the prestigious 2022 Cannes Film Festival. This position underscored her growing participation and impact in the realm of cinema. Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan joined forces once more. It was in Siddharth Anand’s action-packed movie “Pathaan” (2023). It was set within the expansive YRF Spy Universe. The film featured a song titled “Besharam Rang,” in which Padukone sported a saffron bikini. However, this visual choice sparked controversy. It was when certain right-wing Hindutva groups criticized it as obscene and objectionable. The Central Board of Film Certification eventually approved the film for release. It was after making necessary edits to the contentious song sequence. Film critic Saibal Chatterjee praised Padukone’s performance. He highlighted her adept portrayal of both an irrepressible femme fatale and a dedicated soldier.
“Pathaan” proceeded to shatter several box-office records. It was successful in accumulating over ₹10 billion (US$130 million) in earnings. This exceptional performance made it Padukone’s highest-grossing Indian film. It was the second-highest-grossing Hindi cinema release ever. In upcoming projects, Padukone will collaborate once again with Shah Rukh Khan. It is for a brief role billed as a special appearance in the action thriller “Jawan.” She is set to star opposite Prabhas in the Telugu-Hindi bilingual science fiction film “Kalki 2898 AD”. It is directed by Nag Ashwin. Additionally, she will take on another action-packed role in Siddharth Anand’s movie “Fighter”. She will be sharing the screen with Hrithik Roshan. These endeavors underline Padukone’s continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles in the Indian film industry.
Off-Screen Work
Apart from her acting career, Padukone has been engaged in various activities. It reflects her diverse interests and philanthropic endeavors. She has ventured into writing opinion columns. She also collaborated with women’s health and fitness magazines. Her commitment to charitable causes, involvement in stage performances, and participation in social events highlight her multifaceted engagement in the industry. In 2009, Padukone began writing weekly columns. It was for the lifestyle section of The Hindustan Times. It allowed her to connect with her fans. She was able to share insights into her personal and professional life. This provided a unique platform for interaction with her audience. It offered a glimpse into her world. Furthermore, she actively supports charitable organizations. It demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact. In 2009, she took part in the World 10K Bangalore marathon. She contributed to the raising of ₹13.1 million (US$160,000) in funds for 81 NGOs. This showcases her dedication to causes that are close to her heart. Padukone’s philanthropic efforts extended to adopting the Maharashtrian village of Ambegaon. It was part of NDTV’s Greenathon Campaign in 2010. Her involvement aimed to provide the village with a consistent supply of electricity. It showcased her commitment to sustainable development. She helped in improving the lives of those in need. Additionally, she displayed her appreciation for the armed forces. She did it by visiting Indian troops (jawans) stationed in Jammu. It was part of an Independence Day special episode for NDTV’s reality show “Jai Jawaan.” This gesture highlighted her support for the military and her active engagement in social initiatives beyond her entertainment career.
Padukone’s involvement in various events and initiatives highlights her diverse interests. It highlights her active engagement in different areas beyond her acting career. In 2010, she participated in the opening ceremony. It was of the third season of the Indian Premier League. It was at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. It showcased her presence in the sports and entertainment crossover. She further showcased her versatility. It was done by performing alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Pitbull for the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League. It was done three years later. In 2014, she embarked on a concert tour named “SLAM! The Tour” across North America, where she shared the stage with her co-stars from Happy New Year. This tour allowed her to connect with fans. It helped her demonstrate her talent beyond the film industry. Padukone’s commitment to philanthropy continued. It was through her involvement with the Olympic Gold Quest team, founded by her father and Geet Sethi to support Indian athletes in the Olympics. She collaborated with sports personalities. It included people like Leander Paes and Viswanathan Anand as well as other actors. She did it to contribute to the growth of Indian sports. Expanding her horizons into the world of fashion, she launched her clothing line for women. It was in partnership with Van Heusen. It was in 2013. Subsequently, she collaborated with the fashion portal Myntra. It was to launch another line called “All About You,” showcasing her sense of style and fashion influence.
Her leadership qualities were evident. She served as the chairperson of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image from 2019 to 2021. She contributed to the growth and promotion of cinema. Through her company, Ka Enterprises, Padukone invested in several startups. It included Drum Foods International and Blu Smart. These demonstrate her interest in supporting innovative ventures and sustainable initiatives. In 2022, she ventured into the self-care industry by launching her own brand, 82°E, initially focusing on skincare products. The brand’s success is evident in its significant seed funding of $7.5 million, emphasizing her influence and entrepreneurship. Overall, Deepika Padukone’s involvement in a wide range of activities, from sports and philanthropy to fashion and entrepreneurship, showcases her multi-faceted talents and her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of acting.
Padukone’s advocacy extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is vocal about various social and mental health issues. She is good at demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. She has spoken out on feminism. She has emphasized the modern perspective of being strong. She talked about being empowered while embracing femininity. She has highlighted the importance of reaching the top. It is while retaining softness and willpower. In 2015, Padukone opened up about her own battle with depression. She shared her personal experience and journey of overcoming it. This led her to establish The Live Love Laugh Foundation in October of the same year. She aimed to raise awareness about mental health in India. In 2016, she launched the campaign “More Than Just Sad”. She aimed to assist general physicians in treating patients with depression and anxiety effectively. She collaborated with Facebook and AASRA to provide tools and resources for those struggling with mental health issues. Padukone’s efforts to raise awareness of mental health earned her the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum in 2020. It recognized her impactful work in this crucial area.
She has not shied away from expressing her views on broader societal and political issues. In 2020, she participated in a protest. It was against the brutal attack on students during the 2020 JNU Attack. She was busy showing her solidarity with those protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Some criticized her decisions. Others praised her for standing up for the cause. She did not hesitate to make a political statement. When faced with political backlash for her stance, Padukone remained steadfast and unapologetic. She emphasized that she does not feel affected by the criticism. She highlights her resilience and commitment to her beliefs. In these various aspects of her advocacy, Padukone showcases her courage to address important issues and drive positive change in society, transcending her role as a celebrity and influencing meaningful conversations.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Deepika Padukone’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million (approximately ₹498 crore INR). Her income comes from various sources, including her earnings from movies, endorsements, and business ventures. She commands a significant salary for her film projects, reportedly earning between ₹12-16 crore for each film. Additionally, her endorsements and business ventures contribute to her substantial net worth. Keep in mind that net worth figures can vary based on different sources and factors, but the provided estimate gives an approximate idea of her financial standing.
Achivements and Criticism
In 2013, journalist Vir Sanghvi lauded Padukone as a person of strength, independence, and self-motivation. She is recognized in the media. It is for her professionalism and disciplined approach to her work. she is often seen placing her career at the forefront of her priorities. She is described as “simple,” “grounded,” and “accessible” by a Rediff.com reviewer. Padukone’s personality is characterized by her ability to handle criticism gracefully. She can acknowledge her areas for improvement. She maintains her composure in the face of both criticism and praise. she is good at demonstrating a balanced perspective. Ayan Mukerji, the director of “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” has spoken highly of her. He described her as a woman who exudes a playful charm. she also possesses qualities that would make her an ideal companion to introduce to one’s family. Padukone is actively engaged on social media platforms. She is good at maintaining a visible online presence. It enables her to connect with her fans, share her opinions, and contribute to ongoing conversations.
Deepika Padukone is widely regarded as one of the most popular and prominent celebrities in India. Her career trajectory has seen its share of ups and downs. After a successful debut with “Om Shanti Om,” she faced criticism for her acting and accent in certain films. Her high-profile breakup with Ranbir Kapoor also attracted media attention. However, her professionalism, dedication, discipline, and perseverance played a pivotal role in her comeback. The turning point in her career came with the success of films like “Cocktail,” “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” and “Chennai Express.” These movies established her as one of the most successful contemporary actresses in India. Padukone’s influence extended beyond her film roles. She was featured among India’s most powerful people by India Today in 2017 and 2019. Forbes recognized her as one of the highest-paid actresses globally in 2016 and 2018. She was also ranked as the highest-earning woman celebrity in India in the latter year. She consistently ranked high on Forbes’ “Celebrity 100” list in India from 2014 to 2016 and 2018. In 2018, she earned recognition from Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Variety magazine and YouGov also acknowledged her impact. They were featuring her on their lists of the most impactful women and most admired women globally, respectively.
Deepika Padukone’s impact goes beyond her acting career. She has extended into various aspects of public recognition and endorsements. She has been consistently recognized for her influence and attractiveness. She has topped lists like Indian Maxim’s “Hot 100” and People magazine’s “India’s Most Beautiful Woman.” The Times of India’s “Most Desirable Woman”. FHM’s “World’s Sexiest Woman” titles have also been bestowed upon her. Her unique dress sense and commitment to a healthy lifestyle have earned her praise in various domains. In the realm of endorsements, Padukone is a sought-after face for numerous brands. It includes Tissot, Maybelline, Coca-Cola, and L’Oreal Paris. Her endorsement deals have earned her substantial earnings. She has been a highly visible presence on television. Her brand value has consistently ranked high, with Duff & Phelps estimating her brand value at US$102.5 million in 2018. However, she has faced criticism on occasion. Her TikTok video promoting her film “Chhapaak” was criticized as insensitive. She and other Bollywood actors received backlash for their previous endorsements of skin-lightening products while showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2020, Padukone’s influence expanded further. She became the first Indian actor to campaign for Louis Vuitton. She was appointed a brand ambassador for the luxury jewelry brand Cartier in 2022.
