Deepika Padukone is a renowned Indian actress and one of the most prominent figures in the Bollywood film industry. Deepika made her debut in the film industry with the Kannada film “Aishwarya” in 2006. However, it was her Bollywood debut in Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan that catapulted her to stardom.
Deepika’s career has been marked by a string of successful films, earning her critical acclaim and a massive fan following. Her performances in movies like “Cocktail” (2012), “Chennai Express” (2013), and “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” (2013) showcased her versatility as an actress. The latter also earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
One of the high points in Deepika’s career came with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmaavat” (2018), where she portrayed the character of Rani Padmavati. Despite facing controversy, the film was a major box office success, and Deepika’s performance received widespread acclaim.
Beyond her acting skills, Deepika has been a trailblazer in breaking stereotypes and addressing mental health issues. In 2015, she publicly shared her struggle with depression and launched the Live Love Laugh Foundation to create awareness about mental health in India. Apart from her successful film career, Deepika has made her mark in the global arena. She made her Hollywood debut with “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” (2017) opposite Vin Diesel, gaining international recognition.
In addition to her acting career, Deepika is a prominent brand ambassador and fashion icon. Her elegance and style have earned her a spot on various international red carpets, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Deepika Padukone’s journey in the film industry is not just a testament to her acting skills but also to her resilience and determination. With her stellar performances, advocacy for mental health, and global recognition, she continues to be a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
Deepika Padukone’s recent inclination towards action films centered around male protagonists, like “Singham Again” and “Kalki 2898 AD” starring Prabhas, has ignited conversations about her project choices. Responding to this scrutiny, Deepika hinted at her upcoming venture, “Shakti Shetty,” set within Rohit Shetty’s female cop universe. She emphasized her confidence that this project would present a more comprehensive narrative. The actress’s decision to step into the realm of action cinema, especially in roles traditionally associated with male leads, adds a layer of diversity to her filmography. Deepika’s strategic project selections and her anticipation for “Shakti Shetty” underscore her commitment to breaking gender norms and contributing to more inclusive storytelling in the film industry.
Deepika Padukone’s Bold Retort To Criticism Over Choosing Male-Centric Film Roles
When questioned about her choice of predominantly male-centric films, Deepika Padukone responded with humor, teasing the audience to “wait for Shakti Shetty.” She emphasized the collaborative nature of success, highlighting the interdependence between men and women, stating that achievements are a joint effort. Deepika advocated for a redefined concept of feminism, challenging the traditional narrative. Regarding future project preferences, she expressed optimism about diverse roles similar to “Piku,” underlining that the industry’s direction depends on writers creating varied narratives. Deepika cautioned against premature judgments on post-COVID cinema trends, urging a focus on investing in compelling stories, characters, and the overall creative journey rather than limiting success to big-budget productions. Her remarks reflect a thoughtful perspective on gender dynamics in the industry and a commitment to a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.
She added: “Yeah sure, wait for Shakti Shetty!” She further said, “But to complete my thought, you never anyway never do anything alone. I don’t think women can succeed without men and men can’t succeed without women. I think we need to rephrase the definition of feminism.”
She added: “The space is there, the writers have to write. It will happen, I think it is just a matter of time. Post COVID, everyone felt a bit rattled. It was a new experience everyone was coming out of and we made a lot of assumptions about where we are headed. We are jumping too soon in this journey of what’s working, what’s not working, that only big budgets films (are working). Actors service a script, a director. You invest in stories, you invest in characters, you invest in people, you invest in the journey.”
