Deepika Padukone (born 5 January 1986) is an Indian film actress and model, primarily known for her work in Hindi language films of Bollywood. Born to badminton player Prakash Padukone, she eschewed a career in sport to pursue a full-time career in film.[4]
Padukone made her acting debut with the 2006 Kannada film Aishwarya. The following year, she played the lead female role in the reincarnation melodrama Om Shanti Om; the film proved a major commercial success and earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She was later noted for portraying modern, independent women in several commercially successful films, including the 2009 romance Love Aaj Kal, the 2010 comedy Housefull, the 2012 romantic comedy Cocktail and the 2013 coming-of-age romantic comedy Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (the third highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time).
Padukone's performance in Cocktail earned her unanimous critical appreciation and Best Actress nominations at several award ceremonies (including Filmfare). She has thus established herself as a leading contemporary actress of Hindi cinema.[5] Her personal life has been the subject of fervent tabloid reporting in the Indian media.
Early life and background
Padukone was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is a former top world level badminton player, and her mother is a travel agent. Her father was then training in Denmark in the sport and when she was eleven months old her family moved to Bangalore, Karnataka, India.[6] Padukone has a younger sister, Anisha, born on 2 February 1991 (who is a golfer).[7][8]
Padukone attended Sophia High School in Bangalore, and completed her pre-university studies at Mount Carmel College Bangalore.[2] While in high school she played badminton at the state level.[9] However, she was not keen on pursuing a career as a badminton player.[4] During the time of her film debut she was enrolled with the Indira Gandhi National Open University in Bachelors of Arts (Sociology).[10][11]
Career
Early modelling career, until 2006
Padukone at the Kingfisher Calendar Girl Event (2011)
Whilst in college, Padukone pursued a career in modelling.[12] She was spotted in a ramp competition in NLS, Bangalore,[citation needed] and consequently made her debut on the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2005.[13] In her early years, she has modelled for various Indian brands like Liril, Dabur Lal powder, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca, and has been "brand ambassador" of the Jewels of India retail jewellery show.[14] Padukone is also known for endorsing major cosmetics company Maybelline at one time.[15]
At the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards she was awarded the title "Model of the Year".[16] Shortly afterward, she was chosen as one of the models for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar
for 2006 and won two trophies at the Idea Zee Fashion Awards: "Female
Model of the Year (Commercial Assignments)" and "Fresh Face of the
Year".[16][17] In addition, she appeared in the music video for Himesh Reshammiya's song "Naam Hai Tera".[18]
Debut and film breakthrough, 2006–09
Padukone made her cinematic debut in Kannada with the romantic comedy Aishwarya, a remake of the Telugu film Manmadhudu, in which she starred opposite Kannada superstar Upendra in 2006. The films emerged a commercial success.[19] She later made a successful Bollywood debut in 2007 with Farah Khan's blockbuster Om Shanti Om opposite Shahrukh Khan. The film was a re-incarnation melodrama, featuring her in a double role.[20][21] Her performance was well received, earning the actress a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award as well as her first Filmfare Best Actress nomination. Taran Adarsh from indiaFM
noted, "Deepika has all it takes to be a top star — the personality,
the looks and yes, she's supremely talented too. Standing in the same
frame as SRK and getting it right is no small achievement. She comes as a
whiff of fresh air!"[22] About being cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan, she said,
"When Farah was casting for Happy New Year, she saw my commercials on TV and called my agent. I met her when she was rehearsing at a dance hall in Juhu. When that film didn’t happen, she offered me OSO. Farah took care of me right from the first meeting, introducing me to Shah Rukh Khan and ensuring that I was comfortable with him. Six months prior to shooting, we frequently met up for lunches and dinners."[23]
Padukone was then seen playing a feisty, modern-day Indian woman, Gayatri, in Siddharth Anand's romantic comedy Bachna Ae Haseeno alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba.[24] The film performed reasonably well at the box office,[25]
but her performance drew flak. Adarsh wrote, "Deepika is a sore point.
Her role isn't convincing and that's the reason why this performance
doesn't work. The only consolation is, she looks gorgeous."[26]
Her first release of 2009 was Nikhil Advani's action comedy Chandni Chowk To China, in which she played a double role again. Featuring alongside Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Ranvir Shorey, it was a critical and commercial disaster, with Padukone receiving mostly negative reviews for her performance. Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India comments that "Deepika looks lost and forlorn for most of the film."[27][28]
Padukone's second release of the year, the romantic drama Love Aaj Kal proved to be one of the biggest hits of 2009 and earned critical appreciation.[29] Directed by Imtiaz Ali and featuring Saif Ali Khan
opposite Padukone, the film documented the changing value of
relationships among the youth. Padukone's portrayal of Meera Pandit, a
practical and head-strong career-minded woman, received a mixed reaction from critics, with NDTV's Anupama Chopra writing, "Deepika looks fabulous but she isn’t a strong enough actor to breathe life into the character."[30] Despite this, she received her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination.[31]
The same year, she teamed up with Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan once again for an item number in the Irrfan Khan-Lara Dutta starrer Billu.[32]
Initial success, 2010–11
In 2010, Padukone starred in five films, her first being Excel Entertainment’s psychological thriller Karthik Calling Karthik. Padukone featured opposite Farhan Akhtar as Shonali Mukherjee, the supportive girlfriend of a troubled schizophrenic.
Critics were more appreciative of her performance this time, with
Anupama Chopra noting that "Padukone finally seems to be thawing in
front of a camera."[33] However, the film underperformed at the box office, and received mixed reviews.[34] She then featured in Sajid Khan's multistarrer comedy Housefull with Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal, Jiah Khan and Boman Irani.
She played the role of Sandy, Kumar's girlfriend and later fiancée.
Despite a largely negative reception from critics, the film became a
major economic success.[35][36] As for her performance, Taran Adarsh mentioned that "Deepika is a surprise. She carries her part with amazing confidence...Housefull is the film that would make people notice her talent as well as beauty".[37]
She then appeared in her second Yash Raj production, Lafangey Parindey which was directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She starred opposite Neil Nitin Mukesh as Pinky Palkar, a blind girl, hellbent on winning a skating competition. Upon release, Padukone's performance gained critical acclaim, with Sudhish Kamath, of The Hindu
writing, "This really is Deepika Padukone's film though. She exercises
considerable restraint, dances, skates, makes you cry and smile."[38] Despite this, the film received mixed reviews and performed moderately well at the box office.[39]
Padukone with her Break Ke Baad co-star Imran Khan
Her next release was Kunal Kohli's syrupy romance Break Ke Baad opposite Imran Khan,
where she played Aaliya Khan, an impetuous brat. The film was not a
commercial or critical success, however won Padukone favourable reviews.[39][40]
Nikhat Kazmi noted, "Padukone's climactic act seems to be the best
performance in her entire career: completely spontaneous, crazy and
cute."[41]
Her final release of the year, Ashutosh Gowarikar's period film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey opposite Abhishek Bachchan, met with scathing reviews and was declared a disaster.[42] The period drama was a retelling of the 1930 Chittagong armoury raid, with Bachchan playing the revolutionary leader Surya Sen and Padukone playing Kalpana Dutta, his lover and confidante.[43] A review carried by The Hollywood Reporter, however, mentioned her portrayal of Dutta as "impressive",[44]
with Taran Adarsh adding that "Deepika sheds her glam look and looks
every bit the character she illustrates. Kudos to her first of all for
accepting a challenging role [of a woman revolutionary of the 1930s] so
early in her career and then almost living that character in the film,
continuing to prove her mettle far ahead of her poise and
exquisiteness."[45]
She began the year 2011 with an item number in Rohan Sippy's Dum Maaro Dum starring Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu. Her song was a remixed version of Zeenat Aman's iconic song from Hare Rama Hare Krishna.[46] The song, although a chartbuster, received mixed reviews for its raunchy lyrics and suggestive dancing.[47][48]
Komal Nahta notes that "[the song's] picturisation (by Bosco-Caesar) on
Deepika Padukone is very good, keeping the excited audience satisfied."[49]
Conversely, Zeenat Aman, herself, was disappointed with the song,
commenting that "[i]n the original, there was a certain innocence in
Asha Bhonsle’s voice and also in the lyrics. What I’ve heard here just
left me cold," although adding that "Deepika is gorgeous and I am sure
(that) she has done a great job."[50][51]
Next, she featured in Prakash Jha's reservation melodrama, Aarakshan starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan, as his daughter, and Saif Ali Khan, as his love-interest.[52] The film, though highly publicised, flopped at the box office and received mixed reviews.[53][54]
Pratim D. Gupta noted, "Deepika, though, is again the refreshing thing
about a movie. Both her scenes with Bachchan — one where she revolts and
the other where she redeems herself — show how she has come of age as
an actor."[55] Padukone next appeared in Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz alongside Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Chitrangada Singh.
The film, which revolved around two friends during the recession,
received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box
office.[56]
Cocktail and commercial success
Padukone promoting Cocktail on Extra Innings
In 2012, Padukone appeared in Homi Adajania's romantic comedy Cocktail opposite Saif Ali Khan and Diana Penty. The film gyrated Padukone with accolades and praises, with the film being hailed as the turning point in her career.[57] Additionally, Cocktail earned Padukone her third nomination for the Filmfare Best Actress Award.[58] Anupama Chopra of Hindustan Times
writes that "[t]he big surprise here is Deepika, who moves beyond her
usual statuesque mannequin pose and gets into the skin of the
emotionally raw and needy poor little rich girl. This is easily her best
performance to date."[59]
Devesh Sharma of Filmfare agrees, saying that "Deepika looks ravishing
and is one actress who can carry off a bikini. She’s the soul of the
film and excels in every scene, whether as a material girl who enjoys
sex, drugs and rock and roll or as the jealousy ridden girl out to
destroy herself."[60] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama
adds that "[t]he scene stealer is, without doubt, Deepika, who not only
looks sizzling hot, but pitches in her career-best performance. She
lets herself loose, surrenders to her character wholly and nails the
performance. It's an incredibly noticeable act. It wouldn't be erroneous
to state that Cocktail would do for Deepika what Jab We Met did for Kareena."[61] Also, the film was a major commercial success in both the Indian[62][63] and overseas markets.[64]
Padukone's first release of 2013 was the multistarrer action thriller Race 2, in which she starred alongside Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ameesha Patel.[65][66] The film received a mostly negative critical reception,[67] unlike its predecessor; but despite this, Race 2 was a commercial success,[68] grossing 
93.50 crore (US$16 million) nett approx at the domestic box office[69] and US$6 million approx overseas,[70] Padukone received mixed reviews for her portrayal of femme fatale
Elena. Whilst Taran Adarsh compliments that "Deepika has the best
scenes in the film. She looks stunning and immerses herself into her
character completely",[71] Subhash K Jha notes that "[she] hardly look[s] provocative enough to be convincing as [a] femme fatale."[72]
93.50 crore (US$16 million) nett approx at the domestic box office[69] and US$6 million approx overseas,[70] Padukone received mixed reviews for her portrayal of femme fatale
Elena. Whilst Taran Adarsh compliments that "Deepika has the best
scenes in the film. She looks stunning and immerses herself into her
character completely",[71] Subhash K Jha notes that "[she] hardly look[s] provocative enough to be convincing as [a] femme fatale."[72]
Padukone was last seen in Ayan Mukerji's coming-of-age romantic comedy Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani under the Dharma Productions banner. Starring opposite Ranbir Kapoor,[73][74]
Padukone's portrayal of girl-next-door Naina attracted rave reviews
from critics. Raja Sen writes that "Deepika [...] plays it beautifully.
She acts within herself and eschews exaggeration, and the results are
impressive [...] This may be her most self-aware performance so far, and
here’s to more of the same."[75]
Tushar Joshi agrees, saying that "[the] film belongs to Deepika
Padukone. She has arrived, and that isn't a dig or a snide remark, but a
validation of her evolution from being just another stunning face to
someone who can keep you engaged even in the weak moments. I can't think
of any other actress who would have done justice to the role, the way
she has. Her transformation from 'scholar Naina' wearing frames with
straight hair, to the sexy nose ring wearing girl in Badtameez Dil is
outstanding."[76]
Critics were also appreciative of Padukone's chemistry with Kapoor,
with Joshi adding that "[t]he chemistry between [Ranbir] and Deepika is
unsurpassable."[76] Whilst the film earned a positive to mixed critical reception,[77] it emerged as Padukone's highest grossing film to date, netting 179.5 crore (US$30 million) approx at the domestic box office by the end of its forth week.[78][79]
179.5 crore (US$30 million) approx at the domestic box office by the end of its forth week.[78][79]
She will next be seen in Rohit Shetty's action romance film Chennai Express, in which she will reunite with her Om Shanti Om co-star Shahrukh Khan.[80][81][82]
Padukone is also set to make her Kollywood debut in Soundarya Rajnikanth's Kochadaiyaan opposite Rajnikanth. She is currently filming for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet entitled Ram Leela, where she will appear opposite Ranveer Singh.[83][84][85] She has recently signed Homi Adajania's English language satire Finding Fanny Fernandes alongside Arjun Kapoor. The film, which brings back the primary team of Cocktail (with the exclusion of Saif Ali Khan and Diana Penty), will reportedly be a short film based on a road trip set in Goa.[86]
Other works
Stage performances
In 2010, Padukone performed at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai in the opening ceremony of the third season of cricket's Indian Premier League, which also showed an appearance by Lionel Richie.[87][88] In 2013, Padukone once again performed at the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (sixth season), this time at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. She performed alongside Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, with international rapper Pitbull also making an appearance.[89][90] In addition to these acts, Padukone has also performed at various award functions, including the Filmfare awards (2008, 2010 and 2012),[91][92][93] Zee Cine awards (2013)[94] and IIFA awards (2013).[95]
Philanthropy
In 2009, Padukone participated in the Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore, where her involvement (she was also the face of the event) contributed to 1.31 crore (US$220,000) being raised for charity, helping support 81 NGO's.[96][97] The following year, Padukone adopted the Maharashtrian village Ambegaon as part of the Greenathon Campaign, to provide it with a regular supply of electricity.[98]
1.31 crore (US$220,000) being raised for charity, helping support 81 NGO's.[96][97] The following year, Padukone adopted the Maharashtrian village Ambegaon as part of the Greenathon Campaign, to provide it with a regular supply of electricity.[98]In the media
Padukone at the Indian Television Academy Awards (2010)
Padukone is one of the highest paid Bollywood actresses, in terms of remunerations for her films,[99] as well as endorsements.[100] As one of the most popular celebrities in India,[101][102]
Padukone is known for her glamorous image, exemplified by her distinct
physical attributes, including her smile, eyes, skin and figure.[103] Acclaimed designer Anaita Shroff Adajania, who styled Padukone in Cocktail,
notes that "Deepika has a very cool, clean sense of style. Everything
suits her, and with her the less fuss the better. Her amazing face and
body make the simplest clothes look stellar."[104]
Her onscreen and offscreen looks have established Padukone as a style
icon, and as such, she has featured highly on various lists of the most
popular and attractive Indian celebrities.[105] In 2008, Padukone topped Maxim's Hot 100 list,[106] and in 2010, the actress was named the "World's Sexiest Woman of the Year" by FHM.[106] In 2013, she was declared Times of India's "Most Desirable Woman" for the year 2012, after being ranked #4 and #3 for the years 2010 and 2011 respectively.[107] The same year, Padukone was also named "India's Most Beautiful Woman" by India's version of People.[108] Furthermore, the actress has featured in UK magazine Eastern Eye's "World's Sexiest Asian Women" list from 2009-12, ranking in the Top 10 each year.[109][110][111]
Despite early successes in Om Shanti Om and Love Aaj Kal, Padukone's acting skills were largely criticised.[5][112]
This later changed when Padukone became more experimental with her film
choices, and appeared in roles which weren't solely glamour-oriented.[113]
Although critics were gradually seeing an improvement in her
performances, she starred in a string of failures in 2010-11, and
audiences were beginning to lose interest in her.[5][112] Cocktail
marked the turning point in her career, where her performance earned
her immense appreciation, as well as her first major commercial success
in two years.[113] This was followed by consecutive successes in Race 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, marking an upswing in her career.[5][114]
Though Padukone has mostly appeared as modern, independent women in her
films, she has been commended for choosing characters with layers and
emotional intensity.[115] She has also been praised for taking risks with film choices, and picking up unconventional roles in various genres.[114][116]
Padukone at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival
In addition to acting, Padukone is also the brand ambassador of prominent brands such as Fiama Di Wills,[117] Tissot,[118] Sony Cybershot,[119] Yamaha,[120] Nescafe,[121] Garnier,[100] Wrigley's Orbit,[122] Luxor[123] and Vogue Eyewear,[124] among others. Furthermore, she has also previously endorsed for Kingfisher Airlines,[125] Levi Strauss jeans,[126] BSNL[127] and Neutrogena.[128]
In 2009, Padukone started writing weekly columns for HT City, the lifestyle supplement of Hindustan Times. These columns appear online on social network, Desimartini.[129]
Padukone has appeared on the cover of many Indian editions of magazines, including Vogue, Grazia, GQ and Maxim.[130][131] She also walked the red carpet at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.[132]
On November 2010, she appeared on Koffee With Karan, a popular chat show along with Sonam Kapoor. Her comments on ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor led to a lot of controversy among Bollywood inner-circles.[133]
Personal life
In March 2008, Padukone began dating Ranbir Kapoor after meeting on the sets of their film Bachna Ae Haseeno.[134] After their high profile break up in November 2009, Padukone has decided to keep her personal life away from media attention.[135]
In 2010, she reportedly started dating Siddharth Mallya, Kingfisher head honcho Vijay Mallya's son; although this was never confirmed by Padukone.[136][137] They broke up in 2012.[138]
Filmography
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Deepika Padukone
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Aishwarya | Aishwarya | Kannada film |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | Shantipriya/ Sandhya (Sandy) |
Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 2008 | Bachna Ae Haseeno | Gayatri | |
| 2009 | Chandni Chowk to China | Sakhi (Ms. TSM)/ Meow Meow (Suzy) |
|
| 2009 | Billu | Herself | Special appearance in song "Love Mera Hit Hit" |
| 2009 | Love Aaj Kal | Meera Pandit | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 2009 | Main Aurr Mrs Khanna | Raina Khan | Special appearance |
| 2010 | Karthik Calling Karthik | Shonali Mukherjee | |
| 2010 | Housefull | Sandy | |
| 2010 | Lafangey Parindey | Pinky Palkar | |
| 2010 | Break Ke Baad | Aaliya Khan | |
| 2010 | Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey | Kalpana Datta | |
| 2011 | Dum Maro Dum | Herself | Special appearance in song "Mit Jaaye Gum (Dum Maaro Dum)" |
| 2011 | Aarakshan | Poorbi Anand | |
| 2011 | Desi Boyz | Radhika Awasthi | |
| 2012 | Cocktail | Veronica Malaney | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 2013 | Race 2 | Elena | |
| 2013 | Bombay Talkies | Herself | Special appearance in song "Apna Bombay Talkies" |
| 2013 | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | Naina Talwar | |
| 2013 | Chennai Express | Meena Lochni | Post-production |
| 2013 | Kochadaiyaan | Tamil film Post-production |
|
| 2013 | Ram Leela | Leela | Filming |
| 2014 | Finding Fanny Fernandes | Pre-production |
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