Copyright news18
Back in 2007, when Deepika Padukone made her film debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, we all knew she was here to reign over hearts. And since then, in a very short span of her career, she has proved us right with astonishing performances in versatile roles across genres. From hit romcoms like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Tamasha and Cocktail to period dramas like Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat and raw, grounded roles in films like Piku and biographical film like Chhapaak, she has consistently impressed audiences with her versatility and honesty. She also redefined the action heroine trope in Bollywood with her lead role in YRF’s spy-universe blockbuster Pathaan and a powerful cameo in Jawan. In an industry long dominated by men, where pay gaps persist and narratives often centre around male protagonists, Deepika Padukone has redefined the rules. Her name alone can carry a film to success. With grace, grit and undeniable talent, she stands tall today as one of the highest-paid and most respected actors in Indian cinema. Let’s take a look back at some of her outstanding performances over the years. Om Shanti Om (2007) With her extraordinary talent, she landed her first role in Bollywood opposite an already-established megastar like Shah Rukh Khan. In this Farah Khan directorial, she played the role of Shantipriya and with a charming screen presence, expressive eyes and iconic dialogues, she cemented a place in the audience’s heart. Deepika and Shah Rukh’s undeniable chemistry led them to collaborate in many successful projects like Chennai Express, Happy New Year and Jawan. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) Directed by Ayan Mukerji, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani became a cult-favourite rom-com of its generation, with characters like Naina (Deepika Padukone), Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor), Aditi (Kalki Koechlin) and Avi (Aditya Roy Kapur) turning into cultural icons. The film beautifully explored themes of friendship, love, heartbreak and ambition. Each actor brought authenticity to their roles. Naina began as a shy, studious “first-bench” girl, but her transformation into a confident, free-spirited woman made her one of the most relatable and beloved characters in modern Bollywood. Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela (2013) In this Sanjay Leela Bhansali masterpiece, Deepika starred opposite Ranveer Singh in a passionate tale of love and conflict. Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival gangster families, who fall in love with each other, but are forced to separate due to their families’ centuries-old rivalry. Deepika and Ranveer’s fiery chemistry lit up the screen, while her mesmerising dance performances left the audience spellbound. Piku (2015) Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Piku struck a chord with every modern, independent woman juggling family responsibilities and personal emotions. The film beautifully captured the dynamics of a quirky father-daughter relationship, with Amitabh Bachchan’s eccentric charm and the late Irrfan Khan’s subtle brilliance adding depth. Together, they created a story filled with warmth, humour and raw emotion. Padmavat (2018) In this epic historical drama of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Deepika played the titular role of Rani Padmavati with grandeur, grace and confidence. The film also starred Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and her co-actor-turned-husband, Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji.
