Who is Deepika Padukone?
Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress and producer who works mainly in Hindi films. She is one of India’s highest-paid actresses and is known internationally for her work in film, fashion and mental health awareness.
Early life and education
Padukone was born in Copenhagen in 1986 and raised in Bangalore. Her father is badminton legend Prakash Padukone, and as a teenager she played badminton at national level before choosing a modelling career.
Career highlights
- Debut (2006): the Kannada film Aishwarya.
- Bollywood debut (2007): Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan, winning Filmfare Best Female Debut.
- Hits: Cocktail, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Piku.
- Bhansali epics: Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.
- Action era: Pathaan (2023), Fighter and Kalki 2898 AD (2024).
Major achievements
She has starred in several of the highest-grossing Hindi films and also appeared in the Hollywood film xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017).
Mental health advocacy
After speaking openly about her own experience with depression, she founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 to raise awareness about mental health in India. She received the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award for this work.
Global presence
She served on the jury of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and unveiled the trophy at the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Personal life
She is married to actor Ranveer Singh, her co-star in several films, and they have two daughters.
Lessons
Padukone shows how switching careers can lead to success, and how speaking openly can help reduce stigma around important issues.
Timeline: key moments
- 1986Born in Copenhagen
- 2006Film debut in Aishwarya
- 2007Om Shanti Om
- 2013Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express
- 2015Founds Live Love Laugh Foundation
- 2018Padmaavat; Time 100
- 2022Cannes jury; FIFA World Cup trophy unveiling
- 2023Pathaan
- 2024Fighter and Kalki 2898 AD
Deepika Padukone moved from badminton courts to the top of Indian cinema, using her fame to speak up for mental health.
