“Nepotism Existed Then, It…”: Deepika Padukone On Being Outsider In Bollywood
Deepika Padukone recalled her initial days in Mumbai while talking about being an outsider in Bollywood.
Deepika Padukone, who is one of the most renowned Indian actresses currently, has come a long way in showbiz with rich content driven and commercial films. She made her Bollywood debut in the 2007 film ‘Om Shanti Om’, co-starring Shah Rukh Khan. Known for her versatility, compelling performances and stunning looks, Deepika has been part of numerous successful films, including ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Piku’, ‘Cocktail’ and ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. Despite not belonging to a film family, Deepika Padukone has cemented her place as one of the most bankable stars in the country.
Recently, in a new interview with Vogue, the Bollywood actress looked back at her career and opened up about dealing with nepotism. Deepika Padukone also revealed that she got offers to move to the West. But unlike Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who created her space in Hollywood, Deepika Padukone maintained that India is her “home” and stayed in the country.
In her Vogue interview, Deepika Padukone shared that she was told during her modelling days that she belonged in Paris and Milan and should move there.
“Early on in my modelling career, I had an offer to move overseas and all of the fashion gurus in India said, ‘You shouldn’t be here, you should be in Paris, New York or Milan,’ and I was like, ‘No, those places are not my home. India is home,'” the Bollywood actress said.
Even today, the Bollywood actress won’t shift her base to the West if given a chance. Deepika Padukone, who starred in the 2017 Hollywood action-thriller ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’, added, “Why do I need to move with bag and baggage to have a global impact?”
On being asked about how she dealt with the “insecurities” of the insiders, Deepika Padukone replied, “I had no choice.”
Deepika Padukone explained, “When you were an outsider 15 or 20 years ago, there was no other option. It’s an uphill task for any individual trying to make a mark in a field or profession that their parents don’t come from. The fact that we’ve started to articulate things like nepotism is a new trend. It existed then, it exists now and it will continue to exist. That was my reality.”
Reflecting on her initial days in Mumbai, Deepika Padukone shared, “Back then, I had so many things to deal with, not just professionally but also personally. I was a teenager moving to a new city with no family or friends in a new industry. I had to figure out my meals and transport, and lug my own bags around. I never thought of it as a burden back then.”
Deepika Padukone used to sleep during her rides back home, leaving her mother worried about her health and wellbeing. But looking back at those days, she said, “Not bad, girl! You did this and you did it on your own.”
The Bollywood actress had a good 2023 as she delivered two blockbusters, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’. Both the films made over Rs 1000 crore.
Deepika Padukone is now looking forward to her next big release, ‘Fighter’, co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor. The film will be released in theatres on Republic Day 2024.
She will star as a female cop in Rohit Shetty's ‘Singham Again’. The first look of her as Shakti Shetty was launched recently on social media.
Deepika Padukone will also be seen along with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.
