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29 March 2024

Deepika Padukone is the next superstar; Katrina, Priyanka listening?

Indian Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone presents a creation by Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra during the Grand Finale of PCJ Delhi Couture Week 2013 in New Delhi on August 4, 2013. (AFP)

Published
By Film Correspondent

She is right now a hot favourite amongst filmmakers and audiences after her recent performance in 'Chennai Express'.

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone is on a new high having bagged third consecutive blockbuster in 2013 with 'Race 2', 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Chennai Express'.

(Screengrab)

After debuting with a blockbuster in 2007 ('Om Shanti Om'), Deepika Padukone survived some choppy waters but hardly lost the taste of success.

She signed films like 'Break Ke Baad' (Imran Khan), 'Karthik Calling Karthik' (Farhan Akhtar), 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey' (Abhishek Bachchan) and 'Lafangey Parindey' (Neil Nitin Mukesh). Till then her success rate was comme ci, comme ça.

After 'Om Shanti Om' Deepika didn't see much awards coming her way, but interestingly, Deepika kept delivering at least one hit every year which kept her floating.

Filmmakers were still interested to work with the actress and knew it was just a matter of time before Deepika would cruise through.

In 'Aarakshan' and 'Desi Boyz', Deepika was noticed but nothing beyond that. Then came the wise move from Deepika - a heady mix of devil-may-care attitude and ultra-modern avatar of Veronica.

(Screengrab)

Her third film with Saif Ali Khan, 'Cocktail', quenched her thirst for a solid hit. The urban affair showcased Deepika is various shades and she explored, imparting the nuances of the character with applause.

This was the first time after being around for half a decade that the crown of being an 'actor' was put on her head. Celebration was on the cards but there was more to come from this beauty.

In the past Deepika graced the tabloids and hogged the headlines for her link-ups and break-ups. Young and ambitious Deepika was the urban face of Indian youth, who wore her heart on her sleeves.

When in love she inked it to declare her commitment. Media loved her attitude. But her hear break received equal space in black and white. She continued to wear the tattoo proudly, more so as a sign of betrayal.

Deepika Padukone displays her 'RK' tattoo

She partied hard and in retrospect, maybe, she worked harder. And now is the time to regain the headlines for what she should in the first place - acting. 'Cocktail' got her noticed in the critics’ circuit once again.

The leggy lass, who has completed half a decade in the industry, has now claimed her position among the top ranks not just by her ravishing looks but her spontaneous acting prowess over the years.

(Ashok Verma)

'Race 2', a multi-starrer added another feather to her success cap. A glamorous affair that didn't quite require histrionics from Deepika still, she sizzled. The movie raced to the coveted Rs 100 crore (INR) club in India.

Then came 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani' with her ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. This was not meant to be easy - not after being cheated and going public about the infidelity.

(AFP)

But audiences wanted to see them together, on-screen and off-screen, much to the discomfort of Ranbir's current lady Katrina Kaif. For the uninitiated ones, Katrina was the reason why Ranbir cheated on Deepika.

'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' turned out to be a blockbuster, also one of the hottest films to arrive this season. The chemistry between the two actors brought down the house.

With her delivering a fantastic performance and junta lapping up the film big time, Deepika enjoyed second biggest grosser in the history of Hindi cinema after 'Ek Tha Tiger'.

Deepika made her character distinctive, blending grit, courage and compassion.

(AFP)

Next stop was 'Chennai Express' and going by the box office collection there's not stoppage till it breaks all records. Deepika as the sari-clad don’s daughter with the thick accent gave a spirited performance.

Her detractors can eat their words now. The trade pundits have already put her in the No. 1 game ahead of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Now, what’s next, Deepika!

'Ram Leela' by Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be released on November 15. Deepika will play Leela in the love-sage opposite Ranveer Singh.

She will be soon seen in 'Kochadaiyyan' opposite superstar Rajinikanth, 'Finding Fanny Fernandes' will be an English satirical short film.

Deepika Padukone has come a long way... And she's definitely here to stay. Here's a toast to the new superstar in Bollywood! 

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