Deepika Padukone (born January 5, 1986, Copenhagen, Denmark) is one of the most successful Bollywood actresses of the early 21st century. A global fashion icon and ambassador for renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier, Padukone is celebrated for her striking looks and for her roles in several top-grossing Bollywood movies.

A Multifaceted Journey
In 2023, Padukone was one of the highest-paid actresses in India and has been among the country’s highest tax-payers since 2016-17. Her diverse career includes roles as an ace badminton player, model, actress, mental health advocate, brand ambassador, producer, investor, and entrepreneur.

Early Life
Deepika was born to Ujjala Padukone, a travel agent, and Prakash Padukone, a renowned badminton player who elevated India’s status in the sport. Raised in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Deepika was a national-level badminton player before venturing into acting at 16, while her sister Anisha excelled as an amateur golfer.

Although Deepika began modeling while still in school, her formal entry into the modeling world started in college. She made her runway debut in 2005 at the Lakme India Fashion Week in Delhi for designer Suneet Varma.

Acting and Production Career
Padukone’s film career began with the Kannada movie Aishwarya (2006). Her Bollywood debut in Om Shanti Om (2007), directed by Farah Khan, made her a household name. The film became the top-grossing Bollywood movie of the year. She portrayed a young widow in Finding Fanny (2014), and a dutiful daughter opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Piku (2015).

Her Hollywood debut came in 2017 with xXx: Return of Xander Cage, starring Vin Diesel. In the historical drama Padmaavat (2018), Padukone played the Rajput queen Padmavati, while her husband Ranveer Singh portrayed Alauddin Khalji. Despite controversies and bans in some states, the film was a significant success.

Padukone faced backlash in 2020 for supporting students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during a protest, which some claimed was a publicity stunt for her movie Chhapaak. Nevertheless, she received widespread support for her stance.

As a producer, she worked on Chhapaak, a biographical film about an acid attack survivor, and co-produced 83 (2021), where she also played Romi Dev, the wife of cricketer Kapil Dev. Though 83 was not a box-office hit, it was critically acclaimed. In 2023, she starred in blockbusters Pathaan and Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan and will appear in Fighter (2024).

Mental Health Advocacy
After battling depression in 2014, Padukone publicly shared her journey to destigmatize mental health issues. She founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation to create mental health awareness and reduce associated stigma.

Brand Ambassador
Padukone has endorsed numerous brands, including Liril, Asian Paints, Jio, Tanishq, Axis Bank, Coca-Cola, Tissot, L’Oreal Paris, and Levi’s. In 2022-23, she became the brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Qatar Airways.

Investor and Entrepreneur
Padukone co-founded KA Enterprises with her father in 2014, investing in startups like Epigamia, Bellatrix Aerospace, BluSmart, Mokobara, Supertails.com, Nua, and Blue Tokai. In 2022, she launched 82°E, a skin-care line that blends Indian ethos with global perspectives.

Awards and Recognition
Padukone’s debut performance in Om Shanti Om earned her two Filmfare Awards. She later won Best Actress awards for Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and Piku (2015). CNN-IBN named her Indian of the Year in 2013, and Forbes listed her among the world’s highest-paid actresses in 2016. Time magazine has repeatedly honored her, including a spot on the Time100 list in 2018 and the Time100 Impact Award in 2022.

Grazia India named her Millennial of the Year in 2019, and YouGov listed her among the world’s most admired women. In 2020, she received the World Economic Forum Crystal Award for her mental health advocacy. Time magazine’s May 2023 feature, “Deepika Padukone Is Bringing the World to Bollywood,” highlighted her global impact while remaining rooted in India.

Deepika Padukone’s journey from a badminton player to a global icon exemplifies resilience, versatility, and a commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for important causes.