10 Lesser Known Facts About Deepika Padukone That You Need to Know

Hard-working, ambitious, empathetic are a few of the many words we can use to describe Deepika Padukone. A force to be reckoned with, the 35-year-old star—who received umpteen accolades for her debut performance in Om Shanti Om (2007)—is a household name today, paving the way to superstardom. And, after completing nearly 15 years in the Bollywood industry, she has managed to garner a massive fan following not only across India but worldwide. 

Talking about being on top of her game, in an exclusive interview with Cosmo, Deepika said, "I think it's the work I do that makes me successful. It's my commitment to my work and the fact that I am extremely passionate about what I do. These are more emotional factors than tangible things that I could point to, and that's what makes me the person I am."

While the actor is brimming with confidence and exuberance, a few years ago, she chose to open up about her battle with depression, breaking the shackles of taboo and stigma towards mental health. In the years following, she has set up a mental health foundation, Live Laugh Love, and has launched a mental health campaign, #DobaraPoocho, to spread awareness about emotional health.

Perhaps most of you think that you know all that there is to know about Deepika Padukone. Well, you stand corrected. From her brief appearance in a music video to her go-to meal, below, we have rounded up some interesting facts about the celebrity.

 

The Music Video That Made Her Career

 

In 2006, Deepika Padukone featured alongside music director and songwriter Himesh Reshammiya in the Naam Hai Tera music video. It was Om Shanti Om's director Farah Khan who spotted the star and decided to sign her on as Shanti Priya, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Arjun Rampal. Back in 2019, when Deepika visited the sets of the reality show Indian Idol 11—for Chhapaak promotions—she thanked Himesh Reshammiya for giving her the opportunity.

 

Her *Actual* Debut Film

 

While it is widely believed that Deepika Padukone made her film debut with Farah Khan directorial Om Shanti Om (2007), it was in a Kannada-language film, Aishwarya, that the actor first appeared on-screen. The romantic drama was directed by Indrajit Lankesh and hit the silver screen on 15th September 2006. 

 

Kingfisher Calendar Girl

 

Before venturing into the acting profession, Deepika Padukone was a model. She was featured in the Kingfisher Calendar and even won the title of the 'Kingfisher Model of the Year' in 2005. That same year, she made her fashion week debut by walking the ramp for designer Suneet Varma at Lakmé Fashion Week. 

 

Bollywood Debut in 2007

 

Not many people know that the actor was to make her film debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya (2007), opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it wasn't possible, and newcomer Sonam Kapoor ended up bagging the role of Sakina in the romance musical. Fun fact: Saawariya and Om Shanti Om were released on the same date, 9th November 2007.

 

She Rarely Admires Herself

 

When you look like that, you'd look at yourself in the mirror (all day long). Although, Deepika Padukone doesn't seem to be as self-obsessed as you'd imagine. In an interview with Cosmo, she revealed, "I don't know if I look that fabulous. The last thing I'd do is wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror. But I know that I feel great if I've slept enough...Otherwise, I rarely look at myself in the mirror." 

 

Her Favourite Cusine(s)

 

The actor's nutritionist, Shweta Shah—Founder and CEO, EatFit247—revealed that Deepika shares a liking for Italian and Mexican food, but her all-time favourite is South Indian. Hence, her diet plan is comprised of a combination of her favourite foods.

 

She Was Born Abroad

 

The actor was born in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. It is believed that her father, Prakash Padukone, was undergoing an extensive training session in the Scandinavian country at the time. However, the family moved back to India when Deepika was just short of turning one. 

 

She is Related to Actor Amrita Rao 

 

A while ago, photographs of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh attending a wedding went viral on social media. The Main Hoon Na (2004) actor, Amrita Rao, was also spotted at the same wedding. The connection? Well, it turns out that Deepika’s cousin brother got married to Amrita's cousin sister. Does this mean they are now related? Perhaps. 

 

Veronica in Cocktail (2012)

 

Reportedly, the actor was offered to choose between the lead roles of Meera and Veronica in the movie Cocktail, alongside Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan. However, since Deepika’s character in Love Aaj Kal (2009) was similar to that of 'Meera' in Cocktail, she decided to go ahead with the role of Veronica. 

 

A National-Level Badminton Player

 

Adding another feather to her cap, the actor—who is the daughter of Prakash Padukone, former World No.1 badminton player—is a national-level badminton player herself. Recently, she shared a video of herself playing the sport with international badminton star PV Sindhu on social media. Deepika Padukone has also played basketball at the state level.