Dashing Deepika

She has a successful modelling career behind her. And at the age of 22, she is all set to become a top Bollywood star. JAMILA QADIR met up with Deepika Padukone, when she was in Dubai recentlty …
Would Prakash Padukone, ace badminton player ever have dreamt of a better future for his offspring? Or, maybe, her parents had reasons for calling her Deepika, which translated from Sanskrit means, “what brings light”.
Deepika said once, “My father has always taught us to be humble, down to earth and simple and we learnt to be that way. But when I used to watch people come to him for autographs, I used to wish that it would happen to me someday - to get as much recognition as he has, in a field of my choice.”
She has come a long way from a little girl watching her father’s glory to become a young successful lady, who weighs every word she utters, knows what she wants and does whatever she does with confidence, albeit she is still humble and down to earth.
We talk in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, after a press conference she attended as a brand ambassador for a local real estate company. We have little time, there is a queue of interviewers from numerous publications and it is very difficult to concentrate.
But Deepika makes me comfortable; she is not showing any sign of impatience while I try to disperse the crowd to give us some space. I’m in a hurry, but slowly I calm down. Our short conversation gradually becomes a more relaxed one. And soon it seems as if two friends have surprisingly met after a period of time.
Despite many differences, we understand each other well, we have the same likes and dislikes and share a common admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and Sushmita Sen.
Deepika says she grew up watching Sushmita Sen and Rekha and considers them very stylish. “Both of them are extremely glamourous and confident in whatever they do,” she adds.
Well, confidence seems to be Deepika’s middle name, too. After all, before rubbing shoulders with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, she was already being touted as a supermodel in the modelling industry. _ _Then the questions begin
Who is you favourite actor?
Deepika: Shah Rukh Khan. I’ve grown up watching his movies.
How did you come to movies?
Deepika: Frankly, I never thought I would get into movies. I did a couple of commercials. Farah Khan, who was looking for a female heroine at that time, happened to see them, she approached me and the rest is history.
How was it acting in Om Shanti Om?
Deepika: Oh, it’s been wonderful. It was a dream debut and acting opposite Shah Rukh Khan was an amazing experience. I would like to make more films with him.
You have starred in a Kannada film at the beginning of your career. Would like to do more South Indian movies?
Deepika: Yes, I would given the right script.
: Who is your role model in Bollywood?
Deepika: Rekha and Hema Malini. I’ve grown up watching their movies.
: Who is your role model in life?
Deepika: My mother. She is so amazing and has always managed to get the balance right in our family. I would like to be like her.
: Are you a family person or more like a socialite?
Deepika: I am a family person. In whatever I do, I always ask my family’s view.
: Do you have siblings?
Deepika: Yes. I have my younger sister Anisha.
: They say sisters always fight. Did you fight as kids?
Deepika: No, not really. We are very different. She is an introvert and a very calm person, while I’m more open. There are no major clashes between us.
: You are a sporty person, but gave up playing?
Deepika: I used to play badminton till Class 10 and even reached the state level championships, but one day, I realised that I was playing the game only because it ran in the family. So, I asked my father if I could give up the game and he wasn’t upset at all. He has always told my sister and me to do what we are whole heartedly interested in, and to do it well.
: What would you do in life if you were not an actress?
Deepika: I would like to be an interior designer. I’m really interested in doing that although right now I am busy with my acting career and I don’t have time for other activities. But I would like to design my own dream home. _
: Lots of girls want to become models or act in movies. What would you like to advise them?
Deepika: In whatever you do, be it modelling, acting or anything else be confident and interested in the field you have chosen. Then you can strike it right.
Deepika’s Career
While doing her studies in college, she decided to pursue a career in modelling due to her tall slender figure. Over the years, she has modelled for famous Indian brand names like Liril, Dabur Lal powder, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca.
She received many prestigious modelling offers, which included her becoming the brand ambassador of the Jewels of India. Padukone hit the international scene when Maybelline made her their new international cover-girl face.
After pursuing a successful career in modelling, Padukone branched out a career into acting. She started by starring in the music video for the song Naam Hai Tera from the independent pop album Aap Kaa Surroor by Himesh Reshammiya.
In 2006, Padukone made her cinematic debut in the Kannada film, Aishwarya staring opposite actor Upendra. She later made a successful Bollywood debut in 2007 with Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om opposite Shahrukh Khan.
The film went on to become the biggest hit of the year, both in India and abroad, and her performance was well received. The film featured her portraying Shantipriya - a 1970s superstar, and later as Sandy - a contemporary teenager.
She currently has two releases, including Bachna Ae Haseeno (August 15) and Chandni Chowk To China (October 29).
Awards and nominations
Deepika Padukone received the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and was nominated Best Actress Award for Om Shanti Om in 2008,
She received the Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award, in Om Shanti Om
Star Screen Awards
She was the winner of the Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer - Female; Om Shanti Om
Received the Star Screen Award Jodi No 1 along with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om.
Zee Cine Awards
Winner
2008: Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut; Om Shanti Om
Nominated
2008: Zee Cine Award for Best Actor - Female; Om Shanti Om
Stardust Awards
Nominated
2008: Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Female; Om Shanti Om
Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards
Winner
2008: Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards’ Best Female Debut; Om Shanti Om