Deepika Padukone Birthday Special: Beyond Being An Actor

A former badminton player who entered Bollywood with a smashing debut along side Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, Deepika Padukone has come a long long way in the industry, carving her rightful space. On her birthday, we look back into her achievements, career highs, successes, and news stirring statements.

"For me, competition is good; that is what keeps me on my toes and keeps me going. I am always trying to better my own work, do better than my earlier films... do films that are challenging and exciting for me."

Her major debut

Unlike what many know, her debut into the film world was not with Om Shanti Om, but in fact with a Kannada film named Aishwarya in the year 2006. The chance to work opposite Shah Rukh Khan came in 2007, when Farah Khan decided to cast her for the film.

Bollywood Debut in Om Shanti Om

Sports player

Before Deepika entered the glamour world, she was winning medals in badminton. Daughter to the ace badminton player Prakash Padukone, she went on to become a national level player of badminton. Other than that, Deepika was also a state level basketball player.

I meditate. I breathe out what I can't control and focus on the positives.

Top 50 list

She featured on India Today’s list of 50 most high and mighty people. A survey called Brand Value Survey done by American Appraisal valued her brand to be worth of $44.4 million! She was ranked no.7 in the overall celebrity ranking and topped the list amongst female actors.

The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation

After her emotional interview which revealed her having dealt with depression, Deepika started her own foundation called The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation.

People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering, and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn't help. One needs support and understanding. I am now working on an initiative to create awareness about anxiety and depression and help people.

The nation applauded at her bravery for coming out with such a strong initiative, especially in India where over 50 million people struggle with mental illness.

My parents never raised their hand or fired me. Their way of disciplining me was to tell me what is right or wrong.

Hollywood Catch

This star is putting India on to the Hollywood map, along with Priyanka Chopra. Deepika's new release XXX: Return of Xander Cage shows Deepika as one of the main characters in the storyline.

Here's the trailer:

Wishing this superstar a very happy birthday, indeed!

Feature Image Courtesy: HD Wallpaper