New Delhi: As 'Om Shanti Om' celebrates its 16th anniversary today, it also marks the completion of 16 years in the film industry for Deepika Padukone. In these years, she has left an indelible mark with her incredible talent, versatility, and the unforgettable characters she has portrayed on the silver screen. To celebrate her remarkable journey so far, here's revisiting some of her popular characters from Pika to Naina Talwar.
1. ‘Piku’ (2015): A film that went on to make the biggest impact in 2015, Deepika Padukone in and as Piku explored the bitter-sweet bond shared between father-daughter and also went down as one of Deepika Padukone’s career’s finest. The film truly showcased the superstar’s prowess as a performer in a real and relatable manner,
2. Naina Talwar from ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013): Deepika Padukone astonished the audience with her geeky look in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Young girls continue to be inspired by Deepika's character Naina Talwar, who matures from a shy be-spectacled girl to a confident and accomplished woman who comes into her own.
3. Shantipriya from 'Om Shanti Om' (2007): Deepika Padukone's debut character, Shantipriya, was a dream come true for any newcomer. Her ethereal beauty and captivating presence left a lasting impression on the audience. This character not only marked the beginning of her career but also set the standard for her exceptional performances to come.
4. Veronica from 'Cocktail' (2012): In 'Cocktail,' Deepika broke away from the traditional Bollywood heroine mould by portraying Veronica, a modern and unconventional character. Her sassy and spirited portrayal of Veronica earned her critical acclaim and showcased her versatility as an actor.
5. Rani Padmini from ‘Padmaavat’ (2018): Deepika Padukone's portrayal of Rani Padmini in the magnum opus 'Padmaavat' was nothing short of majestic. She brought grace, dignity, and strength to the character, making it one of the most iconic roles in Indian cinema.
6. Mastani from 'Bajirao Mastani' (2015): As Mastani in 'Bajirao Mastani,' Deepika showcased her ability to embrace historical characters with grace. Her chemistry with Ranveer Singh and her powerful performance earned her accolades and cemented her status as a versatile actor.
7. Meenamma from 'Chennai Express' (2013): Deepika's role as Meenamma in 'Chennai Express' was a delightful departure from her previous characters. Her comedic timing and effervescent personality added a new dimension to her repertoire, proving her versatility as an actor once again.
8. Rubai from ‘Pathaan’ (2023): Deepika Padukone went all guns blazing as Rubai in ‘Pathaan’. The superstar had audiences had the edge of their seats with some breath-taking action sequences and stunts. In fact co-star Shah Rukh Khan even referred to a scene Deepika performed as ‘the sexiest fight scene in a film’.