How Deepika Padukone’s Kannada debut Aishwarya paved the way for Bollywood stardom
Almost 19 years after her first on-screen appearance, Deepika Padukone remains one of India’s most celebrated and highest-paid actresses. Yet, many fans are unaware that her journey to stardom began not in Bollywood but in the Kannada film industry. In 2006, she starred as the titular character in Indrajit Lankesh’s romantic drama Aishwarya, which became a commercial success. This early hit caught the attention of none other than Shah Rukh Khan, who famously quipped, “I’ll have to pay her more,” when informed about the film’s performance.
Deepika Padukone was born into a family of sporting excellence. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is a legendary badminton player and a former world No. 1. She grew up playing badminton at a competitive level, representing Karnataka in junior tournaments. However, her career trajectory took a different turn when she transitioned into modeling. Her striking features, athletic build, and confident demeanor made her a sought-after model, leading to magazine covers and fashion shows.
Indrajit Lankesh, who had known Deepika since she was a child, was struck by her transformation. “When I became a director, I saw her in a fashion show and then in a leading magazine. I was shocked by her shift from a badminton player to a supermodel,” he recalled. He was looking for a fresh face for his directorial Aishwarya and immediately thought of Deepika. He found her to be exactly what he needed—5’9” tall, with an “amazing sports body,” “beautiful eyes,” and a “pan-Indian face.”
Deepika signed the film after just a one-line narration. This decision was influenced by Lankesh’s previous hit, the 2004 Kannada film Monalisa. Her manager at the time, Pooja Dadlani, played a crucial role in her early career. Pooja went on to become Shah Rukh Khan’s trusted manager, a fact that highlights how interconnected the Bollywood industry is. Deepika’s commitment and professionalism were evident from her first day on set. Lankesh noted that she was initially intimidated by a seasoned child actor who had done 40 films, but she quickly adapted. “She said, ‘I’ll nail it,’ and she never looked back,” he added.
The success of Aishwarya and Shah Rukh Khan’s reaction
Aishwarya ran for 50 days in theatres and was a major hit in Karnataka. Hoardings and newspaper articles celebrated its success, and news reached Shah Rukh Khan during a visit to Bengaluru. When a journalist asked him about the film, he humorously remarked, “I came to know it’s a big hit. That means I’ll have to pay her more.” This anecdote, shared by Lankesh, underscores the buzz Deepika had generated before stepping into Bollywood.
Shortly after, Deepika was cast in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om (2007), a reincarnation saga that marked her Hindi film debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Her iconic entry in a red saree as Shantipriya remains one of cinema’s most memorable moments. The film was a massive blockbuster and launched her into superstardom. She followed it with hits like Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) and Love Aaj Kal (2009), but her career faced a brief slump in the early 2010s.
Resilience and reinvention: The second innings
Indrajit Lankesh describes Deepika’s journey as a “case study in resilience.” After a series of underperforming films, she made a powerful comeback with Cocktail (2012), where she played the bold, free-spirited Veronica. This role showcased her versatility and reestablished her as a top actress. She followed with a string of critically and commercially successful films: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Chennai Express (2013), Ram-Leela (2013), Piku (2015), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018), Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023), and Kalki 2898 AD (2024). Her ability to balance mainstream blockbusters with nuanced, author-backed roles has earned her numerous awards and the title of the highest-paid actress in India.
Lankesh attributes Deepika’s success to her discipline, inherited from her father. “The passion and wanting to win came from her dad. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That’s Deepika,” he said. He also credits her PR team and strategic film choices for maintaining her position at the top.
Legacy and future projects
Looking ahead, Deepika will reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming action film King and will star opposite Allu Arjun in Atlee’s Raaka. Her career continues to inspire aspiring actors, especially those from non-film backgrounds. Her journey from a state-level badminton player to a global icon exemplifies how talent, hard work, and the right opportunities can create an enduring legacy.
Source:The Indian Express News