Deepika Padukone is one of the most prominent and highest-paid actresses in India, with a staggering net worth of $40 million. Known for her versatile acting skills, international presence, and influential status, Padukone has built a successful career spanning Bollywood and Hollywood. She earns around $10 million annually from film projects and brand endorsements, making her one of the most bankable celebrities in the country.
Early Life and Background
Born on January 5, 1986, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Deepika Padukone hails from a Konkani-speaking family. She is the daughter of Prakash Padukone, a legendary Indian badminton player, and Ujjala Padukone, a travel agent. Her younger sister, Anisha Padukone, is a professional golfer.
The family moved to Bangalore, India when Deepika was just one year old. She followed in her father’s footsteps and played badminton at the national level during her school years at Sophia High School. However, she eventually shifted her focus to modeling, enrolling at Indira Gandhi National Open University to study sociology but dropped out to pursue her modeling career full-time
Modeling Career and Breakthrough
Deepika’s journey into the entertainment industry began with modeling assignments and television commercials. She made her runway debut in 2005 and won the Model of the Year award at the Kingfisher Fashion Awards. Her appearance in the 2006 Kingfisher Calendar brought her national attention.
After moving to Mumbai at age 21, she featured in Himesh Reshammiya’s hit music video Naam Hai Tera, which led to film offers. She made her acting debut in 2006 with the Kannada film Aishwarya.
Bollywood Stardom
Deepika’s big Bollywood break came with the blockbuster Om Shanti Om (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a massive success, grossing $21 million and earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Her career-defining moment arrived with the 2012 romantic comedy Cocktail. Though the film received mixed reviews, Deepika’s performance was highly praised and marked a turning point in her career. In 2013, she starred in four top-grossing films, including Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, both of which won her critical acclaim and major awards.
Major Film Success and International Projects
In 2014, Padukone starred in Happy New Year, which grossed $48 million worldwide. She also earned $420,000 for just two days of work in the Tamil film Kochadaiiyaan.
Her role in Bajirao Mastani (2015) required intense preparation, including sword fighting and horse riding. The film was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying her status as a top-tier actress.
In 2017, Deepika made her Hollywood debut in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, starring alongside Vin Diesel. Despite poor reviews, the film earned $345 million globally. She was nominated for three Teen Choice Awards for her role.
One of her biggest hits came in 2018 with Padmaavat, a period drama that became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever, collecting $76 million at the box office.
Production Ventures and Social Initiatives
In 2018, Deepika launched her production house, Ka Productions, and produced her first film Chhapaak in 2020. In the film, she played the role of an acid attack survivor, which she described as her most emotionally challenging role.
Deepika has also been deeply involved in social causes. In 2016, she started a mental health awareness foundation called Live Love Laugh, addressing issues like depression and anxiety. Her work in this area earned her the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum in 2020.
In addition to acting and social work, she ventured into fashion by launching her own clothing line in 2014 and later partnered with Myntra to create the brand All About You.
Personal Life
Deepika is a practicing Hindu and values spirituality in her daily life. She previously dated actor Ranbir Kapoor, but the relationship ended in 2009. In 2012, she began dating actor Ranveer Singh, and the couple got married in a private ceremony at Lake Como, Italy, in November 2018. They currently reside in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area.