Deepika Padukone on 'constant political backlash': I don't feel anything

Hindi cinema star Deepika Padukone, latest Indian personality to feature on cover of TIME magazine, says she doesn't feel anything about "constant political backlash" she has faced in her over 15-year career.

In her cover interview with US-based outlet, actor briefly addressed being in eye of storm over "Padmaavat" for allegedly distorting historical facts, her solidarity with JNU students during release of her maiden production "Chhapaak", and more recently, dealing with allegations of hurting religious sentiments by wearing a "saffron" bikini as a Pakistani spy in "Pathaan" song "Besharam Rang".

According to TIME magazine story, a "long pause" followed when Padukone was asked about "constant political backlash".

"I don't kw if I'm supposed to feel something about it. But truth is, I don't feel anything about it," 37-year-old told outlet.

She joins long list of Indian names, including industry colleagues Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who graced cover of TIME magazine.

In 2018, she was part of 'TIME magazine's 100 most influential people', alongside former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder of cab aggregator Ola.

In article titled 'Deepika Padukone Is Bringing World to Bollywood' published on May 10, actor said: "This is India's moment." Earlier this year at 95th Academy Awards, Padukone introduced "Naatu Naatu", Best Original Song Oscar winner from SS Rajamouli's blockbuster "RRR", as a "total banger".

Denmark-born cinema personality served on exclusive jury for 75th Cannes Film Festival and she became first Indian brand ambassador for international fashion labels such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. She regularly makes waves during her appearances at fashion events like Met Gala.

"Indian cinema has transcended borders and Indians are everywhere. So fame goes wherever you go... I didn't have a game plan for how to get here, but I didn't see failure on my vision board," said Padukone, who started her career as a model in advertisements and music videos.

"This is India's moment. So how can I marry best of East and West? re's India with our roots, our herit, our history, but re's also a new and young India that's emerging. It's se two Indias coming toger that I find really fascinating at this moment," she added.

Even as India claimed twin wins at 2023 Academy Awards -- second for " Elephant Whisperers" for Best Documentary Short Subject -- actor said India itself is "beginning to realize that its movies are t just limited to Hindi films".

"But I don't think we should be happy with one Oscar for a song and ar for a documentary. I hope we can look at this as beginning of an opportunity," she pointed out.

Last seen in "Pathaan", Padukone is currently on a break from shooting "Fighter", billed as India's first aerial-action film.