Deepika Padukone is a state-level badminton player, who stepped foot into the modelling business and eventually was roped in for her debut in 2007. Making her first on-screen appearance alongside Shahrukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, Deepika instantly won the hearts of the audiences. She has been winning hearts and awards for her on-screen appearances. However, not many people know the actual story of how she landed upon her first movie in Bollywood. Here is a look at Deepika Padukone’s journey before Bollywood and how she ended up here.

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Deepika’s Stint in the South Indian film Industry and Modelling:

Before grabbing her dream debut opposite SRK, Deepika Padukone had already begun her stint as an actor. She started her Bollywood career by making her appearance in the 2006 song Naam Hai Tera Tera by Himesh Reshammiya. Not only did she work as the leading dancer in Naam Hai Tera Tera, but she also worked in the South Indian movie Aishwarya. Being in the modelling industry for approximately two odd years, Deepika Padukone grabbed eyeballs of the Bollywood fraternity if not the fans.

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How she landed on her role in Om Shanti Om:

In an interview with a magazine, Wendell Rodrick opened up about the moment that changed Deepika Padukone’s life.  The Indian fashion designer said that Farah Khan (the director of Om Shanti Om) had asked Malaika Arora to suggest a new model. The model would star opposite Shahrukh Khan in the movie. The makers of Om Shanti Om had not zeroed down on a working title back then. The designer added that he was putting out a collection at the Lakmé Fashion Week called Isadora.

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It was Wendell Rodrick that suggested Deepika’s name to Malaika Arora. Wendell made Deepika open the show, and told Malaika Arora that she was the one he was recommending. Malaika Arora liked Deepika Padukone, and the same was conveyed to Farah Khan. A screening test followed, and the rest is all history. Farah Khan was Deepika in the video of Naam Hai Tera, long after, Malaika Arora that had already recommended her name for Om Shanti Om.

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Deepika Padukone films:

Right after her Bollywood debut in 2007, Deepika was also roped in for Bachna Ae Haseeno opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Some of her notable movies include Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmavat. Apart from starring in Bollywood, Deepika Padukone has also shared the screen with Hollywood actor Vin Diesel as the leading lady in xXx: Return Of Xander Cage. Deepika Padukone’s upcoming movies include ’83, Chhapaak, Ramayana, and an untitled Vishal Bhardwaj project.

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