Actor, producer, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Deepika Padukone has traversed a journey that's been difficult, but something that she's proud of. Today, she's a global star with some of the best brands latching on to her popularity
Deepika Padukone, Actor, producer, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist
Image: Vaishnav Praveen / The House Of Pixels
Make Up: Anil Chinnappa; Hair: Gabriel Georgiou; Styling: Shaleena Nathani
The world watched with awe as Lionel Messi dazzled sports lovers with his mesmerising game to help Argentina win the Fifa World Cup after 36 years. Hours before one of the greatest footballers of all time rose to the occasion in the epic final against France on December 18, actor Deepika Padukone was the cynosure of all eyes at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
As the 89,000-strong capacity crowd waited with bated breath for one of the most anticipated football matches of the global marquee event, Padukone walked in with former Spanish footballer Iker Casillas on the ground to unveil the 18-carat gold-and malachite trophy that was brought in a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk.
Ever since she came into the limelight as an actor with Om Shanti Om in 2007, Padukone has made heads turn with her beauty and screen persona. Yet, her presence at the final by virtue of being Louis Vuitton’s first Indian brand ambassador—the brand was the official travel case manufacturer for the Fifa World Cup trophy—has added heft to her illustrious CV.
The actor remains grateful for such amazing opportunities that have come her way. “I do feel a sense of gratitude. But at the same time, I feel, it was long due, not for me as an individual, but as a nation. And so, in that sense, while it does feel like a personal achievement, it’s also an accomplishment for what I’ve been able to do for the country,†Padukone tells Forbes India four days before heading to Qatar.
It’s a chock-a-block schedule for the 36-year-old. On the day we meet her, Padukone, dressed in a printed floral white shirt and trousers, takes stock with her managers about the subsequent meetings lined up. We’re interviewing her after four years, and the one thing we notice that has remained unchanged is her punctuality.
(This story appears in the 13 January, 2023 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)