Deepika rules the roost

But does she have what it takes to tick in B-town?

Her Bollywood debut is yet to release and Deepika Padukone is already famous. The 21-year-old is the most hyped newcomer in tinseltown and will be launched in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om. Other leading filmmakers too are in a hurry to sign her on and she’s already got three biggies in her kitty, including an international production with Akshay Kumar. But does she have what it takes to tick in B-town? BT gets an insight into Deepika from those who know her well.


Indrajit Lankesh, filmmaker who launched Deepika in Kannada

Deepika is a rare breed who’s blessed with both beauty and brains. She’s a very smart girl and always makes the right moves. Even though she’s not a born actress, she’s honing her skills well. And going by the promos of OSO, I think she’s done a fabulous job. Even when she debuted in my film Aishwarya, she was keen to do a good job and always corrected her mistakes. Deepika’s in the same mould as Aishwarya Bachchan. And she’s learned the ropes of the industry well. I think she’s brilliant at handling the media and industry folks. She’s definitely ready to take on Bollywood.

Atul Kasbekar, Bollywood photographer who worked with Deepika on a fashion calendar

Deepika Padukone is very special, not just to the industry, but also to my family. Her aunt was the gynaec who delivered our twins and that’s when I met her as a gangly, coltish young girl. And I said, ‘Listen to me and we’ll make you a star.’ Deepika has the X-factor and I don’t think SRK and Farah Khan are fools to back her in a multi-crore project if they didn’t see that unique quality in her.

Gouri Kapur, stylist and make-up artiste who’s worked with Deepika

I always knew Deepika was going to make it big. I’ve known and worked with her from the time she stepped into modelling. She just oozes oomph and is very different from the others. And now Deepika’s at the top because she’s a hard worker; she’s very picky and makes the right choices. She’s a fabulous human being and we share a great bond. Bollywood is ready for you, girl!

Deepika Govind, fashion expert

I’ve seen Deepika even before she became a model and when I see her now, there’s such a phenomenal change. Her height, maturity, face and grace are her highlights. And so far, from what I see of her, she’s heading the right way. Deepika has modelled my collections at numerous fashion weeks and each time I see her, there’s so much change. She makes a difference on the ramp and I’m sure she’ll do the same on screen.

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