Deepika Padukone Birthday: 5 Career Defining Films of The Kalki Actress

Updated on: 05 January, 2025 08:26 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Deepika Padukone, born on January 5, is one of the leading actresses of the Indian film industry. On the occasion of her birthday, lets take a look at some of her career-defining films. These films represent significant milestones in Deepika Padukones career, showcasing her growth and versatility as an actress. She has proven her ability to portray diverse characters, from romantic leads to strong female figures in historical and contemporary settings.

1. Om Shanti Om (2007)

This was Deepika's debut film, and it was a huge launchpad for her. She played a dual role of Shanti Priya and Sandy. Shanti Priya is a popular film actress in the 1970s who is secretly married to a film producer. She is kind, graceful, and admired by many, including the protagonist, Om. Sandy is Shanti Priya's lookalike in the present day. She helps Om (reincarnated) to avenge Shanti's death. This film showcased her beauty and screen presence and established her as a rising star.

2. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

In this coming-of-age romantic comedy, Deepika played Naina Talwar, a shy and studious medical student who embarks on a life-changing trip with her classmates. Naina is initially introverted but gradually comes out of her shell, embracing new experiences and falling in love. This role highlighted her versatility and ability to portray a relatable and endearing character.

3. Chennai Express (2013)

This action-comedy saw Deepika as Meenalochni "Meena" Azhagusundaram, a South Indian girl who runs away from her wedding and crosses paths with the protagonist Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan). Meena is feisty, independent, and speaks in a mix of Hindi and Tamil, providing a lot of comic relief. This role demonstrated her comedic timing and ability to portray a strong-willed character.

4. Bajirao Mastani (2015)

In this historical romance, Deepika portrayed Mastani, a warrior princess and the second wife of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I. Mastani is brave, skilled in combat, and deeply in love with Bajirao. This role required her to portray a strong and regal character with complex emotions, showcasing her range as an actress.

5. Kalki 2898 AD

Kalki is a sci-fi dystopian drama based on Indian mythological lore about the rise of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu. In this film, Deepika Padukone plays SUM-80 alias Sumathi, a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki.