Deepika Padukone birthday: The iconic actress, Deepika Padukone turns 39 this year. Known for her extraordinary talent, grace, and versatility, Deepika has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with films like “Padmaavat,” “Chennai Express,” “Piku,” “Bajirao Mastani,” and more.
Apart from her cinematic achievements, she is admired for her advocacy for mental health awareness through her foundation, The Live Love Laugh Foundation. Deepika is not just a Bollywood star but also a global icon, representing India on international platforms, including the Cannes Film Festival and as a Louis Vuitton ambassador.
Here are 7 Unknown facts about Deepika Padukone on her birthday:
1. National-Level Badminton Player
Deepika was a national-level badminton player in her teenage years, following in the footsteps of her father, Prakash Padukone, who is a legendary badminton player. However, she chose acting over sports to pursue her passion.
2. Born in Denmark
Although she is associated with India, Deepika was born on January 5, 1986, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her family moved to Bengaluru, India, when she was just a year old.
3. First Bollywood Offer Wasn’t ‘Om Shanti Om’
Deepika made her Bollywood debut with “Om Shanti Om” (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, but her first acting offer was from Farhan Akhtar for the film “Kartik Calling Kartik.” However, she couldn’t take it up at the time.
4. A Successful Model Before Acting
Before her Bollywood debut, Deepika was a highly sought-after model. She walked the ramp for major fashion shows and was the face of several prominent brands. Her appearance in Himesh Reshammiya’s music video “Naam Hai Tera” became a stepping stone to her acting career.
5. Struggled with Depression
Deepika is one of the first Bollywood celebrities to openly talk about mental health. She battled depression during the peak of her career and later founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation to spread awareness about mental health.
6. Her Hollywood Venture
Deepika made her Hollywood debut in the film “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” (2017) opposite Vin Diesel, showcasing her talent on an international platform.
7. Trained Dancer
Deepika is a trained dancer in multiple forms, including Bharatanatyam. Her graceful moves in songs like “Nagada Sang Dhol” and “Ghoomar” highlight her dance skills and dedication.