Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career, particularly the criticism she received for her performance in her debut film Om Shanti Om (2007). In an interview with Arianna Huffington, Founder of the Huffington Post and Thrive Global, Deepika discussed how negative feedback, especially about her accent and diction, influenced her growth as an actor.
The conversation took place on the YouTube channel of Deepika’s mental health initiative, The Live Laugh Love Foundation. During the interview, Deepika recalled how harsh reviews following the release of Om Shanti Om shaped her approach to her craft. Despite the commercial success of the film, her performance was scrutinized, with critics focusing on her accent and overall talent.
Reflecting on that phase, Deepika said, “There were quite a few bad reviews, but one, in particular, stuck with me. It criticized my accent, diction, and capabilities as an actor. At that moment, I realized that negativity can sometimes be a good thing—it’s all about how you handle it. Instead of being discouraged, I chose to take that feedback as an opportunity to improve myself. The larger picture is how you turn criticism into something positive.”
Her ability to transform negativity into a driving force became a key lesson in her career. Deepika emphasized that criticism, when taken in the right spirit, can become a stepping stone to personal and professional growth.
Deepika’s Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Deepika is set to star in some high-profile films. She will appear in Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, where she plays the character of Shakti Shetty, also known as ‘Lady Singham.’ The film, set to release on November 1, 2024, features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, and Akshay Kumar.
In 2025, Deepika will begin shooting for the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi action-thriller Kalki 2898 AD, where she stars alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. She is also set to feature in R Balki’s Bollywood adaptation of The Intern, a film originally starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway.
