A viral, heavily debated video directed by Homi Adajania focusing on women's empowerment and bodily autonomy.
Deepika Padukone is one of the most influential and highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema. Since her explosive Bollywood debut in 2007, she has transitioned from a successful model into a global cinematic icon. This article explores her complete filmography, character evolutions, and the viral videos that define her public and professional legacy. The Blockbuster Debut and Early Career (2006–2009)
Deepika Padukone is one of the most successful Indian actresses of the 21st century, with a career that began as a national-level badminton player before evolving into global stardom as a model and award-winning actor. Since her 2006 debut, she has starred in over 30 films and has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Filmography and Notable Roles
| Song | Film/Origin | YouTube Views (Approx.) | Notes | |------|-------------|----------------------|-------| | | Pathaan (2023) | 1 billion+ | One of only 21 Indian music videos to reach 1 billion views; sung by Arijit Singh and choreographed by Bosco‑Caesar. | | "Naam Hai Tera" | Music Video (2005) | 486 million+ | Deepika’s first screen appearance. | | "Raabta" | Raabta (2017) | 235 million+ | Appears as the lead dancer in this title track. | | "Phir Mile Sur" | Republic Day Anthem (2010) | 218 million+ | Featured alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and many more. | | "Dum Maaro Dum" | Dum Maaro Dum (2011) | 192 million+ | The party song that showcased Deepika as the lead dancer. | | "Balam Pichkari" | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) | Extremely popular | Has become synonymous with Holi celebrations – her blue saree still a fashion trend. | | "Badtameez Dil" | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) | Extremely popular | An anthem for parties, her “bad girl” persona made the song an evergreen hit. |
2013 was a landmark year: all four of Deepika’s releases were box‑office hits. A viral, heavily debated video directed by Homi
A complex digital release exploring infidelity and domestic trauma. Her performance as Alisha was praised for its raw emotional vulnerability.
Padukone's red carpet walks at the Met Gala (specifically her Barbie-inspired pink gown in 2019) remain highly searched fashion videos globally.
As Naina Talwar, she captured the hearts of a generation, playing a shy girl who learns to embrace life. The song "Badtameez Dil", although featuring more of Ranbir Kapoor, solidified the film as a modern classic.
: In a landmark televised interview, Padukone became the first mainstream Indian actor to openly speak about her battle with clinical depression. This courageous admission broke severe societal taboos and spearheaded a nationwide conversation on mental health, with clips of her interview continuing to serve as a beacon of hope for many. Filmography and Notable Roles | Song | Film/Origin
Deepika's subsequent films, such as "Bachna Ae Haseeno" (2008), "Love Aaj Kal" (2009), and "Kaminey" (2009), cemented her status as a leading lady in Bollywood. Her performances in these films showcased her range and versatility as an actress, and she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of complex characters.
Her portrayal of Veronica was a turning point, earning her immense critical and commercial acclaim.
She is the recipient of three Filmfare Awards and has been featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world (2018) and Time 100 Impact Award (2022).
(2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, earning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. powerful exploration of trauma
Before the accolades, Deepika Padukone was a national-level badminton player and a successful model. Her film debut in 2006’s Kannada blockbuster Aishwarya was a regional footnote, but it was Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om (2007) that launched her into the Bollywood stratosphere. Paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Padukone played the dual role of the tragic 1970s superstar Shantipriya and the reincarnated Sandy. The film’s retro aesthetics, melodramatic plot, and the chart-topping song "Deewangi Deewangi" became instant fodder for popular video compilations. Even today, clips of Padukone in a red chiffon sari, replicating yesteryear divas, remain a staple of "iconic Bollywood entrances" montages on YouTube.
In 2020, Padukone added another feather to her cap by turning producer under her banner, Ka Productions. Her maiden venture was (2020), directed by Meghna Gulzar. In a brave departure from her glamorous image, Padukone wore heavy prosthetics to portray Malti, an acid attack survivor based on the real-life activist Laxmi Agarwal. The film was a sobering, powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the flaws within the legal system. 4. The Action Star and Beyond (2022–Present)
and Chhapaak . As of April 2026, she is actively filming major upcoming projects like and while continuing to dominate the Indian box office.