Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, who has achieved significant recognition in Western entertainment markets, recently shared her challenging experiences with stereotypical perceptions in Hollywood. The acclaimed actor opened up about the persistent clichés she encountered regarding Indian accents and skin colour during her time in the Western film industry.
Confronting Hollywood Stereotypes
During a candid conversation at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Deepika Padukone revealed what troubled her most about working in Hollywood. The daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone expressed her frustration with the Western film industry's limited understanding of contemporary India.
"I was very clear about taking India to the world, but the India that I know," stated Padukone. She emphasized her determination to avoid conforming to Western expectations, even if it meant a slower career progression in Hollywood. The actor made her international debut in 2017's 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage' alongside Vin Diesel, marking her formal entry into Western cinema.
Standing Against Industry Clichés
Padukone didn't hold back when describing the challenges she faced. "I think what bothered me every time I went to the West was this sort of idea of India they have. It is so different from the country that I know," she explained. The Bollywood icon confirmed experiencing stereotypical treatment firsthand, particularly during casting processes where producers focused on her accent and skin colour.
She remained firm about representing India on her own terms, stating, "I was clear that I wanted to do it my way and on my terms." This commitment to authenticity has become a defining aspect of her international career approach.
Global Achievements Beyond Cinema
Beyond her Hollywood ventures, Deepika Padukone has established a remarkable global presence through various prestigious roles. She serves as the global ambassador for luxury brand Louis Vuitton and made history as part of the competition jury at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
Her international visibility expanded further when she unveiled the trophies at the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. Adding to these accomplishments, Padukone received one of her most significant honors earlier this year when she was selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 in the Motion Pictures category.
Upcoming Bollywood Projects
While her next Hollywood project remains unannounced, Padukone continues to advance her Bollywood career with exciting new films. She recently appeared in Singham Again and is preparing for her next major release King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, which also features his daughter Suhana Khan.
Additionally, the actor has committed to Atlee's upcoming sci-fi action film tentatively titled AA22xA6, where she will share screen space with South Indian superstar Allu Arjun. These projects demonstrate her continued dominance in Indian cinema while she navigates her international career on her own terms.
