How Deepika Padukone’s First Film Won Over Shah Rukh Khan Before Her Bollywood Debut
Today, Deepika Padukone is one of India’s biggest film stars, but her acting journey started before Bollywood. While millions remember her glamorous debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om (2007), her first movie actually arrived a year earlier in the Kannada film industry.
Director Indrajit Lankesh recently revisited those early days, revealing how Deepika’s first film, Aishwarya (2006), became a commercial success and even attracted Shah Rukh Khan’s attention before the actress entered Hindi cinema.
Deepika Padukone’s First Acting Opportunity
According to filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh, he had known Deepika since childhood because both shared an interest in badminton. As the daughter of legendary badminton champion Prakash Padukone, she initially focused on sports and represented Karnataka at the state level.
Years later, Lankesh noticed her transformation into a successful fashion model after spotting her at a runway show and later on magazine covers. Her confidence, height, expressive eyes, and screen presence convinced him she was the perfect choice for the lead role in Aishwarya.
The director approached Deepika in Mumbai, where she was accompanied by her then-manager, Pooja Dadlani, who would later become Shah Rukh Khan’s longtime manager.
A One-Line Story That Changed Everything
Lankesh revealed that Deepika agreed to star in Aishwarya after hearing only a brief narration of the story.
His previous Kannada film, Monalisa, had already become a major success, giving Deepika confidence in the project.
Released in 2006, Aishwarya performed well at the box office and ran successfully in theatres, making Deepika a recognized face in Karnataka even before her Bollywood launch.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Memorable Reaction
The success of Aishwarya reportedly reached Shah Rukh Khan during one of his visits to Bengaluru.
During a media interaction, a journalist informed him that Deepika’s Kannada debut had become a hit.
Shah Rukh responded with his trademark wit, saying:
“I came to know it’s a big hit. That means I’ll have to pay her more.”
The humorous remark reflected the excitement surrounding the newcomer even before she signed Om Shanti Om.
Deepika Was a Star From Day One, Says Director
Indrajit Lankesh believes Deepika possessed star quality from the very beginning.
According to him, there is a difference between an actor and a star, and Deepika belonged to the second category from her very first screen appearance.
He added that Shah Rukh Khan likely recognized the same quality when she was chosen to play Shantipriya in Om Shanti Om.
Overcoming First-Day Nerves
Although Deepika had extensive experience as a model, acting proved to be a completely different challenge.
Lankesh recalled that she initially felt nervous while performing scenes opposite experienced child actor Kishan, who was already familiar with filmmaking techniques.
To help her settle in, the director intentionally kept her first day’s schedule simple.
Once Deepika became comfortable with the camera and understood the demands of acting, she quickly adapted and impressed the entire team.
A Journey to Bollywood Stardom
Following the success of Aishwarya, Deepika made a spectacular Hindi film debut with Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
Over the years, she established herself as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses through blockbuster films including:
- Love Aaj Kal
- Cocktail
- Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
- Chennai Express
- Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela
- Piku
- Bajirao Mastani
- Padmaavat
- Pathaan
- Jawan
- Kalki 2898 AD
She is next expected to appear alongside Shah Rukh Khan in King and with Allu Arjun in Atlee’s upcoming action entertainer Raaka.
Key Highlights
- Deepika Padukone made her acting debut in the 2006 Kannada film Aishwarya.
- Director Indrajit Lankesh selected her after noticing her successful modeling career.
- The film became a commercial success before her Bollywood debut.
- Shah Rukh Khan joked that he’d “have to pay her more” after hearing about the film’s success.
- Deepika later made her Hindi film debut in Om Shanti Om, launching one of Bollywood’s most successful careers.
