Bollywood hottie Deepika Padukone stepped into glamour world at the age of 17. The actress who was born with silver spoon and luck by her side, didn't have it easy in the tinsel-town. Deepika started her career with a glamorous double role in blockbuster Om Shanti Om opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan but was dismissed for her thick South-Indian accent and lack of acting talent. After a long spell of bad films and bad decisions, Deepika hit back with Love Aaj Kal in 2009. Since then, there has been no looking back for her. Here are few lesser know facts about the current Bollywood queen Deepika Padukone.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone, the daughter of the badminton player Prakash Padukone, was born in Copenhagen and raised in Bangalore.
As a teenager, Deepika was a national level badminton player. She played volley ball at state level too.
Deepika's first brush with silver-screen was Kannada film Aishwarya (2006), in which she played the titular role.
Director Farah Khan decided to cast her in Om Shanti Om after watching her in Himesh Resahmiya's music video.
Deepika played double role in her very first Bollywood release Om Shanti Om, and won a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Deepika learned the Japanese martial art form of jujutsu for Chandni Chowk To China. She performed the stunts in the film without any body double.
While offering Cocktail, producer Dinesh Vijan asked Deepika to choose either of the female roles. Padukone decided on risque Veronica and rest, as they say, is history.
In 2008, Deepika topped Indian Maxim's 'Hot 100' list and in 2012 and was named 'India's Most Beautiful Woman' by the Indian edition of People magazine.
Deepika has acted opposite much older star Shah Rukh Khan in three movies in her seven years old career. A rare feat by a Next-Gen actress.
Deepika has acted with all the big names in the industry - from Amitabh Bachchan to Rajinikanth, but is still to feature opposite Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.
Deepika was the first choice for YRF's Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Dhoom 3. Both went to her rival Katrina Kaif.
Deepika rejected not one but three films opposite Salman Khan - Shuddhi, Sultan and an item number in Kick.
With Tamasha, Piku and Bajirao-Mastani lined up for release in 2015, we wish the leggy lass a successful year ahead.