It’s only been nine years since she made her debut with Om Shanti Om (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, and Deepika Padukone is already set for her Hollywood debut alongside Vin Diesel.
Hindustan Times catches up with the actor to talk about international cinema, dealing with depression and her next film.
Some time ago, Irrfan Khan said there couldn’t have been a better time for Indian actors to go to Hollywood. Do you agree?
Yes, absolutely. I have been saying for a while now that it’s a very interesting time to be an actor and just to be in the movies, and I can say that confidently, at least from a creative point of view. In my experience, I can state that not just in India — but globally as well — there has been a shift, whether it’s the kind of content being made or the kind of actors that are being cast.
You talked about battling depression for the first time with HT Café. Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar opened up about their troubles soon after. Many people feel that the credit for speaking out bravely about depression goes to you.
I would credit the people who have found the strength to share their respective stories and journeys. Having said that, I think, at some level, it takes a lot of courage [to talk about it], because there is a lot of stigma associated with mental illness. It’s very brave of them to share their stories. But I don’t think we do it as an act of bravery. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I did it because I felt it was the right thing to do.
You talked about battling depression for the first time with HT Café. Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar opened up about their troubles soon after. Many people feel that the credit for speaking out bravely about depression goes to you.
I would credit the people who have found the strength to share their respective stories and journeys. Having said that, I think, at some level, it takes a lot of courage [to talk about it], because there is a lot of stigma associated with mental illness. It’s very brave of them to share their stories. But I don’t think we do it as an act of bravery. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I did it because I felt it was the right thing to do.
Were you never worried about talking about it, despite the stigma attached to depression in our society?
I did that because it’s a very important part of my life and my journey. I have always been very honest about everything I have done. So I thought that people needed to know that I’ve had such an important experience. It needed to be shared and I did it to see if I could impact people’s lives. I am happy that people are now coming forward, seeking help, sharing their stories and giving strength to those who need it.
What is your opinion on the pay disparity between male and female actors?
I feel this requires much more detailed debate and discussion. It would be interesting to see how things play out.
In Padmavati, you will be teaming up with Ranveer Singh, who you’ve already worked with, as well as Shahid Kapoor, who you haven’t worked with before.
I am glad that both of them agreed to be a part of this film. It’s going to be an intense and exciting journey.
You recently stated that you have wanted to work with Shahid for a long time, but nothing worked out.
Yes, we were offered a lot of films together. In fact, whenever we would get clicked together at award functions, our fans would put those pictures together and make posters. Shahid and I would also talk about wanting to work with each other. I’m sure there is a reason why it didn’t happen for so many years, and why it’s finally happening now (smiles). I’m happy that he agreed to be a part of such an important film in such a generous way. And who better than Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring us together?
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