With him, I'm my most vulnerable self: Deepika Padukone talks Ranveer, controversies in TIME feature

Indian actor Deepika Padukone has achieved another milestone in her career as she graces the cover of TIME Magazine, solidifying her status as a global star. Recognized for her contribution to bridging the gap between Indian cinema and international audiences, Padukone was previously honoured by TIME in 2018, where she was named one of the 100 Most Influential People.

In her extensive interview with the magazine, Padukone is hailed as "the most popular actor in the world's most populous country." The cover features her in an oversized beige suit, exuding confidence while opting to go barefoot.

TIME Magazine sings praises of the iconic star, who debuted with the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, cementing her space in the industry for years to come. “The 37-year-old is now a legend in her own right,” states the piece. “She has appeared in more than 30 films, won numerous awards, and generated nearly $350 million in global box-office revenues. Today, she is the highest-paid [actor] in India. Among her legions of fans and nearly 74 million followers on Instagram, Padukone is fondly called the Queen of Bollywood.”

Khan, who served as a co-producer for the film, admits that initially, he had doubts about Padukone's ability to portray the role. However, there was a prevailing sense that she was on the cusp of stardom. Khan affirms, "Everybody knew it." The release of Om Shanti Om shattered box-office records, and since then, the dynamic duo has collaborated on four more films.

Their most recent venture, the spy thriller Pathaan, released in January, swiftly became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films, raking in more than $100 million worldwide. The two actors also have another project, Jawan, slated for release later this year. Khan describes working with Padukone as akin to "working with family."

Padukone herself sheds light on her path-breaking, 16-year career. “Indian cinema has transcended borders and Indians are everywhere, so the fame goes wherever you go,” said the Bajirao Mastani star in the interview.

Padukone also candidly addressed the constant political backlash she has faced throughout her career. Referring to the controversies surrounding her films – including the protests against Padmaavat by the Karni Sena and the uproar caused by her visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the outrage over her wearing an orange-coloured bikini in a musical sequence in Besharam Rang for Pathaan, Padukone clarifies that she was not involved in the controversy as she was genuinely occupied with her work and was missing in action during that time. she expressed a sense of detachment, stating, "I don't know if I'm supposed to feel something about it. But the truth is, I don't feel anything about it."

The Piku star also shared her thoughts on venturing into Hollywood. In 2017, she made her foray into the industry, starring alongside Vin Diesel in the film xXx: Return of Xander Cage. This experience provided her with the opportunity to explore new horizons. Reflecting on the experience, she said, "We communicate in English all the time, but to act in English for the first time felt incredibly strange."

The discussion also turned to India's recent performance at the Oscars, where Padukone served as a presenter. While acknowledging the success of the Telugu film RRR, which won the Best Song category for Naatu Naatu, and Guneet Monga's The Elephant Whisperers, which won Best Documentary Short, Padukone expressed a desire for more significant achievements. She stated, "But I don't think we should be happy with one Oscar for a song and one Oscar for a documentary. I hope we can look at this as the beginning of an opportunity."

Furthermore, the star sheds light on her husband, Ranveer Singh, adding to the joy in her life. Singh is known for his eccentric fashion choices, playful pranks on co-stars, and his occasional bold photoshoots. But above all, he always manages to bring laughter into Padukone's life. The couple recently returned from a vacation in Bhutan, where they indulged in activities that Padukone thoroughly enjoys, such as going on walks, sightseeing, and relishing delicious food. In the presence of Singh, Padukone feels comfortable being her most vulnerable self, as she reveals, "With him, I am my 'most vulnerable self.'"

Padukone emphasizes that the dynamics for Bollywood actors have transformed over time. Previously, there was a notion that their careers would diminish or expire once they married or had children. However, Padukone firmly asserts that she has never encountered such limitations in her career. She credits Singh for consistently prioritizing her dreams and ambitions above everything else, ensuring that she continues to thrive professionally. Padukone states, "I've never had that experience because [Singh] has always put me, my dreams, and my ambitions first."

The multi-faceted star also recognizes that if brands wish to leverage the potential of a "new India," which she describes as simply "an emotion," she acknowledges that her stardom has placed her at the centre of it all. She explains, "There's the India rooted in our heritage, history, but there's also a new and young India that is emerging." Furthermore, she expresses her fascination with the convergence of these two aspects of India, stating, "It's these two Indias coming together that I find really captivating at this moment."

Padukone's TIME Magazine cover serves as a testament to her global appeal and influence. With her ability to bridge cultural boundaries and make a mark on the international stage, the megastar continues to redefine the boundaries of Indian cinema and champion new opportunities for her industry.