When Deepika was written off

Actor stayed put during career rut and took criticism in her stride

MUMBI: Deepika Padukone said she took being written off as a challenge and worked on the aspects she was criticised for. “I’m really fortunate to be in the movie business — something that I always wanted to do and am very passionate about,” she said at the Women of Worth 2015 event.

“This is why even when I was written off, I took that as a challenge and healthy criticism and worked hard. I’ve enjoyed all the various film experiences I’ve had,” she added. The “written off” period for Deepika was the phase where numerous of her films after Om Shanti Om and Love Aaj Kal flopped at the box-office.

“Hard work is the key to a lot of things, but it’s also important to be passionate or do what you’re passionate about. And most importantly, enjoy yourself along the way. This has been my biggest learning,” she stated.



Her career revival is largely credited to her performance as a troubled woman in Cocktail, after which she delivered several hits, such as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

On whom she would like to thank for backing her, she said, “My family has been very encouraging and supportive, and I also think people from within the fraternity ...” She added, “Everyone who has given me the opportunity, right from Farah to Shah Rukh to Imtiaz, who signed me even before the release of my first film. A lot of people signed me on without seeing any of my work.”

Deepika will be seen in Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani later this year. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2015.

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