BW Most Influential Woman Of India: Deepika Padukone, Actress

Early in her life, Deepika Pudokone became a national level badminton player following her father’s footsteps, then Modelled for sometime before Bollywood knocked at her door. Having given super hit films and worked with the best directors, she has received critical acclaim, awards and recognitions in spite of all odds.She played challenging roles with dire perfection taking all obstacles in her stride, fighting all controversies be it for Padmavat or Mastani, her transition from the reel world to the real world queen happened,as she shunned up everyone, receiving critical acclaim for each of her performances.What made her won was the dignity with which she stood by her director and the entire team, that showcases her true sportsman spirit and courage.

The Queen of B-town today is a darling of many brands as she happens to be one of the best paid actresses when it comes to endorsements or Bollywood too, who believes in equal wages for both male and female counterparts in the industry.Her performances testify by themselves that she stands strong enough in the film to break box office records.

For pudokone endorsing a brand is not just being called a brand ambassador, or doing an ad and taking money,but it's also an emotional investment. Mannier times she has refused to endorse a product if its message doesn't suit her values.The perfectionist in her, makes her look at the performance of every campaign, as she evaluates the progress of the brands she is associated with.

Often seen on the cover of the fashion magazines mesmerising every one with her style statements,this stunner has created a line of clothing called "All About you" that puts her years of dazzling fame and modelling background to good use. Her line is exclusively available on online retailer Myntra, that happens to be her first step into the entrepreneurial world,although she has previously designed a line for power dressing brand Van Heusen.Although padukone doesn't call herself an entrepreneur and sees her business as one of the many other things that she does, being a multi tasker.

Today,Padukone is not only known as a versatile performer but also a role model,and a woman of courage for many whom she helped to come out of depression, sighting her own example.Talking about mental health she spoke about her struggles with depression and on how normal it is to consult a psychiatrist or to take medicines for depression as one doesn't need to be ashamed of it.It’s indeed a commendable effort from a celebrity of her stature to open up about depression to a society, which is so insensitive towards mental health problems this creating a much-needed awareness.

Priyaanka Mathur

BW Reporters The author is Assistant Editor of BW Businessworld