Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. The actress also tried her hand at Hollywood with xXx: Return of Xander Cage, co-starring Vin Diesel. However, she did not pursue that path, even though she has represented India globally at several international platforms. Recently, the actress opened up about the clichés she faced that often shape Western perceptions of India, from casting biases to comments about skin tone and accent.
Deepika on facing cliches in Hollywood
Deepika was speaking at CNBC-TV18’s Global Leadership Summit alongside designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The actress said she wanted to represent the India she knows on the global stage. “It’s very deliberate… I was very clear about taking India to the world, but the India that I know. For example, moving to Hollywood and getting into that industry, or doing it in a way that has been expected of us or suits a global audience was something I never wanted to do, even if it took longer,” said Padukone.
“I think what bothered me every time I went to the West was this sort of idea of India they have. It is so different from the country that I know. I have experienced all those clichés firsthand — whether it has to do with casting, our accent, or the colour of my skin. I was clear that I wanted to do it my way and on my terms,” she added.
Deepika on being mocked for her voice
During the same interaction, Deepika recalled being mocked for her voice when she joined the film industry. She made her debut in 2007 with the film Om Shaanti Om. “I am someone whose voice was mocked when I came into the industry, and now suddenly, I am the voice of Meta AI — strange! And my accent too, but I continue to own it. I think that’s probably how and why it happened,” Deepika said.
Deepika on AI
The actress further shared her views on Artificial Intelligence and added, “I am so excited about the possibilities. The only thing I believe it cannot replace is human emotion. That is the only place where AI will not be able to match up — because you can’t infuse soul into AI.”
