Verve’s Power Women: Deepika Padukone

She first made her way into Bollywood as a fresh face in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om, and, ever since, Deepika Padukone has steadily risen to the zenith of Tinseltown’s soaring peaks of success. With blockbuster films like Cocktail, Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, the feisty artiste not only forced audiences and critics to sit up and take notice, but even turned them into fans.

Today, she continues to win hearts by associating herself with watchable films, evident by the response to her most recent releases, Finding Fanny, Happy New Year and now Piku, and, lest we forget, the excitement encircling the upcoming Bajirao Mastani. Tally all this with her initiation into the 100-crore club and the fact that Padukone is one of the most visible faces on Indian television, and it becomes quite clear that her dream run continues at a smooth pace.

ON COMPETITION: She competes with herself. Having been an athlete, a sportsperson, she knows how to be competitive in a healthy way.

JOURNEY TO THE TOP: She feels it is good to be slightly ambitious. She has always followed her heart and says it has yielded results.

FITNESS REGIMEN: Works out as often as possible. Practises yoga or plays some sport every day. Is aware of what suits her body.

WORDS OF WISDOM: ‘Live well, laugh often and love much.’