Deepika Padukone talks about dealing with Indian stereotypes in Hollywood
What's the story
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone recently opened up about her experiences in Hollywood. Speaking at CNBC TV's Global Leadership Summit, she revealed how Western perceptions of India often don't align with her reality. "I think what bothered me every time I went to the West was this sort of idea of India they have," she said. "It is so different from the country that I know."
Stereotypes faced
'I've experienced all those cliches firsthand'
Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut with XXX: Return of Xander Cage in 2017, has since been a global ambassador for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. Despite her success, she admitted to facing stereotypes in Hollywood. "I have experienced all those cliches firsthand, whether it has to do with casting, our accent or the color of my skin," she shared.
Intentional strategy
'I wanted to do it my way...'
Despite the challenges, Padukone has been intentional about how she represents India on the global stage. "I was very clear that I wanted to do it my way and on my terms," she said. The actor recalled spotting her face on a Louis Vuitton billboard in Los Angeles, calling it a moment of pride and victory for "every single Indian woman." "I happened to be in LA at the time, and it felt weird, but...I felt proud."
AI views
AI in cinema and her upcoming projects
Padukone also shared her thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) in cinema. While she is excited about its potential, she believes it can't replace human emotion or soul. Calling herself an "old soul," she emphasized that "human expression is irreplaceable." "But I am excited about the possibilities outside of that," she said. She will next be seen in King and an untitled project with Atlee and Allu Arjun.