Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is one of India's most acclaimed and highest-paid actors, and among the country's most globally visible cultural exports. Born in Copenhagen in 1986 to Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone and raised in Bengaluru, she started her career as a model before her breakout role in "Om Shanti Om" (2007). Her filmography spans landmark roles in "Bajirao Mastani", "Padmaavat", "Piku", "Cocktail", "Chennai Express", the "Pathaan" and "Fighter" franchises with Shah Rukh Khan, and Hollywood's "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" opposite Vin Diesel. In 2022 she was appointed a global brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton — the first Indian in that role — and served on the Cannes Film Festival jury. Her Live Love Laugh Foundation, launched in 2015, is India's most prominent mental-health advocacy organisation. She has received the Padma Shri (2024) and multiple Filmfare Awards.