Deepika Padukone: If I'm Not Happy, I'm Not Successful

Deepika Padukone’s career is in the fast lane, but success today means something different to her than it did 10 years ago. It means living the kind of life that has space for everything, from helping her parents move home to collaborating with artistes she respects.

- Sandipan Dalal

Those are the words of 31-year old Deepika Padukone who has not only achieved the Bollywood dream but crushed and reinvented it with the sheer dint of will. “I just make sure I give my best to whatever I’m doing,” says the actor who completes 10 years in the film industry and has earned a spot in Hollywood after the success of her American film, xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. But no amount of fame and fortune gives her more satisfaction than spending time with her family and loved ones. Even though starting her own family is not on the agenda, she has given it some thought. Padukone shares that and dishes on milestones over this conversation.

You have had an incredible year. How would you describe the last 12 months?

Extremely eventful and exciting. Some experiences stand out a little more than others, but overall it’s been an exciting and joyful year.

xXx director DJ Caruso confirmed on Twitter that you would be returning to the next instalment. Are you making room for the film in your calendar?

It’s a bit premature to say anything right now. For me, xXx: The Return of Xander Cage was an amazing experience both professionally and personally. I stepped out of my comfort zone—and it added a lot of value to my life. So it would be great if it happens again.

You were anxious just before you left for Toronto last year, but now that xXx has earned you a spot in Hollywood, do you feel more relaxed?

Yes, but frankly, I never thought of xXx in that way. I signed the film for the experience, and for the value that experience was going to bring to my professional and personal journey as an actor.