Celebrating her 38th birthday, global actor Deepika Padukone has received wishes from around the world, marking her illustrious 17-year career in acting. While she is widely recognized for her iconic entry in the Bollywood film “Om Shanti Om,” where she captivated audiences in a pink lehenga, few are aware that this Shah Rukh Khan starrer wasn’t her debut.
In a lesser-known fact, Deepika Padukone made her debut in the film industry with the 2006 Kannada-language romantic film “Aishwarya,” directed by Indrajith Lanka. Prior to her Bollywood breakthrough, director Farah Khan insisted on gaining experience by working in a Kannada film to familiarize herself with the filmmaking process.
In “Aishwarya,” one of the highest-paid directors and actors in the Kannada film industry, Upendra Rao, starred alongside Deepika, with Daisy Bopanna playing a significant role. The film, an official remake of the 2022 film “Manamdhadu,” incorporated flashback sequences inspired by the 2005 movie “Ghajini.” The storyline revolves around Upendra, portraying a wealthy advertising executive, and Deepika, who joins a company as an assistant manager. The film unfolds with office drama and romance, culminating in their union in the climax.
Despite being a debut venture, “Aishwarya” made a significant impact at the box office. Breaking opening records, the Kannada film garnered 1.5 crore gross and 20 million gross in its first week. Running for 50 days across Karnataka and 75 days in Bangalore, the film emerged as a commercial success, earning a total of 50 million throughout its 100-day run and securing a place among the top 5 hit films of 2006.
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In her journey, Deepika Padukone has not only won hearts with her performances but has also achieved milestones, becoming the first Indian actor to serve as the house brand ambassador for international giants like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Levis, Qatar Airways, and more. Additionally, she has received several Filmfare Best Actor awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry.