In a candid exchange with casting director Mukesh Chhabra on Mashable India’s show “The Bombay Dream,” choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan shed light on her decision to introduce Deepika Padukone in “Om Shanti Om.” She disclosed that having Shah Rukh Khan as the male lead in the film empowered her to take the leap and present Deepika to the industry.
During the conversation, Mukesh Chhabra highlighted Farah Khan’s track record of launching newcomers like Deepika Padukone. In response, Farah modestly stated, “Launching a hero is on another level because who will give you the money? I launched her because Shah Rukh Khan was there. So, I could take that risk.”
Deepika’s debut indeed remains one of the most significant and successful introductions in the industry, propelling her to instant stardom.
Farah Khan didn’t shy away from sharing her candid insights on what defines a Bollywood leading lady. According to her, a Hindi film heroine should possess good looks, a magnetic screen presence, and a captivating demeanor that enthralls audiences. Using Deepika as the epitome of this definition, Farah emphasized that the actress is a complete package – from her striking looks to her acting prowess and her ability to set the dance floor ablaze, she has it all.
She underscored the importance of self-awareness, suggesting that individuals should be able to assess themselves in the mirror and determine if they have what it takes to be a leading heroine. While many aspire to emulate the likes of Deepika, Katrina, and Alia, Farah noted that not everyone possesses the qualities required to attain such status.
As for Deepika Padukone’s upcoming projects, she is set to star in “Singham Again,” a cop movie directed by Rohit Shetty. The action-packed film boasts a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, and others.
In addition to this thrilling venture, Deepika is eagerly awaiting the release of “Kalki 2898 AD,” a futuristic sci-fi adventure featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani.