When Deepika Padukone`s Debut Before Om Shanti Om Left Shah Rukh Khan Impressed
Updated on: 29 June, 2026 01:02 PM IST |Shweta Shah
When Deepika`s first hit left SRK stunned
Before making her dream Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, Deepika Padukone had already made a successful start to her acting career in the Kannada film industry.
The actress, who went on to become one of Bollywood`s biggest stars, first impressed audiences with her 2006 Kannada romantic drama Aishwarya.
Directed by Indrajit Lankesh, Aishwarya marked Deepika`s acting debut and turned out to be a commercial success. The film not only introduced audiences to a fresh new face but also caught the attention of industry insiders, including Shah Rukh Khan.
Reports suggest that after watching Padukone`s performance in the Kannada hit, SRK jokingly remarked, "Will have to pay her more," highlighting how impressed he was with the young actor`s screen presence and talent.
Deepika`s breakthrough in Aishwarya eventually paved the way for her Bollywood launch in Farah Khan`s 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om.
Interestingly, filmmaker Farah Khan cast Deepika without a screen test after being convinced that she had the grace and charisma needed for the role of Shantipriya. Shah Rukh had also reportedly described Deepika as a "beautiful, classic Indian beauty" who perfectly fit the character.
Om Shanti Om turned out to be a massive success, instantly transforming the actress into a household name. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan became one of Bollywood`s most loved on-screen pairings, with the duo later reuniting in films such as Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan, and Jawan.
The two will now be seen together in upcoming actioner, King.
Over the years, Deepika has established herself as one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema, delivering several blockbuster films and winning multiple accolades.
Looking back, her journey from Aishwarya to becoming a global icon serves as a testament to her talent, perseverance, and star power.
What began as a promising debut in Kannada cinema eventually blossomed into one of Bollywood`s most successful careers.
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