Global star Deepika Padukone turned 37 today. On this occasion, birthday wishes have been pouring in from all corners of the world. She is one of the highest-paid actors in India, and her accolades include three Filmfare best actor Awards.
Padukone has given several iconic roles in 13 years of her acting career, and the actor does not shy away to wear flaws on her sleeves.
From being the only Indian to be a brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Levi’s to having her Madame Tussauds wax statue with the elitists, the actor has several feathers on her cap.
As Deepika Padukone celebrates her 37th birthday, we bring to you 5 promising roles that only DP could have pulled off.
The film that went unnoticed at the time of its release but is now the highest-regarded film for Bollywood lovers, Tamasha is a once-in-a-lifetime film. Just as the actors say, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor were lucky to have been chosen by Imtiaz Ali to play the character of Tara and Ved.
While Kapoor gave his career-best performance in Tamasha, Padukone brought the much-needed anchor ship to the film. Tamasha is a film that everyone can relate to at some point in their life and the credit goes to both the lead actors.
Padukone’s character’s rawness and the emotions in her eyes was the highlight of the film, like literally, people could just look into her eyes and know what was Tara going through.
Deepika Padukone in and as Piku
A daughter dealing with her father’s constipation seems like a fun story, but it was Padukone who added emotions and swing to that character. A woman hailing from Kolkata to be living in Delhi and dealing with her father’s constipation and uncalled for critical approach is Piku’s theme.
An actor like Padukone to be picking up a character like Piku, that too after heavy-handed films like Bajirao Mastani and Ram Leela was a smart choice.
The character is still regarded as one of the most-layered characters played on screen and DP’s work in Piku was widely appreciated by critics as well as the audience. She also ended up winning the Filmfare award for Best Actor that year.
Mastani Bai in Bajirao Mastani
After Ram Leela, not only fans but even Padukone wanted to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali only because the audience thought the Om Shanti Om actor could pull off a historical character after seeing her as Leela.
And the actor didn’t disappoint the audience. Bajirao Mastani! the grand ethereal Bollywood film, with prominent actors like Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Milind Soman, and many others proved Padukone’s mettle once again.
With the traumas that Mastani was going through, the hardships that she had to deal with, and the non-acceptance the character received, the star made it her own. From deadly sword fights to impactful dialogues, she got everything absolutely spot on in this film.
Veronica in Cocktail
The actor, who hails from Bangalore made a mark on the big screen with a Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan, after a few flops and turn around in her personal life, Deepika Padukone’s Cocktail turned out to be a game changer for her. The role of Veronica not only established her as a capable actor but also opened the gate for Padukone in women-centric films.
The way she portrayed Veronica’s emotions on screen, made the audience fall for her pain. The actor was also credited for dealing with her character’s mental issues very well.
Shanti and Sandhya (Sandy) in and Om Shanti Om
To all those who are wondering why with films like Chhapaak, Padmavat, Ram Leela, Chennai Express, and Gehrayiyan in her kitty, Om Shanti Om in this list, please look back at Deepika Padukone walking out of that yellow taxi in pink lehenga waving at us and letting the world know that she has arrived.
An actor like Padukone deserved a grand debut like Om Shanti Om opposite one and only Shah Rukh Khan. The film had both actors in double roles and Padukone nailed both the roles of Shanti and Sandhya. She brought much-needed calmness to Shanti’s character, while the actor seemed to have a fun time playing Sandy.
Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.
Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.
Mushtaq Khan’s film career
Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.
He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.
In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.
Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.
Mushtaq Khan dies at 56
The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.
Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.
Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.
The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.
The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting
Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.
Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.
Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.
Deepika and Ranveer’s family
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.
The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.
The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.
Ajay Devgn faces new challenges
The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.
This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.
The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.
Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh
Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.
Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.
Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast
Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.
Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.
Drishyam The Conclusion release date
Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.
The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.
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