Actor Deepika Padukone has opened up about her experience in Hollywood, recalling how she was often met with stereotypes and color-based biases despite her success in Indian cinema. Speaking at a recent event, the actor revealed that she was repeatedly offered cliched roles shaped by outdated perceptions of India and its people.
At an event hosted by CNBC TV18, Deepika shared that she made a deliberate choice to represent India on her own terms rather than fitting into Western expectations. “I would say it’s very deliberate. I was very clear about taking India to the world, but the India that I know,” she said, adding, “For example, getting into Hollywood and doing certain things which are expected of us or which suit a global audience was something I never wanted to do."
Deepika, who made her Hollywood debut opposite Vin Diesel in 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage' (2017), said she quickly realized how limited the industry’s understanding of India was. She continued, “I think what bothered me every time I went to the West is the sort of idea of India they have. It is so different from the country that I know. I have experienced all those cliches firsthand. Whether it has to do with casting, or whether it’s our accent or the colour of my skin.”
On the work front, Deepika will be part of Shah Rukh Khan's next film 'King'. She will also be working with Allu Arjun on Atlee’s next film, which is tentatively titled 'AA22xA6'.
