Deepika Padukone Opens Up on Facing Stereotypes Abroad: “I’ll Work in Hollywood My Way”

Deepika Padukone is an actress who has carved a niche for herself in the industry despite not hailing from a film family. Today, she is counted among Bollywood's top actresses. Now, Deepika works on her own terms. This is why, due to her demanding eight-hour workdays, she lost several major films, but she never compromised. Now, Deepika has made a major statement regarding her Hollywood career. She said that she will work in Hollywood on her own terms, not according to the image that has been projected there.

Speaking to CNBC TV, Deepika said that India still has a certain image abroad. She also spoke openly about the discrimination she faced there. She said, "I was very clear about wanting to showcase India to the world, but the India I know isn't like that. For example, going to Hollywood and doing things that are expected of us or catering to a global audience is something I never wanted to do. Even while traveling abroad, I've often noticed that people there have the same old, stereotyped image of Indians. Whether it's about casting, our way of speaking, or my skin color. This is why we haven't received work based on our talent, but instead have been given clichéd roles."

Deepika said, "I was very clear that I would do this work my way and on my own terms. Of course, it took a long time." Recalling a recent campaign for an international brand, Deepika spoke about the time when billboards were put up all over Sunset Boulevard. The actress said, "I was in Los Angeles at the time. It felt strange at first, but I also felt proud." It was nice to see a brown face on a billboard for a global luxury brand. I had never seen anything like it before, and it felt like a victory for every Indian woman.

Deepika made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with Vin Diesel's "XXX: Return of Xander Cage." Since then, Deepika has signed several international brands and has consistently made her presence felt on the global stage. However, Deepika has not appeared in a Hollywood film since then. On the work front, Deepika Padukone is currently shooting for "King" with Shah Rukh Khan. She is also in the news for Atlee and Allu Arjun's film "AA22xA6."