Deepika Padukone at WAVES 2025: I was never made to feel like an outsider

Deepika Padukone at WAVES 2025 summit

Deepika Padukone, a speaker at WAVES 2025's The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler event today (May 1) with Shah Rukh Khan, stated that she was 'not made to feel like an outsider.'

Deepika Padukone, a former model, moved from her hometown Bangalore to Mumbai. She made her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Farah Khan's directorial venture 'Om Shanti Om' in 2007.

During the discussion, moderated by producer-director Karan Johar, Deepika stated that she has never felt like an outsider.

"I agree with SRK that these are terms that we are discussing insider and outsider. When I came to films I came from Bangalore and I was transitionjng between Bangalore and Mumbai. I met Farah Khan. She said I want you to meet SRK once and he was shooting for Chak De. I was a model before that and they had seen my work. I never felt I was an outsider. I had the determination, hard work and those were the things under my control," said Deepika Padukone.

She continued: "I was never made to feel like an outsider. I can't think the last time when a new comer was given a double role. Such a meaty role. It felt like home. I could make mistakes."

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan addresses insider vs outsider debate at WAVES 2025: I have a problem with the distinction of insider and outsider...

During the discussion, SRK had some fascinating things to say about his co-star and friend Deepika Padukone. SRK, known for his wit and humour, stated, "The role she is going to play the best will be that of a mother now with Dua."

Deepika and her actor-husband, Ranveer Singh, welcomed their first child in September last year.

Deepika likes to keep daughter Dua out of the public glare, only sharing a photo of her baby on Dhanteras to reveal her name.

Speaking about Deepika when working with her on Om Shanti Om, Shah Rukh Khan quipped, "I was courteous to Deepika on sets, since she was underage. "You cannot reprimand children."

Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have collaborated on many hit films, including Om Shanti Om (2007), Chennai Express (2013), Pathaan, and Jawan (2023). According to rumors, SRK and Deepika will reunite for his next film, 'King'.

King will be the Bollywood debut of SRK's daughter Suhana Khan. According to reports, Deepika will begin shooting for the film in May.

Waves 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (May 1) opened the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, discussing WAVES 2025.

While speaking to the distinguished guests, who included the who's who of the entertainment business, PM Modi also spoke about the first silent film, 'Raja Harishchandra,' which was premiered 112 years ago on May 1.

During his speech, PM Modi remarked that the Indian entertainment industry has grown worldwide over the past century.

"Raja Harishchandra, India's first feature film, debuted 112 years ago today, on May 1. "The entertainment industry has spread around the world over the last century," he stated in his keynote speech, emphasizing Indian storytelling's worldwide reach and importance.

In his speech at WAVES 2025, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of India's creative sectors, which include film, television, music, OTT, animation, and gaming, as not just economic drivers but cultural ambassadors.

"From Raja Harishchandra to RRR, Lagaan, and beyond—India's cinema has captured hearts and minds around the world," he told me.

He stressed the need of promoting innovation, investing in cutting-edge technologies like as VFX and AI, and sharing more tales about India's diversity. The WAVES conference seeks to provide a collaborative platform for these ideals by bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to build the next century of entertainment.