Pooja Dadlani, SRKs Manager, Previously Managed Deepika Padukone and Assisted in Securing Her First Film Role

Director Indrajit Lankesh reflects on his early collaboration with actress Deepika Padukone during the production of the 2006 Kannada film “Aishwarya.” This project marked Padukones film debut, preceding her breakout role in the Hindi film “Om Shanti Om,” which significantly boosted her career.

Lankesh recalled his first impression of Padukone during a brief encounter in an elevator, where he noted her exceptional confidence and strong screen presence. He recognized potential in her that suggested a promising trajectory in the film industry, even predicting her potential success in Hollywood.

Moreover, Lankesh clarified that the casting for “Om Shanti Om” occurred after “Aishwarya” had achieved notable commercial success, running for over 100 days in theaters. With this critical launchpad, Padukone transitioned to mainstream Bollywood, where she has since become one of the most recognized faces in Indian cinema and the global entertainment industry. In the years following her debut, she has starred in numerous successful projects, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success across various film industries.