Indrajit Lankesh, the Kannada filmmaker who gave Deepika Padukone her first acting role in the 2006 film Aishwarya, says he knew from their very first meeting that she would become a global star. In a new interview with IANS, Lankesh recalled that Deepika had the height, the look, screen presence, and the hunger to prove herself. He even told her back then that she would one day become a Hollywood star.
The filmmaker, who is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Jai Hind Jai Sindh, shared the story of how a simple lift ride changed both their careers. Their meeting was arranged by Pooja Dadlani, who managed Deepika at the time and now handles Shah Rukh Khan‘s work.
Key Facts
- Filmmaker: Indrajit Lankesh, Kannada director of Aishwarya (2006)
- Actress launched: Deepika Padukone in her debut role
- First meeting: Arranged by Pooja Dadlani, now Shah Rukh Khan’s manager
- Casting moment: Happened in a lift after just two lines of narration
- Global prediction: Lankesh told Deepika she would become a Hollywood star
- Upcoming film: Jai Hind Jai Sindh
How Did Indrajit Lankesh Discover Deepika Padukone?
Lankesh was looking for a new heroine when someone recommended Deepika. Their first meeting took place in a lift, and the director began narrating the story on the spot. He had barely spoken two lines when she was convinced. “That’s how Deepika was cast in Aishwarya,” Lankesh told IANS. “She already had the confidence. I just created an atmosphere where she could perform fearlessly”.
The director also remembered knowing Deepika from her badminton days. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is one of India’s most celebrated badminton players. Lankesh said she stood out even then for her discipline and concentration. “She was an amazing badminton player. She was playing for the state. She was very focused,” he recalled on Hindi Rush’s YouTube channel.
What Did Lankesh Say About Deepika’s Global Future?
Lankesh said he noticed something exceptional in the newcomer from the very beginning. “She had the height, the look, the screen presence, and, most importantly, the hunger to prove herself,” he said. “I told her one day she’d become a Hollywood star. Years later, when she worked with Vin Diesel, I remembered that conversation”.
In another interview, he described Deepika’s rise in simple terms. “I knew she was a star,” he said. “There are some people who are actors, and some who are stars”.
Why Did Lankesh Clarify the Om Shanti Om Timeline?
The director also addressed a common belief about Deepika’s early career. He made it clear that she was not working on Om Shanti Om while filming Aishwarya. According to Lankesh, Shah Rukh Khan brought her on board only after Aishwarya completed a successful 100-day theatrical run.
This detail matters because many fans assume Deepika moved straight from her Kannada debut to her Bollywood break. Lankesh’s account shows there was a clear gap and a strong box-office performance behind that transition.
What Is Indrajit Lankesh’s Upcoming Film?
Lankesh is currently preparing for the release of Jai Hind Jai Sindh. He revisited the Aishwarya story while promoting this new project. The filmmaker has also recently voiced support for Deepika Padukone’s call for an eight-hour workday in the film industry. He said he felt “really great” about her stand and that she is “standing up for every woman or for every artist”.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who introduced Deepika Padukone to films?
Indrajit Lankesh, a Kannada filmmaker, launched Deepika Padukone in the 2006 film Aishwarya.
What did Indrajit Lankesh say about Deepika Padukone’s global destiny?
He said she had the height, look, screen presence, and hunger to prove herself, and he told her she would become a Hollywood star.
Was Deepika Padukone working on Om Shanti Om during Aishwarya?
No. Lankesh clarified that Shah Rukh Khan cast her in Om Shanti Om only after Aishwarya completed a 100-day theatrical run.
What is Indrajit Lankesh’s upcoming film?
His upcoming film is titled Jai Hind Jai Sindh.
What did Lankesh say about Deepika’s badminton background?
He said she was a focused state-level badminton player, and her sporting discipline carried into her acting career.
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