Bollywood actress and first Indian ambassador of Louis Vuitton, Deepika Padukone, radiates joy on the cover of the November/December 2023 issue of Vogue India. Captured by photographer James Tolich, she dazzles in a Louis Vuitton gown complemented by Cartier jewelry. The striking cover showcases her elegant style.
Inside, Megha Kapoor, Vogue India’s head of editorial content, styles Padukone in fashion-forward pieces by Loewe, Schiaparelli and Coperni. Yianni Tsapatori expertly crafts her hair to enhance her look, while Sandhya Shekar’s make-up artistry adds to her natural allure. Production is handled by Kitten Production.
In a conversation at her home in Mumbai, Deepika Padukone shared with Megha Kapoor insights into her journey, her thoughts on fame and her unwavering connection to her roots.
At 37, Padukone has been training hard for her upcoming film “Fighter“. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “It’s been a year and a half of gratitude. So much has happened since we met. In many ways, that was the beginning of this new global journey that I have embarked on.”
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From becoming an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Cartier to unveiling the FIFA World Cup trophy and appearing on the cover of TIME magazine, she has made a name for herself around the world. Yet she remains grounded and connected to her Indian roots. A firm believer in the power of India, she says: “India has always been here, it’s just taken the world so long to sit up and notice our power. We’ve remained authentic to who we are.”
Her decision to stay in India despite opportunities abroad speaks volumes about her commitment to her homeland. “Why do I have to move with bag and baggage to make a global impact?” she asks, underscoring her belief in making a global impact while staying true to her roots.
Padukone’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. She faced challenges as an outsider in the film industry, but her resilience got her through. “I had no choice,” she reflects on her early days. “If you were an outsider 15 or 20 years ago, you had no choice. It’s an uphill battle for anyone trying to make a name for themselves in a field or profession that their parents didn’t come from.”
Her work ethic is a testament to her success. Padukone, a former national-level badminton player, brings an athlete’s spirit to her work. She admits to being a workaholic, but has found a balance that works for her, especially important given her public battle with mental health.
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