Deepika Padukone eclipses other Bollywood newcomers

Deepika Padukone.

Deepika Padukone, who made a spectacular debut in 2007 with Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om, is fast becoming a favorite amongst Bollywood filmmakers. She entered the industry alongside other talented newcomers like Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor but has managed to eclipse them.

The model turned actress has bagged three good films already - Yash Raj Film's next directed by Siddharth Anand opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Warner Brother's Chandni Chowk to China, directed by Nikhil Advani opposite Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's next to be directed by Imtiaz Ali.

In all cases Deepika is working with experienced filmmakers in a leading role with a strong star cast.

Filming for Yash Raj Film's next is already underway. Chandni Chowk to China is expected to hit the floors in February 22 and be completed by May by which time Imtiaz Ali would be ready with his script.

A modeling background is a good stepping stone but can easily become a baggage for those that can’t shed the wooden expression. In Deepika's case that is unlikely to happen because her face and eyes are very expressive and she is very relaxed when facing the camera.

It is interesting how filmmakers are seeking out Deepika in preference to other established actresses.

Imtiaz Ali, for example, signed up Deepika despite his producer Saif Ali Khan's obvious preference for Kareena Kapoor.

One reason why Deepika is a favorite is because she comes through as a better role model for teenagers and fits the image of what a contemporary Indian girl can aspire to be better than the more established actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai and Kareena Kapoor.

In the under 25 age group her competitors are Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor both of whom appear less versatile.

Explaining why he opted for Deepika over Kareena, Imtiaz Ali says, "It's very simple. Deepika suits the role. Kareena who is my absolute favorite, does not. Fortunately or unfortunately, my fondness for an actor is not the criteria for casting. I cannot cast Kareena wrongly, not after casting her so perfectly as Geet in Jab We Met."

It is not surprising that Deepika is demanding a paycheck of Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) for a film and charging as much as Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 15 million) for an endorsement.

It may take some time for Deepika to be bracketed with Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai but that is all it will take. Besides it may not be all that much of time.