In a significant achievement, celebrated actress Deepika Padukone has been named the most viewed Indian star of the last decade on IMDb. This prestigious recognition places her above other Bollywood icons and rising stars, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Alia Bhatt. The list, which reflects the popularity of Indian actors based on page views from IMDb’s 250 million monthly visitors, celebrates Deepika’s diverse filmography and international appeal.
Career and Versatility of Deepika Padukone
Since her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007), Deepika Padukone has become a household name. Her career spans a wide array of genres, showcasing her versatility. From the comedic and action-packed ‘Chennai Express’ to the deeply emotional ‘Piku’, her performances have been both varied and impactful. Her roles in historical dramas such as ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmavat’ have further cemented her status as one of Bollywood’s most accomplished actors. Additionally, her international debut in ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ (2017) opposite Vin Diesel solidified her global presence.
Reflecting on her achievement, Deepika expressed her gratitude: “I’m deeply grateful to be included in a list that captures the sentiment of a global audience. IMDb stands as a beacon of credibility, reflecting the true pulse of people’s passion, interests, and preferences. This recognition is truly humbling and inspires me to continue connecting with and reciprocating the love I receive from audiences, both on and off screen, with authenticity and purpose.”
The IMDb list includes a mix of legendary and contemporary actors from various Indian film industries, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Following Deepika, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan hold the second and third positions, respectively. The top ten also feature Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan, Aamir Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar. The list pays tribute to the legacies of the late Irrfan Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput, who continue to be loved by fans worldwide.
Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India, commented on the list: “For years, entertainment fans have relied on IMDb to stay updated on their favourite stars. This definitive list, powered by our authoritative data, offers insight into the evolution of India’s entertainment landscape over the past decade. As we celebrate the immense fandom of Indian actors across the globe, IMDb will continue to help fans connect more deeply with emerging and established talent.”
Interestingly, some popular names, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor, who find spots in the top 20, are missing from the top 10. Newer talents like Triptii Dimri, who gained popularity with last year’s blockbuster *Animal*, have made significant entries. The list also highlights actors from regional cinemas, including Kamal Haasan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Nayanthara.
Deepika Padukone’s future projects are highly anticipated by fans. She will next be seen in the science fiction film Kalki 2898 AD, set for release on June 27, 2024, and in Rohit Shetty’s action film Singham Again later this year. Her continuous rise in the film industry, both in India and internationally, promises more exceptional performances and memorable films. Her journey from ‘Om Shanti Om’ to the present day exemplifies a career marked by dedication, versatility, and an unwavering connection with her fans.
