'I'm Ruled By My Heart'
Elle India|September 2018

National-level badminton player, award-winning performer, mental health campaigner and international style icon—Deepika Padukone is exactly where she wants to be. Serena Menon reunites the Bollywood actor with her mentor, renowned film-maker and choreographer Farah Khan, as they reflect on her journey from ingenuous debutante to industry leader.

Farah Khan
'I'm Ruled By My Heart'
Farah Khan: No one has taken a sabbatical for this long. It’s very brave of you. During Happy New Year (2014), you were doing triple shifts and five movies in a year. Is this deliberate?

Deepika Padukone: Yeah, because I feel like—and I like the word you used, brave—there always seems to be this pressure on women, especially in film, to do everything now, make hay while the sun shines…

FK: It’s always a 100-metre dash, not a marathon.

DP: And I think, somewhere, I got fed up of people telling me that. I don’t look at my career like that. The perception that it is short-lived, so you have to make the most of it. If you’re looking at a career in the long run, it’s important to replenish emotionally, and that’s why this break is important.

FK: Others wouldn’t have dared to do this. People are so insecure…

DP: It [my decision to take this time off] comes with being comfortable with where I am, and with whom I am. I’m very happy to be in this place today, where I can do things on my own terms. And this was actually my issue when I started out. I was always trying to fit in. I felt like there was this mould for a heroine…

FK: But 10 years ago, there was a mould.

DP: Personally, I think I broke it when I started being myself and enjoying myself...pre Cocktail (2012).

FK: There was a time, when I seriously thought your career was going to derail—because Om Shanti Om (2007) was such a big hit, and obviously post that you had just signed whatever you were getting. Not many people come out of that phase like you did…

This story is from the September 2018 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2018 edition of Elle India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE INDIAView All
FULL THROTTLE
Elle India

FULL THROTTLE

F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Elle India

VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT

Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
Elle India

ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR

The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Roaring RAJASTHAN
Elle India

Roaring RAJASTHAN

From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Elle India

Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence

Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Nigella's WORLD
Elle India

Nigella's WORLD

The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Elle India

ADRIATIC DRIFT

Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
Elle India

Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE

The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
SANYA MALHOTRA POWERHOUSE OF VERSATILITY
Elle India

SANYA MALHOTRA POWERHOUSE OF VERSATILITY

The actor lets Maahi Shah in on her female-forward acting choices, growing through the tribulations of the imposter syndrome and the big little things that make her proud to be a woman

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
H&M GOES BRAT
Elle India

H&M GOES BRAT

Popstar Charli XCX's celebration of the fashion brand's Autumn/ Winter 2024 campaign offered a window to its refreshed trajectory, reports Haiqa Siddiqui

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024