A philanthropist, producer & fashion icon: Exploring Deepika Padukone’s life beyond films

Over the last decade, Deepika Padukone has truly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in terms of her acting talent. After delivering blockbuster hits, raking in crores of rupees at the box office and winning the praise of the critics, Deepika Padukone’s mettle as an actress has been proven time and again.

However, Deepika’s achievements transcend the boundaries of the silver screen. In a decade-long career, she has done a lot more than we can see in the theatres. Padukone has donned the producer’s hat, established a foundation for mental health and has created her own fashion line.

On the occasion of her 34th birthday, we take a look at Deepika’s achievements beyond the ambit of cinema.


The Live Love Laugh foundation

Deepika’s interview with a journalist in 2015, where she opened up about her struggle with depression sparked an important conversation around mental health. There’s no doubt about the fact that there exists a stigma and deep-rooted prejudice in India as far as mental health issues are concerned.

By opening up about her struggles with depression, the ‘Piku’ star accomplished something no Bollywood actor had - she destigmatised mental illness. However, Padukone’s efforts to spread mental health awareness didn’t end there.

The 34-year-old actress founded the Live, Love, Laugh foundation on October 10, 2015 with her counsellor Anna Chandy and her psychiatrist Dr Shyam Bhat along with Anirban Das and Nina Nair on board as trustees.

The non-profit organisation aims to reduce the stigma around mental health. The foundation has also launched awareness programmes for schools, and sensitisation programs for general physicians.

A true crusader and a champion for the cause of mental health, Deepika’s foundation continues to help those in need.

Donning the producer’s hat

After spending a decade in the Hindi film industry, Deepika decided to venture into producing. Deepika founded her own production company, ‘KA Entertainment’ in 2019. The first offering of the company, Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Chhapaak’ is going to hit the theatres soon.

There was plenty of conjecture in the media, with people wondering if Deepika’s production company was going to produce typical ‘masala’ films. However, Deepika has silenced her haters by producing a film the subject matter of which is beyond the realm of traditional cinema.

Launching her very own fashion line

Deepika’s bold fashion choices, be it international events like Met Gala or Indian award shows like Filmfare have always won the hearts of her fans and earned the admiration of even her critics.

In 2015, the ‘Chennai Express’ star launched her very own designer label called ‘All About You’, in collaboration with French design agency Carlin and shopping website Myntra.

The clothing line is all about ‘fun, romantic, comfortable and feminine’ dressing. From tailored jackets, longline coats to sweatshirts and tops, Deepika’s line is everything a young, urban millennial woman would love to wear.

An actress with a golden heart

Deepika has also been a philanthropist who gives back to society every now and then. In fact, before her wedding to actor Ranveer Singh, the couple had categorically asked the guests and close family members to not bring any gifts but donate them to charity instead.

What’s more? The gifts that the couple did receive on the occasion of their wedding were directed to Deepika’s Live Love Laugh foundation.

Here’s wishing Deepika Padukone a very happy 34th birthday.