Deepika Padukone Speaks Out Against Stereotypical Hollywood Roles: ‘I Refused to Reinforce Outdated Ideas About India’

Bollywood star discusses rejecting clichéd casting offers and choosing authenticity over easy success in Western entertainment industry

By: Entertainment Desk, New Delhi | Updated: November 8, 2025 11:39 PM IST | 3 min read

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has candidly discussed her experiences navigating Hollywood’s entertainment landscape, revealing how she consistently turned down stereotypical roles that perpetuated outdated perceptions of India and Indian people.

Speaking at a CNBC TV18 event, Padukone addressed questions about her intentional approach to representing India internationally. “I would say it’s very deliberate. I was very clear about taking India to the world, but the India that I know,” the actor explained. She emphasized her refusal to conform to expectations that she felt misrepresented her country or culture simply to appeal to Western audiences.

Padukone, known for her candid opinions, described encountering persistent misconceptions during her time in the West. “I think what bothered me every time I went to the West is the sort of idea of India they have. It is so different from the country that I know,” she said. The actor revealed facing clichéd casting decisions influenced by factors including ethnicity, accent, and skin color.

“I have experienced all those cliches firsthand. Whether it has to do with casting, or whether it’s our accent or the colour of my skin,” Padukone stated, highlighting the stereotyping she encountered in the industry.

The actor acknowledged that her principled stance came with trade-offs. “I was very clear that I was going to do this my way and on my terms. Did it take longer? Yes, it did,” she admitted. However, Padukone expressed pride in the outcome of her patient approach, particularly citing a Louis Vuitton campaign featuring her image across Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

“It felt weird, but at the same time I felt proud. It felt good to see a brown face on a hoarding for a global luxury brand. I had never seen that before, and it felt like a victory for every single Indian woman,” she reflected.

Padukone made her Hollywood debut in 2017’s XXX: Return of Xander Cage and has since maintained a significant international presence. She has partnered with Louis Vuitton since 2020 and, according to Elle magazine, generated over 25 percent of the brand’s media impact value during the Cannes Film Festival. Her portfolio also includes endorsements with Cartier, Levi’s, Adidas, Hilton Hotels, Dyson, and other global brands.