This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Once Deepika had a film each with makers like Yash Raj Films, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ashutosh Gowariker, Kunal Kohli and Farhan Akhtar, it was a great opportunity for her to balance films with established superstars as well as upcoming stars. She had done a film each with Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan already which means the next obvious step was to conquer youngsters. She made the wise move and hence signed films like Break Ke Baad (Imran Khan), Karthik Calling Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Abhishek Bachchan) and Lafangey Parindey (Neil Nitin Mukesh).
Ironically, her biggest success that year was with Akshay Kumar (Housefull) with whom she had delivered the biggest flop of her career (Chandni Chowk To China) till then. Rest of the films were a mixed bag as Lafangey Parindey and Break Ke Baad turned out to be average successes, Karthik Calling Karthik just about passed muster while Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey was a disaster. Unfortunately for her, these films didn't add much to her fan following either and though there was critical acclaim for her in Lafangey Parindey, rest were Comme Ci, Comme Ça affairs for her.
If at all there was any silver lining, then that came from the fact that she was still delivering at least one hit every year which means stocks continued to be high for Deepika and it was just a matter of her scoring big with one of her future outings.
An average year again.
The script continued to follow the same course in 2011 as well though one has to admit that a clean hit from Deepika was sorely missed. She was appreciated for her fiery act in Aarakshan, but the film was such a mess that it couldn't be elevated to any height despite the combined power of Amitabh Bachchan, Prakash Jha and Saif Ali Khan. The fact that she still managed to make at least her presence felt in this expensive film that couldn't score much at the box office was the sole takeaway for her.
On the other hand, Desi Boyz at least managed to scrape through but then since the film – as the name suggests – was about 'boyz', it was but obvious that Deepika was roped in mainly for her 'Jhak Maar Ke' act. Though she was paired opposite John Abraham in this film that was led by Akshay Kumar, Deepika did ensure that she did sizzle in a few sequences at the least. Also, she managed to give a good account of her comic timing that helped her win some more hearts at the least. Though Desi Boyz couldn't be a clean hit, Deepika had good reasons to take solace from the fact that she had something to cheer about.
Quite a few cheers ahead.
While she had been thirsting to deliver a solid hit for a while now, Deepika enjoyed a bubbly sip with Cocktail (her third film with Saif Ali Khan). The film with Homi Adajania was a big winner and the modern urban affair showcased Deepika in an altogether new avtar. This was the first time after being around for half a decade that the crown of being an 'actor' was put on her head. It was a celebration no less for her as there were three more major successes lined up.
Next to come was Race 2 which, ironically, she had opted out of at one point in time owing to date issues. However she found herself back in and the result was her entry into the 100 crore club. Okay, so this was a stylish glamorous affair that didn't quite require histrionics from Deepika. Still, she sizzled and how, hence resulting in a major commercial push.
This was evidenced in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani which turned out to be a blockbuster. Curiosity to see Deepika and Ranbir Kapoor together again, Karan Johar's banner, Ayan Mukerji (maker of Wake Up Sid) as a director, indications of a mind blowing script and a heady mix of foot tapping music ensured that Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani was one of the hottest films to arrive this season. With her delivering a fantastic performance and 'junta' lapping up the film big time, Deepika enjoyed second biggest grosser in the history of Hindi cinema after Ek Tha Tiger.
Now as things stand today, it is to be seen if this feat is carried forward with Chennai Express. Her act has come for a massive all around appreciation and yet again, Deepika has shown that she is an actor of good credibility and standing. Moreover, all around audience appreciation has further done the trick and the film is all set for the fastest 100 crore ever. With 150 crore being a given, it is to be seen if the film would eclipse her Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani record.
The future looks bright too.
With four successes in a row, Deepika is already looking at many more successes ahead with Ram Leela being her next big release. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali affair brings her with Ranveer Singh for the first time ever.
Meanwhile with Happy New Year bringing her back with Shahrukh Khan and Farah Khan after Om Shanti Om, rest assured there are going to be quite a few reasons to smile for Deepika who is indeed ruling from the top today.
Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more
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