DYK this Nayanthara rejection turned Deepika into a superstar?
In the world of cinema, one decision can change the course of an actor’s career. This is exactly what happened when South Indian actress Nayanthara turned down a major Bollywood offer. The result? Deepika Padukone became a superstar.
In 2013, director Rohit Shetty and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan planned a movie called Chennai Express. Since the story had a South Indian background, the makers wanted an actress who could match the vibe. They approached Nayanthara, a top actress in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, known for her strong roles and huge fan base in the South.
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However, during that time, Nayanthara was facing personal issues. Reports say she chose to step back from signing a Bollywood film due to her personal commitments. As a result, she rejected the offer to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
The opportunity then went to Deepika Padukone, a budding actress back then. Deepika grabbed it with both hands and delivered a brilliant performance in Chennai Express. The movie became a blockbuster hit, and Deepika’s portrayal of the South Indian girl received high praise from critics and fans alike.
This film played a big role in shaping Deepika’s career. It pushed her into the league of top Indian actresses, and she became one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. Many believe that if Nayanthara had accepted the film, she could have become a pan-India star even earlier.
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